Last updated July 24, 2024 --
The 2025 event date is not confirmed -- UCI Gravel Switzerland 2025, part of the UCI Gravel World Series, offers a unique cycling experience in the picturesque Vaud Alps, with the famous mountain resort of Villars as its epicenter. This event stands out with three distinct routes designed for varying levels of cycling proficiency: the Big Loop (110 km, 2600 m elevation), the Small Loop (61 km, 1800 m elevation), and the Discovery Loop (33 km, 900 m elevation). Villars, the host village, enriches the experience with its charming accommodations and exquisite culinary options, providing an ideal backdrop for both competitive and leisure cycling. The event qualifies for the UCI Gravel World Championship and is rated by Strambecco as Best-in-Class for Switzerland.
Big Loop Route
Departing from Villars, the route takes participants into the heart of the Vaud Alps. The 102-kilometer loop, with 2600 meters of elevation gain, links the pastures of Villars, Les Diablerets, and Gryon through gravel sections and quiet mountain roads.
The route leaves Villars on the asphalt road before the first slopes appear on a 4×4 track towards Les Chaux in the Gryon ski area. Along the way, you'll pass the Solalex and Frience refuges, where it's a good idea to grab a bite to eat on a Sunday outing. You then head for Taveyanne, a hamlet listed as a historic monument. Shortly before the Col de la Croix summit, you branch off toward Essex, where pretty singletrack and then a gravel road takes you to the Col de Bretaye, the highest point of this route.
You descend along a forest road until you reach the resort of Les Diablerets and its Sports Park. You climb up towards the authentic village of La Forclaz before a long, steep descent takes you back to the plains. In Aigle, on the doorstep of the UCI headquarters, a completely flat section begins along the Rhône, 15km long. A clever mix of small farm roads, forest roads, and easy singletrack requires regular changes in pace.
To reach the finish line in Villars, you first climb towards Panex on the forest gravel road to Les Ecovets. These last 15 kilometers of ascent are already shaping up to be the judge of this UCI Gravel World Series alpine event.
Small Loop Route
The small loop spans 61k and 1800 meters of elevation gain. The start of the Small Loop route is identical to that of the Big Loop. After tackling the first, sometimes steep slopes towards Les Chaux and the gravel version of the Col de la Croix, the passage over the Col de Bretaye remains identical.
This time, the route takes participants directly to the picturesque village of La Forclaz. This is followed by the same rapid descent towards Aigle and straight back up to the town of Verschiez. As in the Big Loop, the climb through the forest towards Panex and Les Ecovets will likely give the best riders the chance to make the difference for the final victory in Villars.
With this route combining alpine gravel and a high "vertical drop per km" ratio, the UCI Gravel Suisse is already a unique round of the UCI Gravel World Series calendar.
There is also a Discover route spanning 31k and 900 meters of elevation gain designed for those new to gravel or just looking for a less intense experience.
Villars-sur-Ollon
Villars-sur-Ollon, nestled in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland, is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those participating in cycling events. This charming mountain village offers stunning Alpine scenery and a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking and hiking. Accommodation options range from cozy chalets to luxury hotels, ensuring comfort for all preferences. Culinary delights are abundant, with local restaurants serving traditional Swiss and international dishes, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation after a challenging ride. For more adventure, Villars provides access to skiing during the winter and vibrant cultural events year-round.
Related Events - The Trek UCI Gravel World Series
Sponsored by Trek, the UCI Gravel World Series is the latest UCI World Series addition. This series is based on the successful UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which launched in 2011 as a road qualifier series for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Events see up to 8000 riders each year! The Trek UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional and amateur riders, with various categories available to suit different levels of experience and skill.
The Trek UCI Gravel World Series is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale and features events held worldwide. Each race features a unique course and set of challenges for the riders. Strambecco rates several events, including the two North American qualifying events listed below.
- The Highlands Gravel Classic in Arkansas started last year to rave reviews and features the beautiful Boston Mountains range of the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas – known as the Highlands. Strambecco rates Highlands as one of the best gravel events in the South-Central region and Arkansas.
- The Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo is organized by Cycling Events Ontario and is rated one of Strambecco's best cycling events in Canada.
In addition to individual races, the Trek UCI Gravel World Series includes an overall ranking system that awards points based on a rider's performance across multiple events. Some 15-20 qualifier events qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Gravel World Championships, held this year in Belgium in the Fall, where the champions are awarded the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.
The major success of gravel races lies in discovering new hidden backcountry roads. During these mass participation events, riders of all levels, from world tour elite level to cyclo tourists, can share the same routes. These events offer a unique opportunity for cyclists to push their limits and explore the beauty of nature while competing against some of the best riders in the world.
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