3RIDES AACHEN - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have summarized frequently asked questions (FAQ) in this overview. This list does not claim to be exhaustive and is updated regularly.
Further information on 3RIDES Aachen can be found here on the event website and in the 3RIDES Aachen regulations.
Up-to-date information, especially on the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo, will be provided in the respective rider briefing on site.
What kind of races are offered at 3RIDES?
There is the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo, a race for everyone. Details on routes, registration, entry fees and further information can be found at www.3rides.de
How and where can I register?
Registration for 3RIDES Aachen takes place online via the portal of our partner Datasport Germany at www.datasport.de/anmeldeservice/3rides2025, the link can also be found on our website at www.3rides.de.
By when do I have to register?
Online registration is open until Wednesday, May 28, 12 noon.
If I missed the online registration, can I register later?
Yes, registrations will still be possible on the race weekend on Friday, May 30, from 4 to 8 pm, Saturday, May 31, from 7 am to 6 pm and Sunday, June 1, from 5 am to 10 am.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
No, there is no limit to the number of participants.
What services do I receive for my entry fee?
- Start number with transponder
- Timekeeping and results (3RIDES Gran Fondo and 3RIDES Gravel Race only)
- 3RIDES drinking bottle
- Signposted and secured race track (3RIDES Gran Fondo and 3RIDES Gravel Race only)
- Course marshals (3RIDES Gran Fondo and 3RIDES Gravel Race only)
- GPX track
- Food stations
- Medical service at start/finish
- Medical service on the course (3RIDES Gran Fondo and 3RIDES Gravel Race only)
- 3RIDES medal for every finisher
- UCI medal for the top 25 percent of each age group
- UCI Gravel World Series or UCI Gran Fondo World Series jersey for each winner of an age group
- Photo service by Sportograf
- Bike-Wash
Do I need a medical certificate to take part in 3RIDES?
No, a medical certificate is not required for participation in the 3RIDES Aachen rides and races. However, we recommend that you consult your family doctor or a sports doctor, and not only those who are taking part in a race for the first time. If you feel ill, feverish or otherwise ill on the race weekend, please clarify on your own responsibility whether it makes sense to start. Your health comes first in any case. Participants who qualify for the World Championships of the UCI Gravel World Series or the UCI Gran Fondo World Series require a license to take part in the World Championships.
Is there a minimum age for participation in 3RIDES?
For the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo, anyone born in 2006 or older is eligible to start. Participation in the rides without timekeeping is possible from the age of 13. There are other activities for children at the start and finish area of 3RIDES Aachen.
What types of bicycles are approved for 3RIDES?
Racing bikes, cross bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes are permitted for the races. Participation with an e-bike is not permitted for the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo. It is also possible to take part in the rides on an e-bike.
I would like to switch from the 3RIDES Gravel Race to the 3RIDES Gran Fondo or vice versa, is that possible?
Yes, you can. Get in touch with us at service@3rides.de!
Can I transfer my starting place?
Yes, you can. Get in touch with us at service@3rides.de!
Can I cancel my participation in the event if I am ill?
It is not necessary to deregister in the event of illness, inability to participate or withdrawal. There is no entitlement to a refund of the entry fee.
I would like to change my data in the online registration, is that possible?
Yes, you can. You can do this yourself in your Datasport account. If you have any questions or are stuck, please contact us at service@3rides.de!
Where does 3RIDES Aachen take place?
3RIDES Aachen now has its start and finish area with expo and start number distribution at Nerscheider Weg 170 in 52076 Aachen (Schleckheim), from where we are faster in the Eifel and can therefore offer even more attractive routes.
When is the start and finish area open?
The start and finish area with the Expo will be open Friday, May 30, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How do I get to the start?
We recommend travelling by public transport or bicycle. The bus stops (Oberforstbach Tannenallee or Oberforstbach Gewerbegebiet) are in the immediate vicinity.
Can I park my bike at the start and finish area?
Yes, participants can park their bikes in a locked area in the athletes' area.
Why are the start and finish no longer at the CHIO?
By moving to the south of Aachen, we are closer to the Eifel and can offer even more attractive routes.
Where can I park?
There are plenty of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the start & finish. The following graphic shows the parking options (click on the graphic for a larger view):
Please note: Parking lots P4 and P5 are only open on Sunday, June 1. If you arrive on May 30 or May 31, please park at P1, P2 or P3.
So that you can enter the parking spaces for your journey in your navigation system, you will find the addresses of our parking facilities below:
P1: Kesselstraße 64, 52076 Aachen
P2: Pascalstraße 27, 52076 Aachen
P3: Werkstraße 36, 52076 Aachen (parking deck)
P4: Werkstraße 29, 52076 Aachen (LIDL car park)
P5: Werkstraße 21, 52076 Aachen (ALDI car park)
The parking fee for cars is €5 per day, for larger vehicles €10 per day.
Can I also come with the camper?
Yes, but 3RIDES does not offer a camping area. Please use the official camping and parking areas.
