The inaugural Monaco Gravel Race, set for Sunday in Peille near Monaco, anticipates a demanding event with significant elevation gains following recent rain.
Starting at 650m in Peille, most of the 540 participants from 26 nations will tackle a 52km loop twice, conquering the Col Saint Pancrace, Col de Braus, and Col du Castillon to pass in the picturesque village of Saint Agnès. This challenging 120km course features a total elevation gain of 2400m including a start and finish loop of 8km.
A shorter 83km route with 1800m of climbing bypasses the northern section for men over 60 and women over 50.
Felipe Orts, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Toby Perry, Carolin Schiff, and Klara Sofie Skovgaard Hansen are among the favourites, while former Formula 1 driver Alain Prost is a notable entrant aiming for qualification in his age group.
