The Gravel Trans Jura is not a race, but an unsupported bikepacking experience. This means no rankings, no signposted route – all participants travel individually. They navigate independently via GPX track to the QR codes at the checkpoints. Riding is only permitted during daylight hours. The organisers provide an event app with a comprehensive roadbook that includes accommodation, catering options, bike repair shops and shopping points along the route.
An adventure – and a break
The Gravel Trans Jura combines athletic intensity with scenic enjoyment. It leads through the cantons of Aargau, Solothurn, Baselland, Bern, Neuchâtel, and Vaud – with as little asphalt as possible, but plenty of gravel, forest, and mountain trails. This year’s route has been optimized once again: fewer carrying passages, more riding pleasure. Participants spend the night in tents they carry with them, under the open sky, in inns, or in hotels. What counts is the personal experience: crossing a diverse region, mastering your own limits, and sharing the adventure with like-minded people.
The very first participants are expected to reach the finish line in Nyon today, Friday. The last day of arrival is next Tuesday, June 10.
Expansion of the format
However, the story of Gravel Trans Jura continues this year after the event. There is now a new Gravel Trans Jura Individual offer. Between mid-June and October, the route can also be ridden individually outside of the event – also with the GTJ app, GPX track, checkpoints, and roadbook. This means that GTJ is also developing into a summer cycling tourism offer.
Voices from the regions
“For Baden, the Gravel Trans Jura is a valuable opportunity to showcase itself to a sporty, nature-loving audience. We look forward to welcoming the participants at the start.”Didier Miéville, Director of Nyon Tourisme:
“We are convinced that this second edition, in combination with the new individual offer, will bring great satisfaction not only to the participants but also to all the regions crossed.”
Christian Rocha, initiator and organizer of Gravel Trans Jura:
“The Gravel Trans Jura route was created during a vacation trip in the region. At the time, we had no idea that we would turn it into the largest gravel packing event in Switzerland. But we are proud that we can enable so many participants to have a good time on their bikes. And thanks to the new Gravel Trans Jura Individual offer, even more people will be able to experience this often underrated region from mid-June onwards.”