Yading Skyline Gravel
ExtremeHigh-altitude gravel race on the Tibetan Plateau in western Sichuan, looping through the Daocheng-Yading Nature Reserve at 4,500-4,700 m. Two distances (110, 220 km) on plateau gravel and broken tarmac. Acclimatization mandatory.
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
SHARE THIS RACE
>> COMMUNITY
▌ High-altitude gravel race on the Tibetan Plateau in western Sichuan, looping through the Daocheng-Yading Nature Reserve at 4,500-4,700 m
Asia race event organized by Yading Gravel
12 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]220 km of extreme gravel through Daocheng-Yading, Sichuan
- [+]5,500 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Organized by Yading Gravel
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, High Altitude, Mountain Roads
RED FLAGS
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Single-day event with strong sense of place
Wrong format for bikepacking specifics
Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
5,500 m of climbing means raw watts matter less than grinding low and steady. Your gearing choice will shape your day.
TIRE INTEL
Mixed gravel with no extreme demands — go for rolling speed.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Daocheng-Yading, Sichuan in autumn (September): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.
Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.
Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
INSIDER INTEL
“The climbs are the whole point at Yading Skyline Gravel. You don't do this race for the flats.”
“Yading Skyline Gravel brings a uniquely Asian perspective to gravel — different terrain, different weather, different culture. Worth the travel.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Standard aid stations every 30-50 km with food, water, and basic mechanical help.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- +Aid station nutrition + water
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Carry at least one tube + plug kit even with tubeless. Mechanical bad luck is the #1 DNF cause.
TRAVEL OPS
Yading Skyline Gravel is a quality asia event — great if you're nearby or want to explore the region.