The Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon in Kirchzarten is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 and is expanding its gravel programme. Following last year's successful premiere with 260 starters, 370 participants have already registered for the two gravel distances in the upcoming edition. The organisers are expecting to reach the limit of 500 starters. "That would be more than we had hoped for," explains ULTRA Bike Managing Director Britta Schreiber.
Celebrities on Black Forest Ultra Gravel routes
There are also some well-known names from the world of cycling among the participants. Former professionals Hartmut and Udo Bölts will be competing in the long-distance race, which covers 135 kilometres and around 2500 metres of altitude. Hartmut Bölts, who lives in the Dreisamtal valley, describes Gravel as a "mix of racing bike, mountain bike and cross bike". For his brother Udo, the race serves as preparation for the Gravel World Championships. Two-time cross world champion Mike Kluge has opted for the shorter gravel route with 80 kilometres and 1500 metres of elevation gain. Kluge praises the event: "Looking back, Kirchzarten has always been a highlight. The organisers put a lot of heart and soul into it." He is particularly looking forward to meeting up with old colleagues in Kirchzarten. None of the three ex-professionals have to torture themselves at the Black Forest Ultra: the gravel event is all about having fun without a ranking.
Black Forest Ultra Gravel concept
A special feature of the ULTRA-Gravel event is that there is no timekeeping. Instead, the route offers so-called "pleasure hotspots", which are more than just ordinary refreshment points. At the Adlerschanze in Hinterzarten, for example, participants can enjoy barista coffee and sweets. The Rothaus brewery will also be visited on the long-distance route, where a hearty snack will be offered in addition to the eponymous drink. The last GenussHotSpot for both routes is located at the Rankmühle in St. Märgen.
Start times and route details
The start window for the long-distance gravel route is scheduled for Saturday, 12 July, from 8 to 9 am in the Kirchzarten pedestrian zone. Participants will set off on the shorter gravel route from 9 to 10 am. The long distance as part of the Black Forest Ultra covers 135 kilometres with around 2500 metres of elevation gain, while the shorter version measures 80 kilometres and 1500 metres of elevation gain.
Anniversary event and mountain bike trails
On Saturday evening, 12 July, a big anniversary event will take place at 7 pm in the sports stadium, where Mike Kluge and Hartmut and Udo Bölts are also expected to appear on stage. On Sunday, 13 July 2025, the classic mountain bike marathon routes will then be on the programme. There are four established distances to choose from: - ULTRA: 118 kilometres, 3550 vertical metres, start in Kirchzarten - Marathon: 71 kilometres, 1985 vertical metres, start in Kirchzarten - Speed Track: 54 kilometres, 1230 vertical metres, start in Todtnauberg - Short Track: 46 kilometres, 943 vertical metres, start in Hinterzarten With this combination of gravel and mountain bike routes, the Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon 2025 offers a varied programme for cycling enthusiasts of all abilities.
Tips for Road bike tours in the Black Forest.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
