Race Across Switzerland: an unforgettable ultra-cycling adventure in the heart of Switzerland
Ultra-cycling makes a stop in Switzerland, and this new edition of the Race Across Switzerland promises a breathtaking adventure on spectacular roads.
Cycling through Switzerland is a veritable paradise of varied and grandiose landscapes. Imagine pedaling through lush green valleys, surrounded by majestic mountains whose peaks, sometimes still covered in snow, stand out against an intense blue sky.
With routes ranging from epic 1000 km crossings to shorter distances of 500 or 300 km, or even technical routes for gravel enthusiasts, 50, 100 or 200 km, every cyclist will find a challenge to suit his or her taste.
1000 km route: Crossing the Swiss Alps and Valleys
The 1000 km route starts in the Grisons region, famous for its picture-postcard scenery, high peaks and picturesque villages, and ends in Champagne, in the heart of the Swiss plateau. Divided into two 500 km segments, an east-west crossing and a loop, this route allows you to discover Switzerland in all its splendour and diversity. A journey between the wilderness and Swiss culture, marveling at every pedal stroke for an unforgettable ultra-cycling adventure.
The traverse: From Graubünden to Champagne in the Vaud Jura (503 km, 11,000 m D+)
This first part of the route, which crosses Switzerland from east to west, takes cyclists through mythical Alpine sites:
Prättigau The Prättigau: This valley, nestled between the majestic Silvretta massif and the imposing Rätikon, enjoys an exceptional location in the world-famous Davos Klosters region, at the gateway to the famous Heidiland, the original site of the Heidi story. Authentic Switzerland!
The Viamala and Roffla gorges and Splügen The route passes through the natural monument of the Viamala Gorge, then gradually slopes and climbs steadily through the Hinterrhein valley. In the wild Roffla Gorge, the valley narrows before reaching Splügen, the oldest pass village in Graubünden.
Passo del San Bernardino: a classic route in the history of Alpine transit, with many twists and turns, and a descent to the south, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. A gentle transition from an Alpine landscape to the mild Mediterranean of Ticino, where it's easy to find a "gelateria" for refreshments.
Gotthardpass (via Tremola) : The "Tremola" is a veritable icon among passes. "Tremare" means to tremble, and that's exactly the impression you'll get as you climb the Gotthard Pass over the countless cobblestones of Switzerland's largest memorial road. Every cyclist must have ridden the "Tremola" laces at least once in his or her life. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the legendary Gotthard stagecoach with its horses, and hear a few marmots whistling in the distance!
Furka & Grimsel: Two giants of the Alps at the very source of the Rhône, breathtaking glacial landscapes, reservoirs, winding roads, perfect asphalt and the legendary Hotel Belvédère guarantee a "Swissneyland" effect!
Grosse Scheidegg: undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful passes for us! It's an ascent that has to be earned, but one that rewards every pedal stroke with almost unreal panoramas, notably of the impressive north face of the famous Eiger. The descent is no less spectacular, set against the backdrop of Grindelwald's titans: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. A typically Swiss region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interlaken, Lake Thun and the Gantrisch Nature ParkLocated north of the Alps, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, the famous town of Interlaken and Lake Thun are set in a magnificent mountain setting and surrounded by numerous typical villages. A region that guarantees unforgettable panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
The second half: 500km / 8000D+ loop from Champagne
Starting from the Champagne base camp, this second loop will take you to a totally different part of Switzerland, with more hilly, less Alpine landscapes, but just as diverse and authentic. Another journey to the heart of Switzerland and utlra-cycling.
Highlights :
- The Neuchâtel coast and its vineyards: Villages that follow one another without resembling one another, vineyards as far as the eye can see and a lake in which the landscape, both rural and urban, is reflected in the setting sun.
- Tête de Ran and the Vue-des-Alpes pass: Between sky and lake, this region looks like a green paradise, with its mountains of flower-filled pastures and uncovered ridges. The view of the Alpine panorama in the distance is sure to take your breath away.
- Jura: A land of wide-open spaces, where rivers have carved their way through magnificent gorges, unspoilt nature and dense forests to keep you cool.
- The Plateau: a break for the legs! The Swiss Plateau forms the link between the Jura and the Alps, and is also the most densely populated region in Switzerland.
- Lucerne: located in the heart of Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Lucerne and at the gateway to Central Switzerland, Lucerne is a must-see! You'll be charmed by the beauty of its historic old town, its turquoise lake and the Chapel Bridge, which you can admire!
- Entlebuch: also known as Lucerne's "Wild West", this region boasts an incredibly rich flora and fauna (classified by UNESCO as Switzerland's first biosphere reserve). Mystical panoramas, inviting calm and relaxation, idyllic landscapes and pastures await you!
- Emmental: it's not just a cheese! Emmental is also known for its landscapes of rolling hills covered with what looks like green carpet, so smooth is it, often with a farmhouse or a lone tree at the top, and herds of cows never far away!
- The Berner Oberland : this region in the heart of Switzerland offers picturesque landscapes with countless peaks and numerous emerald-colored lakes. The Berner Oberland is one of Switzerland's most diverse and distinctive regions.
- Seeland, Büren an der Aare, Aarberg: The many medieval villages along the River Aare guide you through Seeland and its characteristically fragrant market gardens.
- Gros-Vaud: With its vast expanses of farmland, this region offers an authentic glimpse of everyday Swiss rural life that smells of summer.
500 km route: The Ultra-Resilience Double Loop
For those wishing to try their hand at ultra-distance cycling, the 500 km route from Champagne is ideal. Comprising two loops, it allows cyclists to return to the Champagne base camp, ensuring optimum support for those who wish to do so.
