Under radiant autumn skies and ideal temperatures, the eighth edition of the Gravel Ride & Race Bern took place on Saturday, October 18. For the first time, the vonRoll campus of the University of Bern and PH Bern served as the venue for Switzerland’s largest and oldest gravel festival – and the premiere at the new location could hardly have gone better.
A new venue, a new experience
The spacious 3,600-square-metre site offered plenty of room for 35 exhibitors and over 40 brands. Riders, visitors, and families made full use of the new infrastructure and enjoyed the relaxed, open atmosphere. All day long, the area buzzed with activity – conversations among riders, curious glances at the latest bikes, the aroma of street food, and the laughter of children discovering the sport on their own course.
Record participation
For the first time in the event’s history, the 1,400-entry mark was surpassed – a clear sign of the growing popularity of both the sport and the festival.
“For our eighth edition, we were looking for a new home – and thanks to the strong support of the University of Bern and the City of Bern, we’ve found it,” said a delighted race director Christian Rocha. “The vonRoll campus gives us room to grow and a worthy setting for the event.”
Racing, riding, and celebrating together
The routes started on Bremgartenstrasse, leading via the Länggass roundabout into the Bremgarten forest, through the Eymatt area and Forst, and back to the start and finish zone. On the 52 km race course, riders fought for seconds and places, while the 25 km ride focused on the shared experience. The VCS Family Ride and kids’ courses delighted the youngest participants – and their proud parents waiting at the finish line.
Pros and enthusiasts share the gravel spirit
Smiling faces, bright eyes, and spontaneous handshakes defined the atmosphere in the finish area. The joy of gravel riding and pride in personal achievement were visible everywhere.
“For me as a mountain biker, this gravel race was something new – and it was an absolute blast,” said Luca Schätti, European Short Track Champion, after crossing the line.
In the women’s category, Seraina Leugger (BL) took the win ahead of Karolina Migon (POL) and Noëlle Buri (BE). Among the men, Nils Brun claimed victory in a thrilling sprint finish ahead of Martin Fanger and Luke Wiedmann (all SUI). Even cycling legends Fabian Cancellara and Thomas Frischknecht joined the field.
Bern in full gravel spirit
“The new venue is a huge plus for the event, and the course is a highlight every year – especially for us locals,” said Bern-based bike dealer Keepy Wyss.
More than 120 volunteers and numerous street food stands helped ensure that the roughly 4,000 attendees enjoyed an unforgettable day.
Gravel Ride & Race Bern 2025 once again proved how much passion, community, and joy define the Swiss gravel scene – right in the heart of Bern.