OCS Pyrénées Ariégeoises
📍 Occitanie, France
roadgravelmtb
Date
5–7 September 2026
Distance
350km · 150km
Elevation
8,000 m
Difficulty
gravel
GRAAALPS – Gravel ultra adventure across France, Italy & Switzerland
Crans-Montana, Switzerland, France · 14–19 July 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
The GRAAALPS offers three ultra-distance gravel challenges (300km, 500km, 800km) across the demanding alpine terrain of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This event is a highly rigorous adventure designed to push participants' physical and mental limits on raw gravel tracks and iconic mountain passes.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 300km · 500km · 800km
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is ideal for experienced ultra-cyclists and adventurers with significant preparation in physical and mental endurance, seeking a profound and challenging journey across the Alps.
Who will struggle
Riders lacking extensive ultra-distance experience, specific training for sustained alpine climbing on gravel, or mental resilience for multi-day self-supported efforts will likely face considerable difficulty.
Training focus
Training should concentrate on building robust long-distance endurance, high-intensity climbing power, bike handling skills for rough gravel, and mental strategies to overcome fatigue and solitude.
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 distances are available for the GRAAALPS?+
Participants can choose from three distinct distances: 300km, 500km, or 800km, each offering a unique experience through the Alps.
What kind of terrain will I encounter on the GRAAALPS?+
The routes primarily feature raw gravel tracks and all-road sections, traversing mythical alpine passes across three countries, providing a true adventure experience.
What support is provided during the race?+
The race operates on a semi-autonomy principle, with access to staffed 'bases de vie' offering meals, showers, rest areas with camp beds, medical assistance, bike cleaning, and charging stations. A 24/7 health/rescue assistance and GPS tracking are also included.
Are there cut-off times for the race?+
Yes, to be recognized as a finisher, participants must complete their chosen distance within a specified time limit, designed to ensure safety and fairness.
Where do the different distances start and finish?+
The 800km race starts in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France, and finishes in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Both the 500km and 300km races start and finish in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
What is included in the participation fee?+
The fee includes a participant kit (frame plate, sticker, QR code bracelet, goodies), a finisher experience (red carpet, photo, wooden trophy, finisher T-shirt), and full access to 'bases de vie' amenities, including food, sanitation, rest areas, medical support, and bag management.
Similar races
OCS Pyrénées Ariégeoises
Sea To Peak
📍 West to East across Brittany, Massif Central, and the Alps, France
gravelmtb
Date
18 July – 2 August 2026
Distance
2300km
Elevation
42,000 m
Difficulty
Race Across France
📍 Hendaye, France
roadgravelmtb
Date
18–28 June 2026
Distance
200km · 300km · 500km · 1000km · 2500km
Difficulty