The Rift
Key facts
- Date:
- 23 jul 2026
- Type:
- Ultra / Bikepacking
- Hvolsvöllur · Suðurland · Iceland
- Distances:
- 60/140/200/330 km
- Elevation:
- Por confirmar
About
The Rift stands as Iceland's most iconic gravel event and one of the most talked-about races anywhere in the world. Departing from Hvolsvollur in southern Iceland, distances of 60, 140, 200, and the new Abyss at 330 km push into the volcanic Highlands across ancient lava fields, geothermal zones, and landscapes unlike anything else on the gravel calendar. Presented by Lauf, the event pairs Iceland's visual drama with genuinely demanding terrain: black volcanic gravel, F-road sections, and unpredictable surfaces that reward suspension and precise line choice. At Push Rider the 330 km Abyss anchors the ultra phase of the 12-week plan, where sleep management, multi-day pacing, and psychological resilience under accumulated fatigue are trained with the same rigour as the watts worked in earlier phases; at any distance, The Rift demands arriving with a race plan and the mental readiness to execute it.
Frequently asked questions
When does The Rift take place in 2026?
The Rift takes place on 23 July 2026 in Hvolsvöllur, in the Suðurland region of Iceland.
What distances does The Rift offer?
The Rift offers four distances: 60, 140, 200, and 330 km (the new Abyss distance). Elevation gain is yet to be confirmed.
Where is the start of The Rift?
The start is in Hvolsvöllur, in the Suðurland region of southern Iceland, an area of lava fields in the Icelandic Highlands.
What makes The Rift a unique gravel event?
The Rift is an iconic race crossing lava fields in the Icelandic Highlands, presented by Lauf. In 2026 it introduces the new Abyss distance of 330 km.
How to prepare for The Rift with PUSH TRAINING 360?
The Rift is one of the most demanding gravel events in the world due to its volcanic terrain in the Icelandic Highlands. The 12-week PUSH TRAINING 360 plan scales to the chosen distance (60, 140, 200, or 330 km): 4 weeks of aerobic base with rides on irregular terrain, 3 weeks of threshold construction with long sustained efforts, 3 weeks of specificity simulating race pace on volcanic terrain and appropriate equipment management, and 2 weeks of tapering before 23 July. Nutrition follows 3 phases: pre-race loading, continuous caloric intake adapted to effort duration, and recovery. Weekly reviews adjust the load based on the distance and terrain demands.
Want us to coach you?
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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