AlUla Gravel Race
HardCool-season gravel race through the dramatic sandstone canyons and ancient Nabataean ruins around AlUla in north-west Saudi Arabia. Two distances (90, 180 km) on hard-pack desert tracks past Hegra UNESCO site. Part of the AlUla outdoor sports calendar.
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▌ Cool-season gravel race through the dramatic sandstone canyons and ancient Nabataean ruins around AlUla in north-west Saudi Arabia
Asia gravel event organized by AlUla Moments
13 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]180 km of hard gravel through AlUla, Madinah Province
- [+]Organized by AlUla Moments
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Desert, Hard-pack
RED FLAGS
- [!]Off-season date — plan for cold / wet conditions
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Limited use for pure climbers
Single-day event with strong sense of place
Wrong format for bikepacking specifics
Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
Distance like this rewards patience. The riders who win the last 30% are the ones who saved matches in the first 60%.
TIRE INTEL
Sandy sections benefit from lower pressure and width.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
AlUla, Madinah Province in mid-winter (February): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.
Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.
Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Pacing mistakes — most issues here are self-inflicted
INSIDER INTEL
“The heat at AlUla Gravel Race is part of the test. Hydration strategy matters as much as fitness.”
“AlUla Gravel Race brings a uniquely Asian perspective to gravel — different terrain, different weather, different culture. Worth the travel.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Standard aid stations every 30-50 km with food, water, and basic mechanical help.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- +Aid station nutrition + water
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Carry at least one tube + plug kit even with tubeless. Mechanical bad luck is the #1 DNF cause.
TRAVEL OPS
AlUla Gravel Race is a quality asia event — great if you're nearby or want to explore the region.