Gravel hype in Oberhof: 450 cyclists make history on the Rennsteig!

Gravel hype in Oberhof: 450 cyclists make history on the Rennsteig!

What's going on in the Thuringian Forest? The first “Rennsteig Gravel” will take place in Oberhof on August 17, 2025. An event that attracts cyclists from far away places - more precisely, 450 participants from amateur to professional riders. The “Gute Mood Sport” association worked hard as an organizer and surprised with registrations that clearly exceeded expectations.

The Biathlon Arena, a central part of Oberhof, serves as the start and finish point of this remarkable race. Here cyclists can demonstrate their strength on various route lengths between 20 and 100 kilometers. What's exciting is that this isn't just a competition: the trip is organized as a fundraiser without a competition rating, with the proceeds going to a children's charity. The patron of the event is none other than Erik Lesser, the former German biathlete.

A mix of fun and challenge

The race is part of the German Gravel League and the Thuringian Gravel State Championship, which gives it additional shine. Over 100 ambitious female riders came to Oberhof, including Marie Lagershausen and Evelina Kamasheva, who cheered on the female competition. The gender distribution is on track with an estimated 150 women among the participants.

The route arouses curiosity: Adventurous forest and gravel paths are part of the challenge, which runs along the Birxsteig, the Alte Tambacher Straße and all the way to the Rennsteig. But that's not all - gravel biking as a trend sport has become very popular. With special gravel bikes that have wider tires and a more robust frame, participants are well equipped for the uneven paths.

Gravel biking and its future

The Thuringian Forest region has a lot planned - the regional association plans to promote gravel biking more and develop suitable routes. So far, the focus has been primarily on classic cycle paths such as the Rennsteig cycle path and the Werratal cycle path. In the future, they want to expand the mountain bike offering and specifically expand gravel routes. Hopes are high that gravel biking will be firmly anchored in the marketing of the Thuringian Forest.

While the cyclists concentrate their energy in Oberhof, comic fans can meanwhile cast their eyes on the upcoming comic event organized by Free Comic Book Day was announced. The list of titles for 2025 is impressive: from “Archie’s Comic Spectacular” to “Spider-Man Ultimate Universe #1” – there is something for everyone here. Anyone who likes to immerse themselves in the world of comics has reason to be happy.

Whether cycling or comics – August 17, 2025 offers plenty of space for exciting events. Oberhof becomes the scene of action, adventure and good humor and shows that the region is a hit for both cyclists and comic book lovers!