For the eighth time, Gravel Ride & Race Bern is transforming the federal capital into the centre of the Swiss gravel scene. The mix of sport, festival and family activities has attracted hundreds of riders every year since 2018. This year, there is every reason to believe that the success story will reach a new high.
New location enhances festival character
The new event site offers around 3,000 square metres of space. Forty brands will be presenting their products, and numerous food trucks will be providing culinary diversity. In addition to the legendary roller slide, an agility course and a bouncy castle, there is now also a cool pump track for families and children. Lots of action and a varied supporting programme are guaranteed.
In terms of sport, Gravel Ride & Race Bern once again offers four formats:
- The Gravel Race: the classic 50-kilometre race for ambitious and athletic cyclists
- The Gravel Ride: the leisurely 25-kilometre ride without timekeeping
- The VCS Family Ride over 10 kilometres with quiz stations on the topics of cycling, mobility and the environment
- as well as the Kids Gravel, where the youngest participants can get their first taste of racing on a closed course.
The event is setting a special example in terms of inclusion: after testing last year whether the course could also be completed with hand bikes, the format is now a permanent fixture in the 2025 programme. This makes the Gravel Ride & Race Bern even more accessible to all sports enthusiasts.
Inclusion in action – handbikes on the original course
This year, the tried-and-tested route will once again lead through the Bremgarten Forest to Eymatt, on to Frauenkappelen and via Wohlei back to the Länggasse district – with the start and finish directly at the new event site.
Christian Rocha, initiator of the event, emphasises:
“The move to a new location was important for the development of the event, but it also brings new challenges. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the effort will be more than worth it. Once again, a record number of participants is expected – in all formats. This shows that gravel continues to enjoy growing popularity. We are proud to be among the pioneers in this sport. But we would also like to thank the city of Bern and our partners, who stand by our side and make this event possible in the first place.”
With the growing popularity of gravel biking, increasing registration numbers, the new location and a commitment to inclusion, the organisers are expecting a gravel festival for the whole of Switzerland.