When is The Traka 2026?

The Traka traditionally runs on a Friday–Sunday weekend in late April or the first weekend of May. Confirm the exact 2026 dates, category start times and cutoffs on traka.cc — Klassmark publishes the definitive calendar and Athletes' Manual 4–6 months out.

How difficult is The Traka compared to other gravel events?

The 200 km and 360 km rank among Europe's hardest amateur gravel events. The 200 km typically takes 8–12 hours; the 360 km commonly runs 14–20+ hours. Comparable in difficulty to Unbound Gravel 200 (USA) or SBT GRVL Black (USA) at 200 km, with the 360 km sitting closer to an all-day ultra-endurance event.

What distances does The Traka offer?

The flagship distances are 100 km, 200 km and 360 km, with a 560 km ultra added in recent editions. Klassmark can change category structure year to year — confirm the current-year distances and elevation on traka.cc.

How much climbing is there?

Roughly 1,500 m on the 100 km, 3,000 m on the 200 km, 5,500 m on the 360 km, and 8,000+ m on the 560 km — all spread across constant rolling terrain rather than a few big climbs.

How difficult is the terrain?

The Traka runs on Catalan farm gravel, cork-oak forest tracks, punchy climbs and paved connectors. Technically it is easier than Michigan (Marji Gesick) or Kansas (Unbound) — smooth-to-moderate gravel with occasional rocky sections. Fitness and heat tolerance decide the day, not handling.

How many aid stations are there?

Typically 3–4 official aid points on the 200 km spaced 50–70 km apart, and 5–7 on the 360 km with a mandatory drop-bag point. The 100 km usually has 2 aid stops. Confirm the current-year aid layout in the Athletes' Manual.

How much should I drink at The Traka?

500–1,000 ml/hr as a baseline, biased higher in Catalan spring heat once the afternoon warms up. Total intake over the 200 km typically runs 6–10 L; the 360 km commonly reaches 12–18 L. Personalize with a sweat test in similar heat.

How much sodium do I need?

500–1,000 mg per litre of fluid, tuned to sweat sodium concentration and the day's temperature. Salty sweaters and warm afternoons push the top of that range. Cumulative sodium deficit is the classic cause of late-race cramping at The Traka.

How many carbs per hour should I target?

60–90 g/hr of mixed-source carbohydrate for most riders on the 200 km; trained guts can push to 100–120 g/hr. On the 360 km and 560 km, bias slightly lower (50–80 g/hr) with more real food to protect gut sustainability over 15+ hours.

What should I eat before the race?

1–4 g/kg carbohydrate 2–4 hours pre-start, from familiar low-fibre, low-fat foods. Girona hotels typically open breakfast at 6:00–6:30 AM — confirm your start time and pre-order a portable option (bread + jam + banana + coffee) if you need to leave earlier.

What bike and tyre setup work best for The Traka?

A gravel bike with 40–45 mm tubeless tyres and a fast-rolling file or moderate tread is the mainstream setup. Reinforced casing (Vittoria TerraSpeed, Panaracer GravelKing SK, René Herse Standard) protects against occasional shale sections. Most terrain is smooth-to-moderate — do not over-tyre for imagined rough sections.

What tyre pressure should I run?

As a starting point for a 70–80 kg rider on 24–25 mm internal rims: 26–30 psi front, 28–32 psi rear. Slightly higher than technical gravel elsewhere because most Traka terrain rewards low rolling resistance. Adjust for heat — hot rims add 2–4 psi over the day.

How do I prepare for Girona spring heat?

Run 8–12 heat-acclimatization sessions (sauna 20–30 min post-easy-ride, or indoor trainer in a warm room 45–60 min at moderate effort) in the 4–6 weeks pre-race. Practice full-race hydration and sodium on training rides of 4+ hours in warm conditions. If you live in a cool spring climate, plan a training block somewhere ≥20 °C in the 3 weeks before the race.

How does The Traka registration work?

Registration for The Traka opens on the Klassmark platform (traka.cc / klassmark.com) typically in November–December for the following April edition. The 200 km and 360 km sell out fast; the 100 km sells more slowly. There is no lottery — first-come, first-served — but Klassmark reserves an elite category with UCI-qualifying seeds. Confirm the current-year registration window and category caps on traka.cc.

How much does The Traka cost to enter?

Recent editions have run approximately 120–250 EUR depending on distance and how early you register — the 100 km sits at the lower end, the 560 km at the higher end. The entry includes GPX release, aid stations, timing, finish-line services and a rider goodie bag. Total trip cost including flights to Barcelona/Girona, bike travel and race-week lodging typically runs 800–2,000 EUR for European riders.

Where should I fly to for The Traka?

Barcelona (BCN) is the main international airport, 90 min by car or train to Girona. Girona-Costa Brava (GRO) is closer (30–45 min) but has fewer international connections — mostly Ryanair and Vueling from European hubs. Both work; BCN typically offers cheaper bike-travel fees and more flight options.

Where should I stay for The Traka?

