The Great Crossing Epic

The Great Crossing Epic is a long-distance ultracycling challenge that runs from Munich, Germany to the fountain of wine in Ayegui, Spain. The official route covers approximately 2,155 km with around 40,000 m of ascent, traversing the Alps and the Pyrenees and featuring many iconic climbs such as Mont Ventoux and the Col du Tourmalet. The event is presented as a single multi-day challenge that can be ridden solo or in teams and is organised by Ultracycling Challenges for the 2026 edition. It emphasises self-supported riding and sustained endurance across international mountain terrain.

The route is structured in three parts — a Fixed Route, a Free Route through France, and a Final Fixed Route into the Pyrenees — and includes optional Explorer Points sectors used to prioritise classification before elapsed time. Riders receive a starter kit and route GPX files, carry an organiser tracking device for real-time tracking, and benefit from live media coverage and a finisher package including a biodegradable trophy and a small wine bottle. The event highlights community and coaching benefits, a welcome event with food and drink, and partner discounts, while requiring participants to follow local laws, remain self-supported and keep their tracker active at all times.