Now in just its fourth year, the Italy-based Jeroboam Gravel Series will grow to seven races, including stops in Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, Japan, Spain, and Austria.

The Jeroboam Bike Festival began in 2017 in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy, Italy, and quickly grew in popularity and size; in 2019, additional events will be added in Austria, Greece, and Spain, and in 2020, races in Japan and Costa Rica and will grow to seven events.

The race's blend of 300 km, 150 km, and 75 km gravel routes and "family atmosphere" has captured the imagination of the gravel community. Franciacorta's 300-km route, featuring rocky, rough surfaces and a 7,000-meter elevation gain, is arguably the toughest route in the world. It takes 20 to 40 hours to complete the race. However, Jeroboam Italia's Dolomites route, with 10,000 meters of climbing over the 300 km course, is fast emerging as a significant challenger to the title of the toughest race.

According to organizers, the route of the expanding series is expected to vary, highlighting the diverse regions of each event. The Costa Rican route, which will run throughout the Nicoya Peninsula, will be a relatively gentle 300 km course with 3,000 m of climbing.

The 2020 series will begin in Costa Rica over three days, March 13-15, followed by a race in Greece, May 8-10. It will then move to Japan on June 6-7, followed by the Dolomites race in Italy on June 19-21. Franciacorta, Italy will host the race on September 18-20, followed by both Spain and Austria on October 2-4.

According to race organizers, the 300-km route is suitable for bikepackers looking for an overnight adventure, while the 150-km event is for those who love speed and performance. Race organizers say the 75-km route will be an option for those who are new to cycling or have been off the bike for a while.

Bike manufacturer 3T is returning as the series' main sponsor.