The inaugural Alpine Gravel Challenge in Champéry this weekend is set to be a grueling test for climbers in a beautiful Alpine landscape nestled in the heart of the Dents du Midi region. As the third last qualifying option for the UCI Gravel World Championships, the 94km course features a challenging uphill start, beginning in the valley of Monthey and culminating in a demanding 30km climb primarily on paved roads.
Once riders reach the finish line for the first time, the course transitions to gravel, tracing the Swiss-French border and reaching a maximum altitude of 1869 meters after 55 kilometers. While the second half offers some respite with more downhill sections, the overall elevation gain of 3200 meters makes it one of the toughest courses in the TREK UCI Gravel World Series.
For riders over 60 (men) and 50 (women), a shorter 64km route is their qualifier distance, excluding the initial uphill climb. With over 300 registered riders from 17 countries, the Alpine Gravel Challenge is set to be a highly competitive event. This year, it will be combined with the Bike & Sound Festival, an event where cycling enthusiasts from the region, both young and old, come together to enjoy a weekend filled with races, music, and various activities.
Next year, Champéry will host the UCI Mountainbike Downhill World Championships.
