Reputation: Regional Swiss event.
[01]
Course Overview
Wild Alpine gravel from the World Cycling Center in Aigle to the heights of Villars.
65 mi
Distance
8,202 ft
Elevation
Aigle, Switzerland
Location
July 12, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
€100-150
Entry Cost
MORE IN SWITZERLAND: Tour de Romandie Cyclosportive
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Ross Howcroft-JonesSwiss Alpine gravel.
Signature challenge: Swiss Alpine terrain in Aigle.
20
MILE
Early Alps
First Alpine sections.
35
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
55
MILE
Late Alps
Final Alpine sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
First climb
Features serious pitches of around 25% grade with multiple very steep sections. Riders describe it as really grim with people struggling and going over their bikes.
Long descent after first climb
Technical descent that requires confidence and local knowledge. Riders without course reconnaissance struggle to hold wheels of local riders.
Single trail sections with really steep, never-ending climbs through horse territory.
From mile 30 to 60, it's basically uphill with no technical descents to worry about.
[04]
From the Field
There was some serious pitches of around 25% a couple of them in the first climb. Really, really grim. And I was just pleased with my kit overall.
Ross Howcroft-Jones · 392 views
From 30 miles to 60 miles, it's basically uphill. I'd much rather because I don't have to deal with any technical descents.
Ross Howcroft-Jones · 392 views
Breakfast at 4:30 a.m. I'm going back to bed for an hour. Pre-made burger though is decent, but it's gone down pretty quick and I am going back to sleep.
Ross Howcroft-Jones · 392 views
One of the coolest things of the day was rolling out from UCI Cycling Center just here.
Ross Howcroft-Jones · 392 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Gravel Suisse? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
July 12, 2026 GRAVEL SUISSE
RIDERS REPORT
40-52 gearing really came into its own on the steep pitches and allowed really good cadence to pick groups off on the climb.
New Maxxis tires provided really good grip and felt lighter than Pirellis, allowing enough traction to get out of the saddle on climbs.
[08]
Train for Gravel Suisse
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
7
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
6
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
6
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Geneva (GVA) 1.5 hours or Zurich (ZRH) 3 hours
Lodging
Aigle has moderate lodging options. Switzerland is expensive.
Food
Aigle has full dining options. Stock nutrition. Switzerland is expensive.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Let people go out hard at the start and ride your own tempo, then catch people on the climb when there's room. Don't put yourself in the red before the first climb.
Run a really high cadence on the climbs and keep the legs moving. Important to warm up properly and flush everything out.
Try to come over the top of climbs with local riders or a group if you haven't reconned the course, especially for the descents.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
3
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Gravel Suisse?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 78°F and lows of 60°F, with a 58% chance of rain on any given day. Late June to mid-July alpine weather in the Vaud Alps can shift from mild summer conditions to challenging mountain weather. The 2024 race dealt with "muddy, wet and gritty" conditions that transformed gravel sections, affecting race strategy and course difficulty throughout the climbing sections. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[1]
How are the logistics for Gravel Suisse?
The race starts at UCI headquarters in Aigle with 550+ riders annually, now awarded 2029 UCI Gravel World Championships. Team staff member Meth recalls Sophie Wright "rolled around the corner at the top of a mountain saying 'I've bloody won.'" Entry fees and packet pickup details remain unpublished.[2]
How adventurous is Gravel Suisse?
The course travels "from the World Cycling Center in Aigle to the heights of Villars" through terrain described as "wild, demanding and infinitely alpine." After the first section, riders enter "mostly offroad" terrain crossing "forests, ridges and high altitude paths, between silence and intensity."[1]
How prestigious is Gravel Suisse?
Sophie Wright's euphoric reaction - "I dream of days like this...today, it became reality. UCI World Series win. Feeling good as hell!!!" - shows elite riders value the victory. However, she admits "I didn't expect to win a UCI race in my first year as a pro gravel racer."[6]
Should I race Gravel Suisse?
If you're in Europe and have a good budget—yes, the Alps are worth it. If you're international or budget-conscious—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: UCI Gravel Suisse - The Summit 2025ridewithgps.com/routes/51959894
- Other Sources Cyclingflashcyclingflash.com/race/uci-gravel-world-series-gravel-suis...
- Other Sources Graveleventsgravelevents.com/event/aurora-gravel-suisse/
- Other Sources Ucigravelworldseriesucigravelworldseries.com/en/the-uci-gravel-suisse-decided...
- Other Sources Ucigravelworldseriesucigravelworldseries.com/en/villars/
- Other Sources Cyclingnewswww.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-gravel-world-series-events-...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/11723/uci-gravel-suisse
- Other Sources Msowww.mso.swiss/en/events/2164-uci-gravel-suisse/results
- Video YouTubewww.youtube.com/@2025UCIGravelSuisse
- Community lecol.cc: Ribble Outliers Gravel Season Recaplecol.cc/en-us/blogs/content/ribble-outliers-gravel-seaso...