The Bānīšs Cup cycling race returns for its 10th anniversary today, May 2, 2026, challenging athletes to a high-stakes pursuit of a historic steam train. The event, known as Beat the Steam Train!
, sees riders competing to see who can reach the destination faster: the cyclists or the Bānītis train.
The main competition begins at 1:00 p.m. From the Gulbene Railway Station, departing simultaneously with the train. Participants will navigate a 45- to 47-kilometer course that winds through the Gulbene and Alūksne regions, following the narrow-gauge railway route. The terrain is varied, consisting of forest paths, gravel, sand, and asphalt sections, ultimately concluding at the Alūksne Railway Station.
Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., the event kicked off with children’s cycling activities near the Gulbene station. These youth races feature shorter distances ranging from 0.4 to 4 kilometers, taking place within the vicinity of the station and Emzes Park.
To accommodate the influx of participants and spectators, local officials have implemented traffic restrictions in Alūksne. From 12:30 p.m. To 6:00 p.m. Today, May 2, closures are in effect on Jāņkalna Street (from Tālava Street to Viestura Street), Viestura Street (from Jāņkalna Street to Merķeļa Street), and Brīvības Street (from Merķeļa Street to Jāņkalna Street).
The city has alerted drivers to further disruptions next week. On May 9, 2026, roads will be closed from 5:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. For the Lielais svētku jampadracis Alūksnē
spring fair. Impacted areas include Lielā Ezera Street (from Pils Street to Tirgotāju Street), Tirgotāju Street (from Lielā Ezera Street to Dārza Street), and Dārza Street (from Tirgotāju Street to Helēnas Street).
The decade-long tradition of the Bānīšs Cup is organized by the Gulbene Municipality Sports Department and the Alūksne Sports Center, in collaboration with the VeloRīts Gulbene Cycling Club. According to organizers, the cycling competition in Gulbene aims to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage the use of eco-friendly transport, and bolster local tourism across the region.
This annual event underscores the intersection of athletic endurance and regional heritage, utilizing the unique geography of the narrow-gauge railway to draw participants from Alūksne, Gulbene, and beyond.
