2025 Eroica Switzerland Garvel

113km – Via Alpina Route Details

Discover the exceptional alpine environment of Valais with your gravel bike, from the vineyards to the mountain pastures, including the forests. This course is made for riders who want to challenge themselves on almost 2250m elevation and 113km distance.

Riders will start their adventure on the cobbled streets of Sion, capital of the Valais where they will catch sight of  the castles of Valère and Tourbillon before setting off along the banks of the Rhône. On leaving the town, riders take the small roads between fruit trees and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône, passing through the communes of Grône, Chalais and Chippis, and its famous Cycle Museum. It is between Réchy and the Arche des Crétillons in the municipality of Chalais, that the first timed sprint is launched , closely followed by the first refreshment point in the agrotouristic farm of the Arche des Crétillons – top and fuel.

After skirting Lake Géronde in Sierre, we enter the Finges Nature Park. A beautiful gravel road along the Rhone leads to the wine village of Salquenen. At the second refreshment stop – again refuel, this is in the heart of 200 hectares of vineyards, you can discover the gastronomic treasures of the region. It’s then time to head for Varen and Inden, where the gorge road takes you to  the beautiful spa town of Leukerbad.

As soon as you have had your fill, there is no time to lose, the second timed sprint awaits you in the charming village of Albinen with its breathtaking view over the Rhone plain. You will then arrive in the beautiful alpine resort of Leukerbad, a source of happiness, after a raclette it will be time to attack the third timed sector in the vicinity of the Larschi mountain pasture. As soon as you have reached Varen, it is already time to retrace your steps via beautiful vineyard roads bathed in sunlight. For those who want to, there is the possibility to stop a second time at the refreshment station in Salquenen – advisable !

The riders then take the road back to the Valais Romand in the direction of Noble-Contrée, with the fourth timed sector on the winding vineyard roads of the village of Veyras and Miège, before the last refreshment stop ( A MUST) at the Castle of Venthône, built at the end of the 12th century and classified as a historical monument in 1910.

Finally, after passing through the villages of Loc and Corin, the participants return to the plain to be guided by the Rhône to the heart of the city of Sion on the historic Place de la Planta, where a friendly and festive atmosphere gathers the participants around an open-air Pasta Party.

73km Via Rodano

As its name suggests, this route takes cyclists along the Rhône, while traversing the magnificent vineyards on on both sides. The river, which is emblematic of the region, rises at the north-eastern end of the canton and flows into the Mediterranean 800km further on. Although the course is mostly along the river, it is not flat as it offers 950m elevation  over 75km.

It is on the cobbled streets of Sion, capital of the Valais, that the participants start. A last look at the castles of Valère and Tourbillon before setting off along the banks of the Rhône accompanied by the lapping of the water. On leaving the town, the cyclists take the small roads between fruit trees and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône, passing through the communes of Grône, Chalais and Chippis, and its famous Bicycle Museum. It is between Réchy and the Arche des Crétillons in the municipality of Chalais, that the first timed section , closely followed by the first refreshment point to re-fuel in the agrotouristic farm of the Arche des Crétillons.

After skirting Lake Géronde in Sierre, we enter the Finges Nature Park. A beautiful gravel road along the Rhone leads to the wine village of Salquenen. At the second refreshment point, in the heart of 200 hectares of vineyards, you can discover the gastronomic treasures of the region.

After a short break, departure towards Varen and it’s time to retrace your steps via beautiful roads of vines gilded by the sun. For those who wish, it is the possibility of stopping at the Salquenen supply point.

The riders then resume the Valais Romand road towards the town of Noble-Contrée, with the second timed sector  on the winding vineyard roads of the village of Veyras and Miège, before the last refuel  at the Château de Venthône and built at the end of the 12th century and listed as a historic monument in 1910.

Finally, after having crossed the villages of Loc and Corin, the participants return to the plain to let themselves be guided by the Rhône to the heart of the city of Sion on the historic Place de la Planta, where a friendly and festive atmosphere brings together participants around an outdoor Pasta Party.

52km – Via Gusto Long Leisure !

The via Gusto is made for gastronomy lovers, who like to take the time to discover and taste. This 49 km long route with a 270m difference in altitude is an itinerary that will surprise you with the calm and charm of the roads and the variety of food and wine stops.

The participants start on the paved streets of Sion, capital of the Valais region. A last look at the castles of Valère and Tourbillon before setting off on the banks of the Rhône. At the exit of the city, the cyclists first take the small roads between fruit trees and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône.

