After five unforgettable years, KOM Berlin will not take place in 2025.
From the very beginning, we set out to create an independent, rider-powered event that brought people together—without too much corporate backing or commercial compromise. And we’re proud of what we achieved together with you.
It wasn’t without its challenges. The first edition took place during COVID, under restrictions that cost us our main sponsor. But we found a workaround and made it happen anyway—with limited resources and, as it turned out, unpredictable weather. And thanks to you, it was epic.
Each year brought new obstacles: growing competition for riders and sponsors in the expanding gravel scene, countless logistical headaches around timing, weather, and more. Financially, we barely broke even—and only thanks to the support of our riders and a handful of loyal sponsors. Local media support never materialized. Our time was always voluntary, but over the years it added up, and we often questioned how long we could sustain it.
We explored all kinds of options to keep the event alive: forming an e.V., simplifying the format, even dropping official timing. But ultimately, none of these proved practical. The truth is, we’ve about reached the limit of what we can carry—logistically, emotionally, and in terms of time. KOM Berlin was always a labor of love, but even love has limits.
And now, as we always feared might happen, our long-time event location, our glorious Mont Berlin, is no longer available. In the end, the decision was made for us.
Despite the event never getting easier over time, what kept us going was the energy of the community and our belief in doing something different—along with the fun we had working together doing it. It was a sheer spectacle to witness.
We want to thank everyone who made KOM Berlin what it was:
- Our organisers, volunteers and families, who made the impossible happen, year after year
- Our riders, who brought grit, good humour, and community to the Arkenberge
- Our sponsors, who backed the idea without trying to reshape it
- And the Heim Gruppe, who continues to face uphill battles to open Arkenberge to the public despite enormous investment and sincere goodwill.
To those who were hoping to finally ride KOM Berlin—we’re sorry. The decision to scratch came late, but it came honestly. Thanks to everyone who stood with us, wind, rain or shine.
With love and gratitude,
The KOM Berlin Team
As the event took place on a former landfill site, it encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our consumption habits—particularly the disturbing scandal of the plastic recycling industry, which ultimately increases waste and accelerates the release of greenhouse gases. This bold, outstanding documentary clearly reveals this epic scandal and we hope you will watch it and share it with your friends.
