Gravel Chile
Date
Saturday 03.10.2026Distances
58 - 100 kmCity
Lago Ranco, Valdivia, Los Rios
Country
ChileUCI Gravel Chile is organized for the first time in the Los Rios region in the central-south of the country. The organisation is in hands of the team also running the UCI Granfondo World Series races in Brazil and Colombia and the UCI Granfondo in the same location the next day.
Event concept
The event is designed as a combined UCI Gravel World Series and UCI Gran Fondo World Series weekend, creating a unique multi-discipline cycling festival that maximizes athlete participation, tourism impact, community engagement, and operational efficiency.
By bringing together two UCI World Series events in the same destination and weekend, athletes and accompanying families can enjoy an enhanced travel experience while participating in multiple cycling disciplines. This format also strengthens the event village atmosphere, increases sponsor visibility, and generates greater economic and tourism benefits for the host region.
Lago Ranco offers an ideal setting for this innovative concept, combining world-class cycling routes, a strong outdoor culture, excellent gravel terrain, and the natural beauty of Chile’s Los Ríos Region.
Course
The 100km course starts at the borders of the Ranco lake at Lago Ranco at an elevation of 73m above sea level. The hardest part of the course follows directly in the start with an immediate climb going away from the lake into the mountains for 4km of climbing in two steps to reach the highest point on course after 13.5km at 260m above the sea.
Riders turn right after 16km to make a large 67km counterclockwise loop to a lower point near Rio Bueno to get back to the finish 16km which are done in a reverse way back to the finish in Lago Ranco.
Total elevation is 665m.
The shorter 58km mediofondo as qualifier distance for all men 60+ and women 50+ uses the same start and finish but has a smaller loop before returning ack to the finish. With its 515m of elevation, it has almost the same number of climbing.
LOS RIOS
- Location: Southern Chile, part of Northern Patagonia.
- Capital: Valdivia.
- Geography: Known as the “Region of Rivers,” it features lush rainforests, navigable rivers, lakes, volcanoes, and ocean beaches. It consists of two provinces: Valdivia and Ranco.
- Nature & Culture: The region is rich in biodiversity, with ancient Valdivian forests, national parks, and indigenous Mapuche heritage. It also has strong German cultural influence due to 19th-century immigration.
- Economy: Forestry, tourism, and agriculture dominate, with ecotourism growing rapidly.
Valdivia is a riverside city often called “La Perla del Sur” and the Beer Capital of Chile. It blends colonial history, German heritage, and vibrant modern culture.
Key Attractions in Valdivia
- Feria Fluvial (Riverside Market): A bustling market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and crafts. It’s a cultural landmark and a great spot for photography.
- Botanical Garden (Universidad Austral): A serene green space showcasing native flora, ideal for nature walks.
- Valdivian Fort System: Historic Spanish forts in Corral and Niebla, offering panoramic views and insight into colonial defence.
- Museums:
- Museo Histórico y Antropológico – Exhibits Mapuche artefacts and German settler history.
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo – Modern art in a unique riverside setting.
- Costanera Promenade: Scenic riverside walk with cafés and views of Calle-Calle River.
- Kunstmann Brewery: Famous for craft beer and German-Chilean gastronomy.
Top Nature & Adventure Spots in Los Ríos
- Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve: A private ecotourism paradise with waterfalls, canopy tours, and unique lodges like Montaña Mágica.
- Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route): Stunning lakes near Panguipulli, perfect for kayaking and hot springs.
- Alerce Costero National Park: Home to ancient larch trees, including the legendary “Gran Abuelo.”
- Termas Geométricas: Iconic hot springs in a dramatic ravine setting, ideal for relaxation.
