CW's Choice
Debuting on the 2024 UCI calendar is the UCI Gravel Suisse. It's an exceptional event renowned for its distinctive course, breathtaking natural surroundings, and 5* Swiss organization.
Centered around the renowned mountain resort of Villars, the Vaud Alps are poised to welcome cycling enthusiasts to a weekend filled with festivities.
Just like its road counterpart, UCI Gravel Suisse stands out as the only gravel race in the World Series featuring substantial climbing.
The course you'll ride is determined by your age group. To secure a spot in the Gravel World Championships in Leuven (Belgium), participants must strive for a top 25% position in their age group.
The event aligns with the UCI Gran Fondo Suisse, a road race (and time trial) within the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. Notably, the road race unfolds on Sunday, while the gravel race occurs on Saturday. Adventurous participants have the opportunity to partake in 2 or even 3 events over the course of a single weekend.
For 2024, the gran fondo has been completely updated. The new gran fondo boasts an elevation increase from 2300 to 3800 meters, with the route extending from 122 to 148 kilometers.
The Swiss canton stands out as a premier cycling destination, offering a mix of both moderate and demanding climbs. The region boasts numerous breathtaking mountain passes such as Col des Mosses, Col de la Croix, Col du Pillon, Col de la Givrine, Col du Marchairuz, and the Col de la Croix.
Gravel riding in Vaud is an unparalleled experience, where the combination of breathtaking landscapes and well-designed routes is complemented by a large array of gravel roads.