Monaco Gravel Race

Date
Sunday 20.04.2025
Distances
120 km
City
Monaco – Peille (MON)
Country
Monaco
Website Contact

Monaco Gravel Race is a new UCI Gravel event in the mountain village of Peille, high above Monaco and connected to its tiny neighbouring country in a region full of cycling history.

Course

Departure from Peille

Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Peille – Grimaldi de Monaco, nestled at 650 meters in the Alpes Maritimes. You’ll set off from the Col Saint Pancrace, embarking on a 52km gravel adventure through the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

Conquering the Col de Braus

Your first major challenge will be the iconic Col de Braus, famously scaled by Tour de France cyclists in 2024. You’ll tackle this ascent on gravel tracks, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. The climb is divided into two parts:

  1. Col des Boeufs: Ascend to the Col des Boeufs, where you might encounter enthusiastic supporters cheering you on. Then, descend to admire breathtaking views of the Mercantour mountains.
  2. Farghet Plateau: Climb through the forest to reach the Farghet Plateau. From here, push hard towards the summit of the Col de Braus.


A Scenic Descent

After conquering the Col de Braus, you’ll enjoy a series of exhilarating descents, both on asphalt roads and gravel tracks. The route will take you through the renowned Col du Castillon and near the highest hilltop village on the Mediterranean coast, the stunning Saint Agnès.

The Finish Line

Finally, you’ll return to Peille – Grimaldi de Monaco, completing your challenging and rewarding gravel adventure on the same 8km loop that was used in the start.

Shorter Route Option

Men over 60 and women over 50 have a shorter 83km course as qualifier distance. This route shares the same start and finish points but omits the northern section, instead incorporating two local laps of 33km each.

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Profile

With a course boasting 2400m of elevation over 120km, this is a hard course with a tough climb in the start and two major climbs on the 52km lap.

The shorter 83km course still has 1800m of climbing.

Profile local lap
Profile big loop

PELLE

Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Peille is a captivating medieval village with a fascinating connection to Monaco.

Historical Significance:

  • Former Overlord: In the 12th century, Peille held dominion over a vast territory, including the Rock of Monaco.
  • Genoese Influence: In 1179, Peille ceded its rights over Monaco to Genoa, marking a turning point in the history of the Principality.
  • Savoyard Rule: From the 14th century until the French Revolution, Peille was under the rule of the House of Savoy, along with the County of Nice.

Monaco’s Connection:

  • Shared Heritage: Peille and Monaco share a common historical and cultural heritage, rooted in medieval times.
  • Princely Presence: The Principality of Monaco has maintained a connection to Peille, with Prince Rainier III even donating an organ to the local church.
  • A Place of Retreat: Princess Grace of Monaco often sought solace in the princely estates of Rocagel and Fontbonne, located within the territory of Peille.

A Charming Destination:

Today, Peille offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its narrow, winding streets, ancient stone houses, and impressive fortifications. The village’s strategic location provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re exploring the historic center, hiking in the nearby mountains, or simply relaxing in a charming café, Peille is a delightful destination for those seeking a taste of authentic Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.