3RIDES Gran Fondo
Date
Saturday 25.04.2026Distances
kmCity
Schweigen-Rechtenbach
Country
Germany3RIDES Gran Fondo was organised for the first time in 2024 after a first UCI Gravel World Series event in the same location in 2023. For the new race, the event is relocating to a new start and finish area in Schweigen-Rechtenbach near the German-French border.
COURSE
The UCI 3RIDES Gran Fondo will take place on 25 April 2026 on the Southern Wine Route. The start and finish location is the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. The 100-kilometre circuit is technically demanding and varied and is deliberately designed to be different from other races.
Another unique feature is the cross-border character of the route: a good 15 kilometers run through France.
In total, the route covers 100 kilometers and a good 600 meters in altitude.
PROFILE
The route has a total elevation of 600m over a distance of 100km, meaning that it will be predominantly flat with some minor short climbs.
SCHWEIGEN-RECHTENBACH
Nestled in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a picturesque municipality in the district of Südliche Weinstraße. With a population of around 1,350, it sits at the southern end of the famous German Wine Route, right on the border with France. The village is marked by the iconic Deutsches Weintor (German Wine Gate), a monumental stone arch built in 1936 that symbolises the start of this scenic wine trail. Historically, Schweigen-Rechtenbach was formed in 1969 through the merger of two independent villages, Schweigen and Rechtenbach, and has long been associated with viticulture thanks to its fertile soils and mild climate.
Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a haven for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can stroll along the Weinlehrpfad, a 1 km educational wine trail through lush vineyards, complete with informative signs about grape varieties and winemaking traditions. The village boasts numerous renowned wineries such as Weingut Friedrich Becker, Weingut Jülg, and Weingut Bernhart, offering tastings and cellar tours.
For those seeking adventure, the surrounding Palatinate Forest provides excellent hiking and cycling routes, including premium trails and mountain bike circuits. Cultural events punctuate the calendar, from the Burgundy Spring Festival in April to the Grenzenlos Wein German-French wine celebration in July, and the vibrant Wine Route Experience Day in late August.
Schweigen-Rechtenbach combines history, gastronomy, and nature in one charming destination. Its proximity to the French town of Wissembourg adds a cross-border flair, making it ideal for travellers who appreciate fine wines, scenic landscapes, and authentic regional culture. Whether you’re exploring the vineyards, enjoying a guided torch-lit wine walk, or relaxing in a cosy guesthouse, Schweigen-Rechtenbach promises an unforgettable experience on the German Wine Route.