The first refreshment with Valais flavors takes place after 10 km at the Salle Recto-Verso de Grône, a recognized cultural space in the region.

Back in the saddle by the white roads and e few kilometer further on, it’s time to join the Arche des Crétillons, an agrotouristic farm in the commune of Chalais-Vercorin. Situated in the heart of the Valais, the site of Les Crétillons represents practically the last area of natural meadows at low altitude in the canton. This area presents an important ecological richness with its wetlands, steppe meadows, bisse, forest and diversified fauna. It is also an opportunity to taste local products in the midst of the farm and its 200 animals – how can you say no !

After riding along Lake Géronde in Sierre, you enter the Finges Nature Park. A beautiful gravel road along the Rhone leads to the wine village of Salquenen. This is an opportunity to discover the gastronomic treasures of the region in the heart of 200 hectares of vineyards.

After this country break, the riders head for the village of Chippis, where the Bicycle Museum is located. More than 600 bicycles from 1850 to the present day, 2000 jerseys, jerry cans, books, postcards, the museum presents one of the most beautiful collections in the whole of Europe. A series of exceptional pieces will be exhibited in the open air on the schoolyard where a succulent raclette will be served.

Sadly it’s time to go back to the heart of the orchards and zigzag between the apple trees of the Rhone valley to reach the next supply at the Crêperie l’Hohoho. On the edge of the banks of the river, this family establishment welcomes fine gourmets in a large green space. A selection of homemade crepes is served to delight the taste buds.

Finally, it’s time to let yourself be guided by the Rhone River to the heart of the city of Sion on the historic Place de la Planta, where a friendly and festive atmosphere gathers the participants around dessert della Nonna in the open air.

23km – Via Gusto Corto Leisure

The via Gusto is made for gastronomy lovers, who like to take the time to discover and taste. This 23 km long route with a 90m difference in altitude is an itinerary that will surprise you with the calm and charm of the roads and the variety of food and wine stops.

The participants start on the paved streets of Sion, capital of the Valais region. A last look at the castles of Valère and Tourbillon before setting off on the banks of the Rhône. At the exit of the city, the cyclists first take the small roads between fruit trees and vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône.

The first refreshment with Valais flavors takes place after 10 km at the Salle Recto-Verso de Grône, a recognized cultural space in the region.

It’s time to go back to the heart of the orchards and zigzag between the apple trees of the Rhone valley to reach the next supply at the Crêperie l’Hohoho. On the edge of the banks of the river, this family establishment welcomes fine gourmets in a large green space. A selection of homemade crepes is served to delight the taste buds.

Finally, it’s time to let yourself be guided by the Rhone River to the heart of the city of Sion on the historic Place de la Planta, where a friendly and festive atmosphere gathers the participants around dessert della Nonna in the open air.

Thursday – Arrive check-in , unpack, relax, build bikes (if not transported) , shower evening meal.

Friday – Sign in , visit Expo and short local ride – if you want

Saturday – Event Day

Sunday – Return Home

WHAT DO WE INCLUDE IN YOUR TRIP?

1. Transfer to and from Airport (Geneva)
2. Bed and breakfast and evening meal
3. Guided ride out on Friday if your want ! – or relax before the big day
4. Entry to the event.
5. Our expert advice and knowledge

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

1. Hotel personal tax
2. Your other personal hotel costs, such as your bar bill, etc
3. Other personal expenses
4. Personal insurance
   It is recommended that you take out personal insurance.

Cost :- £tbc, per person , based on 2 people sharing a room

Cost :-£100.00 Deposit

Single Room Supplement :- £150.00

Non Rider :- £tbc

Balance payment is due by 31/4/2025.

We will be staying the 4 star hotel of  Hotel des Vignes, Sion.

Outbound
Fly into Geneva Airport
Ensure you are cleared through customs by 13:00 Thursday before the event
Coach departs at 13:30  

Return
Coach departs from the hotel at 10:30 a.m.Monday after the event
It’a s circa 90 minutes – 90km transfer, so book your return flight with this in mind

The organisers will email early next year with a link to download personal details  which will include your medical certificate. So I suggest you have this document ready by 31/3 to be ready to download it to the organisers.

1. Date of birth
2. Full address
3. email address
4. Contact number.

PAYMENT

Many thanks for deciding to take a trip with European Cycle Events, we really look forward to seeing you.

All Events and Bespoke trip payments

Your deposit payment, which secures your place on your trip, is taken by Stripe along with instalments and balance payments

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