No longer in Aachen: Premiere 2026 - 3Rides Gran Fondo Southern Wine Route

The 3RIDES Gran Fondo is moving from Aachen to the Southern Wine Route in 2026. On 25 April, participants can expect a 100-kilometre circuit with 600 metres of elevation gain through the picturesque vineyards of the Palatinate and neighbouring Alsace. The exciting event is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

After the Gravel race the 2026 road event is also saying goodbye to Aachen. The 3Rides Gran Fondo offers a cross-border Gran Fondo on the Southern Wine Route at its new location. On Saturday, 25 April 2026, the race will pass through the vineyards of the Palatinate and neighbouring France. The event is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and will be held in combination with the traditional "Grand Prix of the Southern Wine Route" as part of the German Cycling League. The start and finish are located at the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. The main route comprises a 100-kilometre, technically demanding circuit with a total of 600 metres of elevation gain. For less ambitious cyclists, there will also be a 50-kilometre race for everyone. Registration for both events is already open, and early bookers can benefit from discounted rates.

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3Rides crosses the border

A special feature of the 3Rides Gran Fondo is the two border crossings during the race. Around 15 kilometres of the overall route run on French territory in Alsace. "The route has slightly fewer metres in altitude than we have been used to recently," explains Björn Müller, CEO of 3Rides. "But it remains challenging and varied and is deliberately designed to be different from the other races." The route has been designed to be attractive not only for the participants, but also for spectators. After the first lap, the course leads through the start and finish area again, which Müller says is "perfect" for "following the racing action up close."

3Rides co-operation with traditional races

The cooperation between 3Rides and the "Grand Prix of the Southern Wine Route" represents a bundling of forces that should benefit both events. Andreas Gensheimer, head of organisation of the traditional race, sees the cooperation as a "perfect enhancement" for the event: "I am looking forward to the cooperation and the joining of forces. This will bring even more people to the Southern Wine Route and Alsace, which is not just a scenic route."

Support from local politics

Local politicians also support the cycling event. Dietmar Seefeldt, District Administrator of the Südliche Weinstraße district, emphasises the importance of the event for the region: "Our district, the Südliche Weinstraße, is known for its breathtaking scenery, hospitality and wine culture. We are looking forward to the fifth edition of the Southern Wine Route Grand Prix in spring 2026 and many guests from near and far. The race day is sure to be an experience for all cycling fans in the Southern Palatinate and those who want to become one."

Further 3RIDES events in 2026

In addition to the Gran Fondo on the Southern Wine Route, 3Rides is planning further events for 2026. Gravel bikers can make a note of 4 to 6 September 2026. As Björn Müller announced in a press release, the company is "in good talks for another stage race" in East Belgium, the German-speaking region of Belgium. The concept will be similar to that of 3Rides Gravel Winterberg, which takes place from 17 to 19 July. In this format, a short gravel race with a single start is followed by two further stages. Participation is possible for individual races as well as for all three stages with an overall ranking. The programme is supplemented by rides, i.e. rides without timekeeping.

Conclusion

The 3Rides Gran Fondo on the Southern Wine Route offers a 100-kilometre circuit with 600 metres of elevation gain. The route leads through the vineyards of the Southern Palatinate and around 15 kilometres through neighbouring Alsace in France. The start and finish are located at the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. Parallel to the main race, which is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, there will be a 50-kilometre race for everyone. The event will take place on Saturday, 25 April 2026.