Galway Gravel Grinder
Key facts
- Date:
- 15 ago 2026
- Type:
- One-day (XC / race)
- Moycullen · Galway, Connacht · Ireland
- Distances:
- 65/105 km
- Elevation:
- 1.800 m
About
Ireland's premier gravel event sets off from Moycullen in County Galway, with two routes of 65 and 105 km exploring the wild landscapes of Connacht. The long route logs over 90 km of gravel and 1,800 metres of climbing through bare limestone hills, bog roads, and Atlantic-facing terrain where weather can shift dramatically within the hour. E-bikes are permitted on both distances, reflecting the event's inclusive spirit without compromising the challenge. At Push Rider we prepare for Galway with the threshold-building phase calibrated to the 1,800 metres of elevation and with the sports psychology module focused on managing Atlantic weather variability: adjusting pacing in real time when the wind shifts or the rain arrives is a skill developed in training, and in the final 30 km of the long route it is what makes the difference between executing the plan and improvising it.
Frequently asked questions
When does Galway Gravel Grinder take place in 2026?
Galway Gravel Grinder takes place on 15 August 2026 in Moycullen, in the Galway region of Connacht, Ireland.
What distances and elevation does Galway Gravel Grinder offer?
Galway Gravel Grinder offers two distances: 65 km and 105 km, with 1,800 metres of elevation gain. The long route includes over 90 km of gravel.
Where is the start of Galway Gravel Grinder?
The start is in Moycullen, in the Galway region of Connacht, in western Ireland.
What makes Galway Gravel Grinder stand out among Irish gravel events?
It is the main gravel event in Ireland. The long 105 km route includes over 90 km of gravel. The event is also open to e-bikes.
How to prepare for Galway Gravel Grinder with PUSH TRAINING 360?
For 65 or 105 km with 1,800 m of elevation on Irish terrain, the 12-week PUSH TRAINING 360 plan proposes: 4 weeks of aerobic base to handle significant elevation relative to the distance, 3 weeks of threshold construction with gravel climbing and descending intervals, 3 weeks of specificity simulating 65 or 105 km with 1,800 m of elevation in western Ireland, and 2 weeks of tapering before 15 August. Nutrition follows 3 phases: pre-race loading, in-race carbohydrate and caloric intake, and recovery. Pacing strategy is key given the high elevation-to-distance ratio; weekly reviews allow adjustment of intensity management on the climbs.
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Pick your race and we build the plan: training, nutrition and mindset in a 12-week program with that event as the goal. Limited spots per edition.
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