The first loop takes you through the Swiss Jura, starting with the Neuchâtel coastline and its vineyards, before climbing to the first foothills of the Jura, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. The typical Jura relief then takes you to the summit of Grenchenberg, before plunging into the Swiss Plateau. The route passes through the region's typical villages, steeped in history, and medieval towns, veritable open-air museums. The rest of the route crosses the 3-Lakes region or Seeland, Biel, Murten and Neuchâtel, through vast expanses of market gardens.
The second loop takes you first to the cereal-growing plains of the Swiss Plateau, with their typical smell. Then you'll arrive in the Gruyère region, a land of the heart known for its nature, culture and famous for its cheese. The route winds through the valleys into the Alps, before climbing the road to the Hongrin dam and beginning the descent to the Rhône plain, where it meets Lake Geneva. The route then allows you to admire the whole of the magnificent Lavaux wine-growing landscape. A true open-air masterpiece, sure to give you the boost you need before the final stretch that brings this typically Swiss adventure to a close.
Highlights :
- The Neuchâtel coast and its vineyards: Villages that follow one another without looking alike, vineyards as far as the eye can see and a lake in which the landscape, both rural and urban, is reflected in the setting sun.
- Tête de Ran and the Vue-des-Alpes pass: Between sky and lake, this region looks like a green paradise, with its mountains of flower-filled pastures and uncovered ridges. The view of the Alpine panorama in the distance is sure to take your breath away.
- Jura & Grenchenberg: A land of wide-open spaces, where rivers have carved their way through magnificent gorges and unspoilt nature, passing through dense forests that will keep you cool.
- Seeland, Büren an der Aare, Aarberg: The many medieval villages along the River Aare guide you through the Seeland and its characteristically fragrant market gardens.
- Gros-Vaud: With its vast expanses of farmland, this is an authentic glimpse of everyday rural Switzerland that smells of summer.
- Gruyère region: World-famous for the cheese of the same name, this picturesque region blends tradition and culture. The village of Gruyères seems to have stepped straight out of the Middle Ages and will take you back in time.
- Vaud Alps and Pays-d'Enhaut : Alpine panoramas, cheese dairies, striking natural landscapes and unique scenery: this immersion in the Swiss Alps offers the sensation of an unexplored land.
- Lavaux, vineyards and terraces: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lavaux region offers extraordinary views from every vineyard terrace you cross. The panoramic view overlooking Lake Geneva, with the Alps in the background, makes this a place out of time.
300 km course: Ultra-endurance initiation loop
A true gateway to ultra-cycling, the 300km course gives everyone the chance to try their hand at ultra-distance racing. The single loop will take you in turn through the different geographical regions that make up Switzerland.
This route takes you first to the cereal-growing plains of the Swiss Plateau, with their typical smell and summer fragrance. Next, you'll arrive in the Gruyère region, a heartland known for its nature and culture, and famous for its cheese. The route winds through the valleys into the Alps, before climbing the road to the Hongrin dam and beginning the descent to the Rhône plain, where it meets Lake Geneva. The route then takes in the whole of the magnificent Lavaux wine-growing landscape, a veritable open-air masterpiece, sure to give you the boost you need before the final stretch that brings this typically Swiss adventure to a close.
Highlights :
- Gros-Vaud: With its vast expanses of farmland, this is an authentic glimpse of everyday rural Switzerland that smells of summer.
- Gruyère region: World-famous for the cheese of the same name, this picturesque region blends tradition and culture. The village of Gruyères seems to have stepped straight out of the Middle Ages and will take you back in time.
- Vaud Alps and Pays-d'Enhaut : Alpine panoramas, cheese dairies, striking natural landscapes and unique scenery: this immersion in the Swiss Alps offers the sensation of an unexplored land.
- Lavaux, vineyards and terraces: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lavaux region offers extraordinary views from every vineyard terrace you cross. The panoramic view overlooking Lake Geneva, with the Alps in the background, makes this a place out of time.
Gravel Trail: Discovering the Swiss Jura
For gravel enthusiasts, the Race Across Switzerland offers three distances (200 km, 100 km, 50 km) winding through the Swiss Jura. These routes are an opportunity to discover the region from another angle, via the dirt and rocky paths typical of the Jura. The route will take you from village to village, through this region rich in watchmaking heritage and other unmissable sights (perhaps you'll find a little vial of "fée verte" (Absinthe) hidden in the woods... history doesn't tell if it's a good refito'.
Nature's deep valleys, mountains and flower-filled pastures will make you forget the difficulties, taking you from farmhouses to jagged ridges and offering a space to escape. The various routes promise a perfect immersion in wild, raw and authentic nature.
Highlights :
Watchmaking towns and villages: The UNESCO-listed towns of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds are part of the world-famous watchmaking heritage.
Lac des Taillières and Brévine: A lakeside landscape at over 1,000m altitude, on the edge of Switzerland's coldest valley. La Brévine is known as the Siberia of Switzerland, so it's a good thing we're here in summer!
La Sagne and Vallée des Ponts: A little gem in the heart of the Jura mountains, surrounded by typical landscapes, dotted with sinkholes and vast meadows. The Vallée des Ponts is a vast marshy site, the site of a peat bog that was once exploited.
Tête-de-Ran: Between sky and lake, this region looks like a green paradise, with its mountains of flower-filled pastures and uncovered ridges. The view of the Alpine panorama in the distance will take your breath away.
Gorge de l'Areuse: A true natural spectacle in an unspoilt environment, where the Areuse flows through to provide a cool breeze on hot summer days.
Creux-du-Van: A rocky cirque of breathtaking beauty, with its vertiginous horseshoe-shaped cliffs offering one of the grandest panoramas in this part of Switzerland.
