The former professional cyclist Paolo BettiniOlympic champion in Athens 2004 and two-time UCI Road World Champion, will take part in the Megalopolis Gravel Classic in the Greek region of Arcadia. This announcement marks the beginning of a collaboration between two prestigious gravel events: the GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie in Italy, organised by Bettini, and the Megalopolis Gravel Classic in Greece. The cooperation is intended to promote shared values and unite the passion for gravel cycling across national borders. Both events focus on the experience, the exploration of the landscape and the connection to the local culture rather than pure competition. Megalopolis Gravel Classic will take place on 25 and 26 April 2026, while GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie will be held on 6 and 7 June 2026.
Bettini organises GeoGravel Tuscany
As the founder and organiser of GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie, Bettini has established a gravel event in Italy. His event combines cycling with tourism, gastronomy and local culture. With his involvement in the Megalopolis Gravel Classic, he is now bringing this philosophy to Greece. Both regions - Arcadia and the Tuscany - have remarkable similarities: they offer challenging but rewarding cycling routes, have a rich history and impressive natural landscapes. Bettini's participation will symbolically connect these territories and encourage Italian cyclists to explore Arcadia's scenic gravel routes, while Greek riders can experience the iconic landscapes of Tuscany.
Focus on experience instead of competition
Both the Megalopolis Gravel Classic and the GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie focus on the experience, the exploration of the landscape and the connection to the region rather than pure competition. As an athlete who made history in Athens and on the global cycling stage, Bettini brings international recognition and symbolic value to the events. This reinforces the idea of partner regions united by a love of nature, quality of life and sustainable development through cycling. The organisers emphasise that this collaboration is about more than just events - it is a connection, a shared spirit.
Bettini starts at Megalopolis Gravel Classic
The Megalopolis Gravel Classic takes place in the heart of Arcadia in Greece. This two-day gravel cycling event passes through mountainous landscapes, rural roads and areas rich in history and natural beauty. The event offers participants challenging but rewarding routes away from urban environments. The event will take place on 25 and 26 April 2026. More information is available on the official website at https://gravelchallenge.gr/megalopolis-gravel-classic/
GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie
The GeoGravel Tuscany - Le Strade Grigie takes place in Tuscany and is one of the newer gravel events in Italy. Founded by Paolo Bettini, the event combines gravel cycling with tourism, gastronomy and local culture. Participants are invited to discover small roads, rolling hills and historic villages by bike. The event is scheduled for 6 and 7 June 2026. For more information, visit the official website at www.geograveltuscany.com.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
