GRAAALPS offers a unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable gravel journey through the stunning landscapes of the Alps.
Part 1: Your journey to France.
Embark on a 231 km adventure from Mandelieu to Col de Tende, boasting a positive elevation gain of 7250m and an elevation loss of 5250 m.
Commencing from the picturesque shores of Mandelieu, where the race village awaits, brace yourself for a spellbinding and awe-inspiring route. Navigate through challenging terrains as you make your way to the charming city of Grasse, traversing this remarkable landscape until you reach the summit of Mont Ferion. Then, press on, conquering the magnificent Col du Savel (Saint-Roch) before concluding with the exhilarating gravel section of Col de Tende.
Part 2: The journey continues to Italy
Italy is where you will meet the basecamps on the route. But make no mistake this does not mean it will be easy.
With a total of 400km and 7800m of climbing, this will be hell of journey. more than 6000 m elevation loss as well.
On the way, 2 basecamps, basecamp 1: Palestra Cantore, Coni, and Basecamp 2: motovelodromo Fausto Coppi in Torino.
After 2 possible rest, you will then climb up to Col du Grand Saint Bernard, to finish your italian journey.
Part 3: The Final Stretch of the Course
They say, “save the best for last,” and Switzerland certainly lives up to that adage.
While it may be the shortest leg, it’s packed with beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the majestic Grand Saint Bernard to the breathtaking Croix de Coeur and the charming Crans-Montana in the picturesque Valais canton, this leg promises to be a feast for the eyes and a test for your weary legs.
Covering 130km with 3600m of ascent and 4500m of descent, it’s a challenge worth conquering.
As you approach the finish line at Place Ycoor in Crans-Montana, be sure to do so with flair. We’ll be there to welcome you, celebrating your journey and rewarding you for your incredible achievement.
This marks the culmination of your quest through GRAAALPS, a journey you’ll never forget.
In the narrative of our event, two cities come together in a noble alliance, forming a bond destined for greatness. Together, they craft the epic tale of GRAAALPS—an extraordinary adventure inviting bold enthusiasts to traverse the majestic Alps through challenging gravel terrain.
Set in the Swiss Alps, Crans Montana combines challenging off-road terrain with breathtaking Alpine scenery. The town’s allure lies in its harmonious blend of mountain trails, upscale ambiance, and iconic landmarks, making it a captivating destination for those seeking an unforgettable gravel cycling adventure.
Commence your journey along the Mediterranean shores of Mandelieu-La-Napoule. Nestled on the French Riviera, Mandelieu beckons gravel cyclists with its coastal allure, offering a blend of sandy paths, a sophisticated marina, and the historic Château de la Napoule. Surrounded by the scenic Estérel Massif, the town becomes a haven for gravel enthusiasts exploring panoramic coastal trails, fusing seaside charm with thrilling natural landscapes.
Join us on this exhilarating 5-day adventure as we explore the stunning landscapes of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. GRAAALPS invites you to embark on a unique gravel bikepacking experience, the first and only under the semi-autonomy concept. From the picturesque Mediterranean shores of MANDELIEU to the majestic summit of CRANS MONTANA in Switzerland, this journey is a true odyssey, traversing the renowned Alps and crossing three distinct countries.
You can experience this adventure solo, as a pair, or in a group of four. To ensure safety and deliver a high-quality event, for this first edition, the number of spots is limited to 100 solo participants, 20 team ‘duos’, and 10 team of 4. Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis following the FIFO principle.
GRAAALPS stands as a truly distinctive Gravel adventure, marking the first-ever Gravel ultra-distance event to traverse the Alps across three countries under the innovative semi-autonomy concept. Our unique approach seamlessly combines crucial safety services with the liberty for riders to relish autonomy. Striking the perfect balance, GRAAALPS ensures a secure experience while preserving the exhilaration of self-guided exploration. Immerse yourself in the best of both worlds with GRAAALPS
THE SEMI AUTONOMY DETAILED:
The semi-autonomy concept at GRAAALPS is crafted to enhance your adventure by providing essential services while preserving your autonomy on the route. From transporting your bike box to the finish line to managing drop bags at our strategically located base camp along the course, we take care of the essentials. Moreover, our vigilant team monitors each rider’s progress through GPS, prepared to deploy safety protocols in emergencies, ensuring your focus remains solely on pedaling. Whether you choose to stop at our base camp for refreshments and facilities or continue without interruption, the decision is yours. GRAAALPS is fundamentally committed to assisting every participant in completing their challenge in the safest manner possible.
GRAAALPS kicks off with its longest course spanning 750km, culminating in a thrilling Gravel weekend festival in Crans-Montana. Explore a range of distances and engaging animations designed to cater to diverse preferences. Check out the details below for a sneak peek into the exciting options available.
GRAAALPS presents an exhilarating lineup of events for the ultimate gravel experience.
WARM UP RIDE, July 16th, 2024 – 10 AM, Mandelieu-la-Napoule
An immersive escapade into the heart of nature, open to everyone and fellow gravel enthusiasts, just to warm up before the start!
BIB PICK-UP AND EQUIPMENT CHECK, Tuesday, July 16th, 2024
Eric Estival Stadium, Mandelieu
From 10 AM to 5 PM
BRIEFING AND PASTA PARTY: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Eric Estival Stadium, Mandelieu
From 6 PM to 8 PM
START: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
The GRAAALPS 700K adventure kicks off in Mandelieu on the night of Tuesday (exact time and location to be confirmed).
10 PM: Parade in the urban area led by the city club and escorted by municipal police.
10:30 PM: Rolling Start (time to be confirmed)
BASECAMP #1:
Location: To be determined
Opening date and time: To be determined
Closing date and time: To be determined
Open 24/24
Note: If you arrive after closing time, regrettably, you’ll be disqualified and won’t have access to your bag due to logistics reasons. You can choose to continue or find an alternative way back to Crans-Montana to retrieve your belongings.
FINISH LINE: From Thursday, July 18th, 2024 until july 21st
The grand finale awaits at Place YCOOR in CRANS MONTANA, from 4PM
FINISHER PARTY AND CLOSING CEREMONY:
Saturday, September 20th, 2024
700km / 18.000M+ (approximately)
Maximum Altitude: 2514 meters
Minimum Altitude: sea level
Terrain: Gravel, split to come
Cut-off Time: 120 hours / 5 days
Basecamp x 1: Location tbd
Start: Mandelieu-la-Napoule, FR
Finish: Crans-Montana, CH
Fixed GPS Route
Tracking via geolocator
In true GRAAALPS spirit, we’ve got your logistics covered with our exclusive Bike Box/Bag Transfer service!
BIKE BOX/BAG TRANSFER:
As part of your registration, we’re offering a seamless transfer service for your bike box/bag, ensuring it travels with you from the vibrant start in Mandelieu la Napoule to the triumphant finish line in Crans-Montana. Simply hand over your box/bag during registration on July 16th, 2024. And here’s a tip: Your bike box might be doubling as extra storage, so give it a quick empty before the handover.
DROP BAG:
Included in your registration fee is our ‘Drop Bag’ (20L) service (drop bag not included, please bring yours). Drop it off on July 16th, 2024, just before the adventure begins. We’ll transport it to the base camp, where you can easily locate it for a quick change. Leave it with us again, and we’ll ensure it reaches the finish line. Remember, your belongings await you at the finish line; nothing will be left behind in Mandelieu. GRAAALPS takes care of the details so you can focus on the ride!
