{"id":8722,"date":"2025-10-09T10:21:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T08:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ridegravel.ch\/bern\/?p=8722"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:55:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T14:55:36","slug":"despite-growth-and-the-gravel-boom-community-joy-and-adventure-remain-at-the-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ridegravel.ch\/bern\/en\/despite-growth-and-the-gravel-boom-community-joy-and-adventure-remain-at-the-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Community and adventure remain at the heart"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gravel Ride & Race Bern is just around the corner \u2013 and its eighth edition promises once again to be a highlight for gravel and cycling enthusiasts alike. On Saturday, October 18, the Swiss gravel community will gather at a brand-new venue on the vonRoll campus in Bern.
\nWith over 1,100 registered riders, 35 exhibitors, more than 40 brands and an expo area spanning around 3,600 m\u00b2, Switzerland\u2019s oldest and largest gravel event is set to be bigger, more diverse and more dynamic than ever before.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new location, set on the campus of the University of Bern, offers plenty of room for connection, enjoyment and discovery. Alongside the races, visitors can look forward to an extensive expo, a varied street food village, gravel bike test rides, and countless opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow riders.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the years, Gravel Ride & Race Bern has evolved into more than a competition \u2013 it\u2019s become a festival,\u201d says Christian Rocha, founder and organizer. \u201cOur goal is to expand the overall experience. On October 18, Bern will once again be the meeting place for the entire Swiss gravel scene. We\u2019re especially grateful to the University of Bern and PH Bern for making this new chapter possible \u2013 the new venue provides the perfect setting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Switzerland\u2019s oldest gravel event \u2013 reaching new sporting heights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since its debut in 2018, the Gravel Ride & Race Bern has grown steadily, reflecting the rapid rise of gravel cycling itself. What has never changed is the spirit \u2013 a focus on community, joy and adventure. What has<\/em> changed is the level of competition.<\/p>\n

The Gravel Race is attracting growing attention \u2013 not only from passionate amateurs, but increasingly from international professional riders.
\nAmong the elite women (start 11:45 a.m.) are defending champion and reigning \u201cGravel Queen\u201d Karolina Migon (POL), winner of the world\u2019s two biggest gravel races, The Traka<\/em> and Unbound<\/em>, as well as Clara Koppenburg (GER), Annabel Fisher (GBR), Lea Huber, and Irina L\u00fctzelschwab.<\/p>\n

The men\u2019s race (start 12:00 p.m.) features Felix Stehli, Joel Roth, and Corey Davis, lining up against MTB European Champion Luca Sch\u00e4tti, E-Bike Vice World Champion Joris Ryf, and mountain bikers Timon R\u00fcegg, Luke Wiedmann, and Max Brandl (GER) \u2013 plus former winners Nils Correvon and Lukas Fl\u00fcckiger.
\nFor the first time, the handbike category will also be officially part of the program \u2013 with none other than multiple World Champion and Paralympic gold medallist Manuela Sch\u00e4r taking part.<\/p>\n

\u201cA great course, flawless organization and an unbeatable vibe\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

These names illustrate how far the Gravel Ride & Race Bern has come in sporting terms. Former professional Lukas Fl\u00fcckiger, winner in 2019, confirms:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, the Gravel Race is the perfect way to wrap up the season. The great course, flawless organization and unbeatable atmosphere among riders make it a must every year.\u201d<\/p>\n

A proven course, new sections and formats for everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n

The route through Bremgarten Forest and out towards Forst near Frauenkappelen retains its signature character, but has been refined in several areas. New sections add more flow, rhythm and fun. Whether a competitive racer or a leisure rider, everyone can find the right challenge:<\/p>\n