Last Updated July 24, 2024 --
The 2025 event date is not confirmed -- The UCI Gran Fondo Switzerland Villars 2025 is an annual cycling event in the beautiful Swiss Alps. It is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for cycling. It is one of the many Gran Fondo events held worldwide under the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.
The UCI Gran Fondo Switzerland Villars 2025 is a must-do event for any cycling enthusiast who wants to experience the thrill of riding through the Swiss Alps. With its challenging routes, stunning scenery, and festive atmosphere, it is a perfect combination of sport, nature, and culture that is sure to leave lasting memories.
Event & Course Info
The UCI Gran Fondo Switzerland Villars allows participants to ride through some of Switzerland's most picturesque scenery, with stunning views of the Alps, lakes, and valleys. The event is open to amateur and professional cyclists, with categories for men and women of different age groups. There are four event options. The Gran Fondo is more than a qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships; this course is worthy of a Grand Tour mountain stage. Starting from Villars-sur-Ollon, nearly 4,000m of ascent await participants, with climbs of the most legendary passes in the Vaud Alps. The Col de la Croix and Col du Pillon provide a hearty warm-up before tackling the lesser-known Col du Mittelberg. This ascent, which links Pays-d'Enhaut and Saanenland, offers magnificent landscapes where nature reigns supreme. Participants will then enjoy a more rolling section of the race before the wild and peaceful ascent of the Hongrin Valley towards its lake and dam. The final summit finish is at the Col de la Croix, after an ascent up the other side of the mountain.
The Medio Fondo covers a distance of 96 km with an elevation gain of 2,500 meters of elevation gain. The route takes participants through the classic passes of the Vaud Alps. The ascent of the Col de la Croix from the Vaud resort is the perfect warm-up for the Col du Pillon from Les Diablerets. After a short incursion into the canton of Berne near Gstaad, the Col des Mosses offers a Grand Tour atmosphere, with the Tour de France passing through in 2022 and the numerous Tours de Suisse and de Romandie. Before arriving at the summit of the Col de la Croix, climbed by its other side, the ascent to La Forclaz will introduce participants to a little-known but equally attractive climb in the region. This "short" and explosive route is the perfect alternative for many.
The Rando route has a lot to offer at 56k and 1900 meters of elevation gain, ideal for a first major cycling challenge. After the classic ascent of Col de la Croix from Villars-sur-Ollon, this route takes you up Les Voëttes towards Col des Mosses. This narrow, peaceful route takes you through pastures, but the sometimes steep gradients don't mean you don't have to pedal. After a refreshment stop at Les Mosses and the descent to Le Sépey, it's time to discover the climb to La Forclaz before arriving at the Col de la Croix summit, climbed by its other side.
Whereas the Gran, Medio, and Rando take place on July 7, the event offers the chance to compete in a Time Trial competition on July 5. The route is 7k with 440 meters of climbing .
Participants come from around the world to test their mettle against some of Europe's most challenging mountain terrain. The event is the only Swiss qualifier for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. Athletes in the top 25% of their age group will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Glasgow.
Apart from the competitive aspect of the event, the UCI Gran Fondo Switzerland Villars also offers cyclists a fantastic opportunity to socialize and meet fellow riders from around the world. The event has a festive atmosphere, with various activities and events organized, including an expo area, live music, and local food and wine tastings.
The UCI Gran Fondo World Series (UGFWS) is a series of international UCI-approved races. The top 25% in each age group (category) of a qualifying race will automatically qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Denmark, where the champions are awarded the coveted rainbow jersey. The only UCI event in the US is the Cheaha Challenge in Alabama.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Villars is located in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises, at an altitude of 1,300 meters, on a south-facing natural terrace. For over 150 years, the resort has offered various sports and leisure activities to families and visitors of all ages, away from the urban hustle and bustle. Villars has retained its village feel despite significant tourism development due to a construction policy that maintains architectural uniformity. Old ancestral chalets sit alongside new wood and stone constructions to retain a harmony that blends perfectly with the natural setting. Many protected areas also help preserve the natural environment, so visitors can enjoy a typical mountain ambience, ideal for getting away from it all and relaxing, along with stunning views.
Villars has a long tradition of cycling. The resort has organized many Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse stage arrivals. It has also hosted several cyclosportives crisscrossing the region's roads. Villars offers its visitors numerous road, mountain, and electric bike routes.
Related Events
Coming soon.
