Estonian Cup

Files

GravelMaratonEST 76 km (PDF)GravelMaratonEST 76 km (GPX)MTBMaratonLAT 64 km (PDF)MTBMaratonLAT 64km (GPX)Linnaku kaart/Competition Center (PDF)

Description

The 2025 Valga–Valka Cycling Marathon brings several exciting updates. Both the marathon and half-marathon courses have been revised to varying degrees. The start location remains the same – Jaanikese Motorsport and Recreation Centre – but this year, the entire course runs exclusively on Estonian territory.

Course Character

Our guiding principles in designing the course remain the same:

• Excitement and fresh elements
• Familiar sections from previous years
• An enjoyable and memorable experience for riders of all levels

Our goal is for every participant to cross the finish line smiling and satisfied. While the weather can always add its twist, we’ve designed the course with this in mind. And yes – if it rains, you'll feel it on the course too. Mud is part of the fun!

The Start & First Kilometres

The marathon begins on the service road of the Jaanikese Centre with an initial ~300 m roll-out, followed by 5 km on asphalt. Riders will then follow a short ~1 km section near the Estonian–Latvian border, before turning sharply onto gravel roads leading into Valgjärve forests.

📍 Important: The course splits at the 10 km mark:

• Marathon (76 km) goes left
• Half-marathon (28.9 km) turns right

Course Markings & Safety

🚫 Do not rely on memory from previous years – the course has changed. Always follow current signage. We maintain a high standard of course marking for clarity and safety.

Pay special attention to these key signs:

• ← / ↑ / → – Directional arrows
• "RAJALAHKNEMINE" – Advance warning of course splits
• ! – Caution: technical or hazardous section ahead
• ↓↓↓ – Steep or technical descent
• ‖ – Narrow section (e.g. bridge crossing, no overtaking)

🎨 Signage colors:

• Yellow background – Marathon course
• Red background with “PM” – Half-marathon course
  (When the two routes overlap, follow the yellow signs.)

Feed Zones & Special Sections

• Torq Feed Zone 1 – 19.3 km
• SFS Intermediate Sprint – 36 km (by the Õhne River)
• Torq Feed Zone 2 – 40.2 km
• Hansgrohe Speed Segment – 64.5–65.5 km (before Sooru village)
• Torq Feed Zone 3 – 66.3 km (by Lake Sooru)
• Look Climb Finish – 75.5 km (top of Jaanikese Hill)

Key Sections & Profile Highlights

After TP2, a right-hand turn takes riders onto a fast gravel stretch, then into forest trails. Around 54 km, riders will tackle the Hummuli hill and follow the scenic Väike-Emajõgi riverbanks.

At 64.5 km, the Hansgrohe Speed Segment offers a wide, fast stretch – perfect to test your power. Immediately after, riders reach Sooru village and the final Torq Feed Zone (66.3 km).

The last part of the course follows the Tartu highway bike road path. A climb up Jaanikese Hill (75.5 km) marks the Look Climb Finish, where the fastest climbers earn bonus points. From there, it's a short final push to the finish line, cheered on by the crowd.

Finish

After the climb, you'll descend for ~500 m, then turn off the asphalt back into the Jaanikese Centre. A short, exhilarating finishing straight awaits – cross the line with pride, hands in the air. Congratulations – you’ve done it!

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE COURSE MAP