Marco’s Gravel Trans Jura

27. February 2026
Are you looking for a very special adventure? Then participating in the Gravel Trans Jura 2026 is just the thing for you. In our series «Gravel Trans Jura Stories» former participants report on their personal experiences during this unique crossing of the Jura Mountains. Today, Marco (55) from Baden shares his story.
Marco, how long have you been riding a gravel bike and what fascinates you about gravel riding?
Since 1998 with my first cyclocross bike, the precursor to gravel bikes. The wonderful thing about it is the boundless freedom, combined with the lightness of a road bike, both on and off the road.
What made you decide to sign up for the Gravel Trans Jura?

With my bike shop in Baden, Bike Zone, I support the event as a provider of bike checks and lead rider at the start. But participating is even better—I’m closer to the people, experiencing the beautiful Jura landscapes, simply a relaxed adventure, just the right thing for getting started in the bike packing gravel scene.

How did you prepare for it?

1-2 times a week, longer gravel rides of 50-100 km and a few multi-day bikepacking tours in the spring…that was enough.

And who was with you at the start?

Everyone I know from the cycling community. It’s always great to be out and about with these people. Since it’s not a race, it’s a bit more relaxed, and we have good conversations along the way. As the lead rider, I was alone at the front for the first few kilometers before we set off together as a group of 30.

If you had to choose one moment/place from your Gravel Trans Jura, which one…

… moved you the most emotionally?

The rainy drive to Chasseral and then stopping at the restaurant, where we all huddled together to warm up… I have rarely experienced such tranquility. A beautiful, melancholic atmosphere

… pushed you to your physical limits?

It was challenging, but not to the limit, except for the rainy day, which was really tough.

… impressed you most in terms of scenery?

The trails at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park

… touched you the most in terms of interpersonal relationships?

When I met Jonny, we realized within the first few kilometers that we were riding at the same speed, and then rode together for three days until we reached the finish line in Nyon. We motivated and pushed each other really well.

What advice would you give to someone participating in the GTJ for the first time in 2026?

Just take it easy, everyone has enough time, better to slow down, keep going steadily, and simply enjoy!

Will you be back?

Absolutely! It will always be different – the weather, the atmosphere, some parts of the route, new encounters.

And if so, what will you do differently, improve, or optimize compared to your last participation?

I got a little carried away by the dynamics of the leading group…it’s great, but with a slightly calmer riding style, I would have ridden longer and more relaxed every day…otherwise, everything will be as freestyle as it was before—I love adventure!