Dead Ends & Cake 2026
📍 eastern Switzerland, Switzerland
gravelroadmtb
Date
19-21 June 2026
Distance
500km
Elevation
9,000 m
Difficulty
gravel
Aurora Gravel Rally Series Switzerland
Jura 3 Lacs, Switzerland · 05-06 September 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
This two-day gravel rally in the Swiss Jura mountains offers two challenging distances, the longest covering 179 km with 3637m of elevation. Riders will experience a mix of fast, rolling terrain and demanding mountainous sections with stunning panoramas.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 179km · 133km
- Elevation
- 3,637 m
- Surface
- gravel, tarmac
- Typical W/kg
- 3–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is ideal for gravel cyclists who enjoy multi-stage racing with timed rally sections, seeking a blend of competitive challenge and a festive, social atmosphere amidst picturesque Swiss landscapes.
Who will struggle
Riders unaccustomed to significant and sustained climbing over multiple days, particularly those without robust gravel cycling experience, will find the full course exceptionally demanding.
Training focus
Focus on consistent, long-duration rides to build endurance, combined with dedicated climbing intervals to prepare for the substantial elevation gain across both stages.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available course distances and elevations?+
Riders can choose between two course options: the "Full" distance covering 179 km with 3637 meters of elevation gain, or the "Discovery" distance of 133 km with 2958 meters of climbing.
How does the timing system work for the race?+
The event uses a rally-style timing format, with 2 to 3 timed sections per stage, which account for approximately two-fifths of the total course distance. The remaining sections are untimed liaisons.
Are electric bikes or flat-bar mountain bikes permitted?+
Yes, electric gravel bikes and mountain bikes with flat handlebars are welcome to participate, although they will not be included in the official race rankings.
What is the maximum number of participants for the event?+
The race is limited to a maximum of 300 participants to ensure a quality experience.
How will participants navigate the course?+
All timed sections of the course will be fully marked. For the untimed liaison sections, participants are required to follow GPX tracks provided by the organizers using their own navigation devices, with some specific intersections also marked.
Where does the Aurora Gravel Rally Series Switzerland take place?+
The event is held at Ferme de Pierre à Bot, located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.