UCI Gravel Switzerland 2024, 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 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 in the direction of 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 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.
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.
