The first-ever Swiss Gravel Championships will be held as part of the Gravel Festival Bern. Anyone entering the 50km Race has the opportunity to compete for the national title. While the core concept of the event remains completely unchanged, there are a few updates specifically for the Swiss Championships (SM). If you have any questions, this Q&A is here to clear things up.
Do I have to enter the Swiss Championships to ride the Race route?
No! For 2026, the license categories for the Swiss Championships are additional classifications within the race. You can still participate in the Gravel Race without a license and will be ranked in your standard age category, just like before.
Who can take part in the Swiss Championships?
All Swiss citizens holding a valid Swiss Cycling license are eligible to participate. The competition is open to riders with an Elite, U23, Masters, or Day License for their respective Age Group.
I don’t have a Swiss passport; can I still participate in the Gravel Festival?
Of course! Simply register as usual. When asked about your nationality, we will direct you to the “standard registration” path. There are two rankings: Overall and Swiss Championship (SM). This means that non-Swiss riders can still win the overall Race. The most important thing is that you are there and enjoy the Gravel Festival Bern.
How can I become a Swiss Champion?
To be ranked in the Swiss Championship standings, you need a Swiss Cycling membership as well as an annual or day license (the day license must be requested in advance and paid for on-site).
A Swiss Championship title will be awarded provided that at least five participants are registered in the respective age category. If fewer than five people register in an Age Group, it will be merged with the next youngest age category.
In which categories will Swiss Championship titles be awarded?
Swiss Championship titles will be awarded for both women and men in the following categories:
- Elite Women and Men, incl. U23 (born in 2007 and earlier)
- Women and Men Age Groups:
M20 + W20 (19–29)
M30 + W30 (30–39)
M40 + W40 (40–49)
M50 + W50 (50–59)
M60 + W60 (60+)
Riders in the U19 category (born 2008/2009) will start in the Youth category, where no Swiss Championship title is awarded.
I have a Masters license. Do I have to race against the Elite riders?
No. With a Masters license, you will automatically be classified and ranked within your specific age category.
How does the starting procedure work?
The Elite Women will kick things off, followed 15 minutes later by the Elite Men. All Age Groups will start together immediately after.
The allocation into starting pens is based on self-assessment, exactly as before. This applies regardless of whether you are competing in the Swiss Championships with a license or riding the Gravel Race without the championship classification.
How much does it cost to enter the Swiss Championships?
The entry fee for the Swiss Championships is the same as the standard 50km Gravel Race; there are no additional costs during registration. However, you will need a Swiss Cycling membership and either an annual or day license. These fees are levied directly by Swiss Cycling.
What can I win at the Swiss Championships?
In all categories—both Elite and Age Groups—the winners will receive the coveted Swiss Champion jersey. The top three in each category will also be awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals.
And, of course, plenty of glory and honour await all finishers. Information regarding prize money for the Elite categories will be published at a later date.
Which bikes are allowed for the Swiss Gravel Championships?
Only bikes with drop handlebars (dropbars) are permitted for the Swiss Championships. While bikes with flat handlebars can still participate in the general Gravel Race, they are not eligible for the Swiss Championships and will start in the regular age categories as before.
We strongly recommend a dropbar gravel bike for the long distance. Due to the higher speeds during the race, it offers greater safety, especially when riding in groups.