VERDICT A worthwhile French festival that currently has no start line.
The Châtellerault festival was cancelled for 2026 and has no announced replacement host.
France Vélo Événements launched the multi-format festival in Châtellerault in 2023.
Reputation: A well-attended French gravel festival whose future now depends on finding a replacement host.
Historical rolling Châtellerault gravel; no future course is currently published.
Signature challenge: The historical 150 km course accumulated almost 5,000 feet without a defining mountain; a future host may change that profile entirely.
Race-specific preparation details are included in the demand profile below.
2025 conditions were cold and wet with "no more than 12°C outside" during the day and night temperatures requiring thermal gear. KHS91 appreciated hot soup at checkpoints: "it feels good to eat hot and always the delicious vermicelli soup that every year gives me back so much strength" in the grey, humid conditions. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[3]
French gravel events often use MTB trails making them rougher than US equivalents, arriving "a bit broken from the jarring of the course" in previous years. Multiple airport options within 2 hours help, but medical certificate requirements and FFC health module validity periods add bureaucratic complexity for international riders.[1]
The Ultra route passes iconic Loire châteaux including Chambord and Amboise, circles medieval Loches, and traverses the Brenne natural park. However, KHS91's mechanical near Versailles required finding "a bike shop to replace the tire" - suggesting much of the route stays within reach of civilization rather than remote wilderness.[4]
The 2025 edition hosted the inaugural FFC French Gravel Championships, and 3bikes.fr noted it's becoming "very well known." Trans Continental Race winner Victor Bosoni participated, but the event is still establishing its reputation in the growing French gravel scene rather than commanding international attention.[3]
Not in 2026. Wait for France Vélo Événements to announce a replacement host, exact date, competitive format, and route before planning a trip.
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.