Alpine Gravel Challenge 2026

Alpine Gravel Challenge 2026

Presented by UCI Gravel World Series · Updated September 2025
Gravel Mixed Surface
Champery, Switzerland
Sep 6, 2026
Difficulty 49 · Demanding Solo Moderate Ultra Extreme Climbing Gravel Paved Mixed Surface

Haute Cime

Distance
100km
Elevation Gain
3,500m
Terrain
alpine
Mid-Distance · Extreme Climbing

Forteresse

Distance
70km
Elevation Gain
2,400m
Terrain
alpine
Short · Mountainous

Cathédrale

Distance
30km
Elevation Gain
1,000m
Terrain
alpine
Short · Rolling
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About This Event

The Alpine Gravel Challenge 2026 is a relatively new event in the gravel cycling calendar in Europe, particularly for gravel enthusiasts, and it’s part of the UCI Gravel World Series. The event offers three distinct courses: 100 km, 70 km, and 30 km, each with varying degrees of difficulty and elevation gain to challenge participants. It’s set in the picturesque region of Champéry, Switzerland, making it a unique race that spans the Swiss-French border in the Portes du Soleil domain. This location is noted for its stunning views at the foot of the Dents du Midi mountain range, one of the most beautiful alpine regions.

The 100 km route, known as the “Haute Cime,” starts from Monthey and presents the most challenging option with an elevation gain of 3,500 meters. It features a significant climb right from the start, leading riders through a course that includes a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, with the majority being gravel once past Champéry. This course is particularly notable for its long climbs and stunning scenery across the Swiss-French border.

For those seeking a slightly less demanding challenge, the 70 km “Forteresse” course begins directly in Champéry and includes a total elevation gain of 2,400 meters. This route skips the initial climb from Monthey, offering a condensed version of the challenge with a strong focus on gravel paths.

The 30 km “Cathédrale,” the shortest option, also starts in Champéry. It offers a more accessible challenge with a 1,000-meter elevation gain, making it a great choice for those new to gravel cycling or seeking a less intensive experience.

Participants in the Alpine Gravel Challenge can look forward to testing their endurance and skills on diverse terrains while enjoying breathtaking alpine landscapes and the unique cultural experience of a race that crosses national borders. The event coincides with the Bike & Sound Festival in Champéry, which combines cycling with music and entertainment, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the weekend.

The UCI Gravel World Series is an international cycling competition that unites the gravel cycling community under the UCI umbrella. The series comprises 25+ qualifier events worldwide, leading to the UCI Gravel World Championships, where the top 25% in each age group earn the opportunity to compete for the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.

UCI Gravel World Series

Event Organizer
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The UCI Gravel World Series is an elite international competition circuit dedicated to the growing discipline of gravel cycling.  Launched by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to meet the rising global interest in gravel racing, the series serves as both a competitive platform and a celebration of the unique spirit of gravel cycling. With routes often combining paved roads, gravel paths, and off-road trails, the UCI Gravel World Series attracts a diverse community of riders, from professional racers to passionate amateurs.  The gravel series is affiliated with the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which follows a similar format.

Format and Structure

The UCI Gravel World Series consists of qualifying events held across various countries, each organized in scenic, challenging locations that showcase the region’s distinctive landscapes. Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group in any qualifying event earn a coveted spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships, the series’ annual grand finale. The championship event crowns world champions across different age categories, with winners receiving the iconic UCI rainbow jersey, a prestigious symbol of cycling excellence.

Unique Characteristics

  • Mixed Terrain: Gravel racing is characterized by diverse terrain, including smooth gravel, rocky trails, forest paths, and even stretches of pavement. Each event in the UCI Gravel World Series capitalizes on this by designing courses that highlight the natural beauty of their surroundings while challenging riders’ skills and endurance.
  • Inclusivity and Accessibility: The UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional cyclists and amateur riders, with age-group categories encouraging broad participation. This inclusive approach fosters a community-focused atmosphere where cyclists of all levels can compete and share their passion for gravel cycling.
  • Scenic, Iconic Locations: Events occur in renowned cycling destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond, allowing participants to experience various landscapes and cycling cultures. The series combines tourism with sport, drawing both competitors and spectators to explore new regions through the lens of gravel racing.

The UCI Gravel World Championships

The season culminates in the UCI Gravel World Championships, hosted in a rotating location and featuring a prestigious course designed to challenge the world’s best gravel riders. The championship brings together the top finishers from the qualifying events, where they compete for age-group titles and the chance to wear the rainbow jersey. This event has quickly gained prominence as a premier gravel racing occasion, uniting the global gravel cycling community and showcasing the highest level of competition.

The UCI Gravel World Series blends traditional cycling competition with the adventurous, community-driven spirit of gravel racing, making it appealing to athletes worldwide. With gravel cycling’s ongoing growth, the series is poised to become a defining circuit in the landscape of endurance sports, drawing participants and fans who are passionate about exploring the world on two wheels.

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