Where can I find toilets?
Toilets are available at the start & finish and at all refreshment points.
Are there changing rooms at the start & finish?
No, there are no changing rooms directly at the start & finish.
How do I find the route?
Details of the routes can be found here on the website: UCI 3RIDES Gravel Race, UCI 3RIDES Gran Fondo, Road & Gravel Rides. The GPX data for the 3RIDES Gravel Race and 3RIDES Gran Fondo can be found in our Strava Club at www.strava.com/clubs/1082598.
Are the 3RIDES routes signposted?
The routes for the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo are signposted. The Gravel and Road Rides are not signposted, all participants will receive a GPX track of their route.
Are the 3RIDES Gravel Race and 3RIDES Gran Fondo routes closed to traffic?
The routes for the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo are safe and traffic-free. However, vehicles or people must be expected on the route at all times. The right-hand driving rule applies.
Is there catering on the route, and where?
In the 3RIDES Gravel Race there are a total of two refreshment points provided by 3RIDES and three refreshment points for individual refreshments. The first aid station is located at kilometer 25.8 and in the second lap at kilometer 83.6 on the Friesenrather Weg in Walheim, the individual aid station follows this and ends with the turn-off into the following forest and gravel passage. The second individual aid station is located between kilometers 41.4 and 41.8 (2nd lap 99.2 and 99.6) on the Stockläger road in Roetgen. The second official and third individual refreshment point is located after passing the start & finish - here again the individual refreshment point follows the official refreshment point and is possible on the Nerscheider Weg as far as the Kiefernweg junction.
At the 3RIDES Gran Fondo there are three official and two individual refreshment points. The first individual aid station is on Nideggener Straße in Schmidt between kilometers 45.3 and 46.3 (junction Nideggener Straße to junction Froitscheidter Straße), the first official aid station at kilometer 49.5 in Kalltal, the second official aid station at kilometer 78.9 at the Soviet war cemetery Simmerath-Rurberg, the second individual aid station behind the finish of the age groups at kilometer 80.3 and up to kilometer 80.8 (Kesternich, junction Bundesstraße). The third official refreshment point is at kilometer 109.8 on the Jägerhausstraße in Kesternich.
What kind of catering is offered at 3RIDES Aachen?
Water and electrolyte drinks from Dextro Energy (Iso Fast and Zero Calories) will be available at the refreshment stations, as well as liquid gels, energy bars and energy gums from Dextro Energy at selected refreshment stations. There will also be bananas, Belgian waffles, chocolate croissants, savory cookies, gherkins, wine gums and Freeway Cola from our partner Lidl at selected stations and depending on the distance. The recovery drink from Dextro Energy will also be waiting at the finish line.
Is there a bag service to the finish at kilometer 82 in the 3RIDES Gran Fondo?
Yes, we will transport a change of clothing for the age groups 19-50+W and 60+M, whose race finish is at kilometer 82. The clothing will only be transported in the bags provided by us. On request, we can also take the change of clothing back to the start & finish.
When can I pick up my starting documents?
You will receive your starting documents on Friday, May 30, from 4 to 8 pm, Saturday, May 31, from 7 am to 6 pm and Sunday, June 1, from 5 to 10 am.
Is it possible to pay by card at 3RIDES Aachen?
We accept cash or card for late registrations, most exhibitors and caterers at the Expo also accept payment by card or cash. But be careful: Some food trucks will only accept cash payments. It is therefore advisable to have some cash with you.
Where can I find my QR code for collecting my race number?
You will find the QR code in your registration confirmation.
Do I need to bring anything with me to pick up my starting documents?
Yes, please bring an official ID with you in addition to your confirmation of registration.
Can I also collect documents for a colleague?
Yes, that is possible. However, you will need written authorization from the participant and a copy of their official ID.
Can someone else pick up my race number for me?
Yes, you can - see above.
When is the start?
The starts for the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo will take place in blocks.
3RIDES Gravel Race / UCI Gravel World Series
| 3:00 p.m. | Elite Women | 122 kilometers |
| 3:02 pm | AK60+M / AK50+W | 61 kilometers |
| 3:02 pm | AK19-49W | 122 kilometers |
| 3:10 pm | AK55-59 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:12 pm | AK50-54 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:15 pm | AK45-49 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:17 pm | AK40-44 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:25 pm | AK35-39 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:30 p.m. | AK19-34 | 122 kilometers |
| 3:40 pm | Elite Men | 122 kilometers |
3RIDES Gran Fondo / UCI Gran Fondo World Series
| 07:00 a.m. | AK19-50+W / AK60+M | 82 kilometers |
| 07:10 a.m. | AK50-54 / AK55-59 | 136 kilometers |
| 07:15 a.m. | AK40-44 / AK45-49 | 136 kilometers |
| 07:20 am | AK35-39 | 136 kilometers |
| 07:25 a.m. | AK19-34 | 136 kilometers |
Why are the starts organized in blocks?
