Name: UCI Gravel Switzerland 2026
Start: 2026-06-27T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-27T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

About This Event

Set in the dramatic Vaud Alps with Villars-sur-Ollon as its stunning mountain backdrop, this UCI Gravel World Series qualifier offers three challenging routes through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine terrain. What sets this event apart is its clever combination of technical gravel sections, forest roads, and quiet mountain passages that demand constant pace changes and tactical thinking.

The signature Big Loop covers 110 kilometers with 2,600 meters of climbing, beginning with steep 4×4 tracks toward Les Chaux before threading through historic hamlets like Taveyanne. The route’s highlight comes at Col de Bretaye, the highest point, followed by a technical descent to Les Diablerets. After a deceptively flat 15-kilometer stretch along the Rhône near Aigle, riders face the decisive final climb through forest gravel roads to Les Ecovets—a punishing 15-kilometer ascent that typically determines the race outcome.

The Small Loop (61km, 1,800m elevation) follows an identical start but shortcuts via La Forclaz, maintaining the same challenging finish climb that separates contenders from survivors. A Discovery Loop (33km, 900m elevation) welcomes newcomers to alpine gravel racing.

Course variety keeps riders engaged: expect everything from flowing singletrack to demanding forest roads requiring frequent gear changes. The high “vertical drop per kilometer” ratio makes this one of the most challenging rounds on the UCI calendar. Aid stations are strategically placed at mountain refuges, including Solalex and Frience, where riders can refuel with proper mountain fare.

The top 25% in each age group qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships, adding serious competitive edge to the alpine adventure.

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.