Girona Old Town (Barri Vell) is the classic base — walkable, packed with bike-friendly cafés and bike shops, and a 30–40 min drive to the traditional Sant Feliu de Guíxols start. Sant Feliu itself has hotels and Airbnbs within walking distance of the start line — ideal for the earliest categories. Costa Brava beach towns (Palamós, Platja d'Aro) offer post-race recovery within 15–30 min of the finish.

Do I need to speak Spanish or Catalan for The Traka?

You can finish without either — English is widely spoken in Girona bike cafés and by Klassmark staff. Basic Spanish helps at village bars mid-race ('dos bocadillos por favor', 'una Coca-Cola'). Catalan is not required but is appreciated in the Empordà villages.

How should I structure carb loading before The Traka?

For 2–3 days pre-race, target 8–10 g/kg body mass per day of carbohydrate from familiar low-fibre sources (rice, pasta, potato, bread, sports drinks). Reduce fibre and fat, keep protein moderate, hydrate steadily with sodium. Race morning: 1–4 g/kg CHO 2–4 hours before the gun from rehearsed foods.

How should I pace the first 60 minutes?

Ride 10–15 % below the effort you feel capable of. Cap at ~80 % of your target FTP or high zone-2 heart rate. The neutral rollout hides how hard everyone is going — riders who chase groups in the first hour pay the price on the afternoon climbs.

How do I handle GI issues on gravel?

Prevention beats treatment: train the gut to 60–90 g/hr on rides over 3 hours, rotate carb sources (gel + drink-mix + real food), and cap total intake in extreme heat. If GI symptoms arrive: switch to real food, drop sports products for 4–6 hours, add ginger tea or a Coca-Cola with salt, and accept a slower pace until the gut resets. Do not push through vomiting.

Can I use my own personal support during The Traka?

Klassmark's rules generally prohibit unofficial personal support outside designated aid stations — check the current-year Athletes' Manual for the exact rule. Feeds from designated aid stations and the mandatory drop-bag point are permitted. Third-party support outside official checkpoints can result in disqualification.

Is there a shorter Traka option for first-timers?

Yes. The 100 km distance is the classic first-Traka option — same course quality and race atmosphere, half the fueling complexity. Klassmark also runs a shorter warm-up event in the days before the main weekend (schedule varies year to year — confirm on traka.cc).

The Traka Race-Day Checklist — Fueling, Kit & Execution

The Traka race-day checklist

A minimal execution checklist. Every line should be rehearsed in training, not tried for the first time on race day.

Bottles pre-mixed with target carbohydrate and sodium concentration
Backup calories (gels or chews) equal to 30–50% of planned intake
Caffeine doses pre-portioned and timed
Drop bag / aid plan with bottle swaps written down
Pre-race breakfast rehearsed in training
Layering plan for start-line temperature
Sunscreen, chamois cream and any GI insurance (e.g., anti-nausea)
Post-race recovery calories staged at the finish

Packing list

Bike

Race bike (fully serviced 2 weeks out)
Backup wheelset if possible
Two large bottle cages
Computer + fresh mount
Head unit charged night before

Nutrition

Gels / chews / drink mix for the full distance + 30 % buffer
Two caffeine doses staged
Two solid items (bar, waffle, rice ball) for the mid-race aid or drop bag
Salt caps or high-sodium electrolyte tabs
Pre-race breakfast supplies
Post-race recovery drink + real meal reservation

Hydration

Two large bottles for the start
Extra bottles for the mid-race aid drop
Drink mix rehearsed in training
Sodium supplement if using plain water

Clothing

Short-sleeve jersey + bibs
Arm warmers or arm sleeves for cool start
Vest or packable rain shell for a wet year
Fingerless gloves + one full-finger pair if forecast is cool
Cap or buff under helmet for sun
Warm layer for finish

Weather gear

Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses (clear or photochromic for dust and shaded forest sections)

Tools & spares

2× tubes
2× tyre plug kits
2× CO2 + inflator
Mini pump
Multi-tool with chain breaker
Chain quick link
Spare derailleur hanger
Spare brake pads (1 set)

Documents & logistics

Athletes' Manual printout
Race number + timing chip
Photo ID
Passport if travelling from outside the Schengen area
Hotel + rental car details for post-race logistics

Download the free printable race-day fueling checklist for The Traka

A practical race-week checklist: carbs, hydration, sodium, caffeine and race-day supplies — print it or keep it on your phone.

Build My Personalized The Traka Fueling Plan

Frequently asked questions

Generic fueling plans don't work for The Traka.

Every athlete is different. FTP, finish time, body weight, sweat rate, weather, nutrition preferences and race goals all change what you should eat and drink.

FuelQ Pro builds a personalized race fueling strategy tuned to your ride — carbohydrate, hydration, sodium, caffeine and recovery, mapped to the course.

Build My Race Fueling Plan — $19 Learn how FuelQ works

Start with the free checklist

A Race Fueling Plan gives you a personalized strategy for this event. The free checklist helps you prepare the basics first: race-week setup, 48-hour prep, race morning, hydration, sodium, caffeine, aid stations, and backup calories.

Download Free Checklist Or get your personalized Race Fueling Plan for $19

See all race guides

The Traka — Race-Day Checklist

The Traka race-day checklist

Packing list