There is only a limited time window for closing the routes. In order to guarantee optimal conditions and a safe race for as many participants as possible, the start will be staggered.
When does the starting grid begin?
The starting grid for the 3RIDES Gravel Race begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, while the starting grid for the 3RIDES Gran Fondo begins at 6 a.m. - one hour before the start time for the first starting block of the race. The starting boxes will also be open from then on.
Is there still a briefing?
Yes, there are a total of four briefings for the participants of the 3RIDES Gravel Race and 3RIDES Gran Fondo:
| Friday, May 30 | 6 p.m. | 3RIDES Gravel Race |
| Saturday, May 31 | 12 o'clock | 3RIDES Gravel Race |
| Saturday, May 31 | 3:30 p.m. | 3RIDES Gran Fondo |
| Sunday, June 1 | 6 o'clock | 3RIDES Gran Fondo |
Are there any dangerous sections on the route?
Cycling races such as the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo are associated with dangers. We have shown sections with particular potential dangers for the 3RIDES Gran Fondo in a map.
Taking part in an event such as the 3RIDES Gran Fondo and the 3RIDES Gravel Race requires a careful, considerate and anticipatory driving style at all times. Changing road surfaces, lane dividers and traffic islands, especially at the entrances and exits of towns, traffic circles, narrowings, parked cars as well as fast and winding descents are part of the normal street scene. Such obstacles must be expected at all times.
How is time measured?
We work with transponder technology at the 3RIDES Aachen races, which enables secure and personal timekeeping.
How is the scoring done?
Scoring in the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo is based on age groups and the order and time at the finish.
Is the time taken as a net time or as a gross time?
At 3RIDES Aachen, the gross time of the respective starting block applies to all participants in the starting block. The gross time is also referred to as the “gun time”, i.e. the time from the starting shot. This regulation is identical for 3RIDES Gran Fondo and 3RIDES Gravel Race.
Are there split times on the route?
Yes, in the 3RIDES Gran Fondo there will be a split time at the age group finish at kilometer 82. In the 3RIDES Gravel Race there will probably be a timekeeping in Hahn. The organizer reserves the right to add further split times and checkpoints.
Is there live tracking?
Yes, there is live tracking. All participants will receive a link to download the relevant app and register. Use is free of charge. To ensure proper tracking during the 3RIDES Gravel Race and the 3RIDES Gran Fondo, participants must enter their name and start number. Live tracking allows friends and family to follow your race live and cheer you on in real time.
What happens if I am caught up by the “catcher car”?
The so-called “catcher car”, which is always on the track 45 minutes after the first rider - as a motorcycle in the 3RIDES Gravel Race and as a car in the 3RIDES Gran Fondo - marks the end of the race. Participants who are caught up must finish the race and continue their ride outside the race and under the rules of the Highway Code.
Will I be counted if the “catcher car” has caught up with me?
It depends. Participants in the 3RIDES Gravel Race who have completed the first lap and are caught up on the second lap will be classified according to their times from the first lap, but behind the last participant who has completed two laps. Participants in the 3RIDES Gran Fondo who have reached the finish of the age groups at kilometer 82 and are then caught by the “catcher car” will be recorded with their time at the finish at kilometer 82 - but behind the last participant at the finish after 136 kilometers.
How can I see how far the “catcher car” is behind me?
In the 3RIDES Gravel Race, the time is displayed at the finish, in the 3RIDES Gran Fondo at the refreshment station shortly before the finish at kilometer 82 - a countdown of 45 minutes runs backwards in each case, giving an indication of how much time is left until the “catcher car”.
What do I do in the event of an accident or fall?
In the event of an accident or fall, you are obliged to provide assistance and call 112 for help in an emergency. For minor problems, you can also call our participant hotline, the number of which you will find on your race number. It is important to communicate with the emergency services: Where has something happened? Who is calling? What has happened? How many people are affected? Wait for questions from the control center!
Can I wash my bike on site?
Yes, there is a bike wash in the start and finish area.
Where and when will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremonies will take place directly at the start & finish on the big stage. The schedule follows.
Where and when can I find results?
The results of the 3RIDES Gravel Race and 3RIDES Gran Fondo will be available here on the website immediately after the race.
Where can I find my photos?
You will find the photos of the participants shortly after the race at our partner Sportograf at www.sportograf.com.
Does 3RIDES Aachen take place in all weathers?
3RIDES Aachen takes place in all weathers. In the event of severe weather warnings or danger to the safety of the participants and employees of 3RIDES Aachen, 3RIDES Aachen reserves the right to cancel or adjust the program.
How is a rejection or change communicated?
Corresponding information will be communicated on site and on the social media channels of 3RIDES Aachen, on the event website and, if necessary, via newsletter and/or SMS.
I'm not taking part in 3RIDES Aachen myself, but would like to help out, do you still need people?
We always need good people. If you would like to become part of our team, please contact us at service@3rides.de.
I have another question, who can I contact?
To us - we look forward to receiving your mail at service@3rides.de.
