In recent years, Lahti and the surrounding Salpausselkä Geopark area have served as the stage for several international gravel cycling events. The diverse environment offers routes ranging from forest trails to lakeside landscapes, making the Lahti region particularly well-suited for gravel cycling.
– Our unique nature and long experience in organizing international events across various sports are our strengths, and something we can be proud of, says Inkeri Määttä, Head of Events and Culture.
Määttä emphasizes that the upcoming European hampionships will further enrich Lahti’s extensive sports event portfolio.
– The Gravel European Championships are an excellent addition to Lahti’s event scene. Lahti’s nature and the Finnish summer will surely provide an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators, Määttä adds.
Lahti will host a series of gravel events between 2026 and 2028. These events are based on the Falling Leaves Lahti event, which is part of the UCI Gravel World Series.
– The Gravel European Championships mark a milestone for cycling in Finland and the Nordic countries. Our collaboration with Lahti on gravel events, camps, and tourism will establish Lahti as Europe’s leading gravel cycling destination. We want to thank the City of Lahti for its trust and look forward to continuing our partnership, says Maarten Patteeuw, CEO of Breakaway cc.
Cycling plays a significant role in promoting international tourism in the Lahti region
– Events like Falling Leaves Lahti and the Gravel European Championships 2027 strengthen the region’s profile and visibility. In addition to elite athletes, gravel events attract thousands of active enthusiasts who see Finland as a destination for an active holiday. Lakes, saunas, cottage culture, and peaceful gravel roads are experiences we want to make accessible to every participant,” says Raija Forsman, CEO of Visit Lahti.
Gravel cycling combines elements of road and mountain biking. Routes include asphalt, gravel roads, and forest trails. Gravel´s popularity has grown rapidly thanks to its versatility.
The UEC 2027 Gravel European Championships and the Nordic Gravel Series are organized by Breakaway cc.
gravellahti2027.comFurther information:
Inkeri Määttä, Head of Events and Culture, City of Lahti, inkeri.maatta@lahti.fi, +358 44 4163890
CEO Breakaway cc Maarten Patteeuw, maarten@breakaway.cc, +358 40 7501567
Partner Breakaway cc, Katariina Laakkonen, katariina@nordicgravel.com, +358 50 4485437