The GRAVITEO Skate Race will transform the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home to Formula 1 and MotoGP legends, into a high-speed skateboarding track, offering skaters of all levels a chance to compete on the same asphalt where Lewis Hamilton and Marc Márquez once raced.

Integrated into the GRAVITEO Urban Sports Festival, the event will feature timed runs on the circuit’s famous Curva del Garraf and Recta de Meta, with cash prizes awarded to podium finishers in absolute categories. Organizers have confirmed the event will take place on June 22, 2024, with registration opening May 20.

Why Skateboarders Are Racing on an F1 Track

The GRAVITEO Skate Race is the first of its kind to use a professional motorsport circuit for skateboarding speed events. According to GRAVITEO’s official statement, the decision to host the race at Barcelona-Catalunya was driven by the venue’s “unparalleled surface quality and historic significance.”

“This isn’t just a race—it’s a statement,” said Jordi Pérez, event director for GRAVITEO. “We’re proving that skateboarding can thrive on the same stages as F1 and MotoGP, blending urban culture with motorsport precision.”

While skateboarding speed events typically take place on dedicated tracks or urban streets, the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit’s 14-turn layout, 12.662-kilometer length, and smooth asphalt make it an ideal proving ground for skaters pushing technical limits. The event will feature both downhill and slalom formats, with participants navigating the circuit’s elevation changes and tight corners.

Who Can Compete—and What Are the Prizes?

Registration is open to skaters of all levels, from beginners to professionals, with no age restrictions. According to the official rules, participants will be divided into categories based on skill level and age:

• Absolute (Open) – No restrictions
• Junior (Under 18)
• Beginner – First-time racers or those with limited experience

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with the Absolute division receiving the largest payouts:

Additional prizes, including skateboard gear and sponsorship opportunities, will be awarded to standout performers in technical challenges.

How the Race Works: Format and Rules

The GRAVITEO Skate Race will follow a timed-run format, where skaters complete a single lap of the circuit as fast as possible. Officials will use split-time technology to measure each runner’s speed at key points, including the Curva del Garraf (Turn 1) and the Recta de Meta (Finish Line).

Key rules include:

• No hand touches – Skaters must maintain balance without using hands.
• Mandatory gear – Helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards are required.
• No outside assistance – Push-offs must be self-initiated.
• Time penalties – Falling or stopping counts as a disqualification.

Unlike traditional skateboarding competitions, this event emphasizes speed over tricks, making it a unique challenge for participants accustomed to park or street skateboarding.

Why Barcelona-Catalunya? The Circuit’s Skate-Worthy Reputation

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted Formula 1 since 1991 and MotoGP since 2023, earning a reputation for its high-speed, technical layout. But its asphalt has also become a favorite among urban skaters, who frequently practice on the circuit’s public access areas.

“The surface here is like a skateboarder’s dream—smooth, consistent, and fast,” said Marc “Skate” Ruiz, a local skateboarder who has raced on the circuit’s public sections. “The elevation changes and tight turns make it a real test of skill.”

GRAVITEO’s choice to use the circuit aligns with a growing trend in urban sports, where motorsport venues are being repurposed for alternative events. Earlier this year, the Circuit of the Americas hosted a BMX freestyle event, blending motorsport and extreme sports.

What to Watch For on Race Day

With the event set for June 22, 2024, spectators can expect:

• Elite skaters vs. amateurs – The Absolute division will feature a mix of professional skateboarders and local talents.
• Technical challenges – Some runs may include mandatory obstacles, testing skaters’ adaptability.
• Live timing and leaderboards – Officials will broadcast real-time results via GRAVITEO’s live tracker.
• Fan engagement – Spectators can cheer from designated viewing areas near Turn 1 and the Finish Line.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on GRAVITEO’s YouTube channel and Twitch.

How to Register and Prepare for the Race

Registration for the GRAVITEO Skate Race opens on May 20, 2024, with a deadline of June 15. Interested skaters can sign up via the official registration portal, where they will need to:

• Select their skill level category.
• Provide proof of gear compliance (helmet, pads).
• Pay the €25 registration fee (waived for under-16 participants).

For those preparing to compete, GRAVITEO recommends:

• Practice on banked turns – The circuit’s elevation changes require skaters to adjust their body positioning.
• Focus on speed transitions – Unlike street skating, maintaining momentum is critical.
• Test gear beforehand – Ensure bindings and wheels are optimized for smooth asphalt.

Beyond the Race: GRAVITEO’s Urban Sports Festival

The GRAVITEO Skate Race is part of a larger Urban Sports Festival taking place at Barcelona-Catalunya from June 20–23, 2024. Additional events include:

• Freestyle BMX – Competitions on the circuit’s Paddock Area.
• Parkour Challenges – Obstacle courses set up in the Pit Lane.
• E-Sports Tournaments – Gaming competitions in the Media Center.
• Street Workshops – Sessions with professional skaters and BMX riders.

Festival passes start at €40, with VIP access available for €120, including backstage passes and exclusive merchandise.

Key Takeaways

• The GRAVITEO Skate Race will be the first skateboarding speed event on an F1/MotoGP circuit, blending motorsport and urban sports.
• Cash prizes of up to €5,000 will be awarded in the Absolute division, with lower-tier categories also offering rewards.
• Registration opens May 20, with the race set for June 22 at 14:00 UTC (16:00 local time).
• The event is part of the GRAVITEO Urban Sports Festival, featuring BMX, parkour, and e-sports alongside skateboarding.
• Skaters of all levels are welcome, with no age restrictions and mandatory safety gear requirements.

Next Steps: How to Follow the Event

For updates, skaters and fans can:

• Follow GRAVITEO’s official website for registration and results.
• Check Barcelona-Catalunya’s event calendar for last-minute changes.
• Join the @graviteo Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.
• Watch the live stream on June 22 for real-time results.

The next confirmed checkpoint is the GRAVITEO Urban Sports Festival on June 20–23, 2024, with the Skate Race serving as the festival’s centerpiece. Stay tuned to Archysport for further coverage as the event approaches.