Crans-Montana, the Swiss resort in the French speaking Valais region of the Alps, prepares for its summer season with a number of new events including major cycling competitions as it looks ahead to the Mountain Biking World Championships in 2025.
Other major events include the family favourite festival, Am Stam Gram, the Omega European Masters Golf Tournament and the Wildstrubel UTMB trail running race.
Pierre-Henri Mainetti from Crans-Montana Tourism said: Crans-Montana continues to lead the way with new events in 2024 to add to our diverse programme that includes mountain activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but also food and drink events, cultural events and unique mountain experiences like our water sports park and world class golf facilities. With the town’s altitude at 1500 metres the views here during the summer are incredible and the temperature is just right – with warm days and cool nights. The train journey of around two hours from Geneva is one of the most spectacular train rides in the world, ending with a 12 minute funicular journey through the famous vineyards below the town. Summer in Crans-Montana is spectacular and we look forward to many weeks of events and festivals”.
Cycling events in Crans-Montana:
Nova Eroica, 15 June 2024
Road and Gravel rides with a gourmet twist
Two races (La Via Alpina and La Via Rodano) take place around the area of Crans-Montana, in the valley below, with challenging courses designed to push riders to their limits, but with refreshment points at local farms and vineyards. eroica.cc/en/nova-eroica-switzerland
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, 21 to 23 June 2024
Elite Mountain Biking competition
The Crans-Montana crowds get to watch the world’s elite compete on a course where some sections will also be used for the Cross-Country World Championships in 2025. As the event takes place in the centre of Crans-Montana, access is easy, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on the athletes.
More information: WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Crans-Montana
GRAAALPS, 16 to 21 July 2024
Ultra-Distance Gravel Race finishing in Crans-Montana
GRAALPS is an ultra-distance Gravel race, which crosses 700 kilometres through the Alps, with 18,000m of ascent. Starting in Mandelieu (France), the cyclists will cross the Alps on roads through 3 countries – France, Italy and Switzerland – to reach Crans-Montana. The invitation is open to any elite racers and enthusiasts. The Gravel Festival will also be held in Crans-Montana over 3 days, from 19 to 21 July. On the programme: a variety of discovery distances, bike tests, introductions for children and a variety of events throughout the weekend.
More information: graaalps.com
Tour des Stations, 31 August 2024
Endurance road race with a variety of levels
The Tour des Stations aims to conquer the most difficult passes in the heart of Valais, where amateur road cyclists push their limits. This competition is an endurance race offering an exceptional sporting challenge linking the region’s resorts in a characteristically grandiose environment. Several different distances are available for riders, including the Ultrafondo. This legendary route offers an altitude gain as high as Everest (8,848 metres of positive height gain) in a day.
More information: tourdesstations.ch
Other major events:
Am Stam Gram, 11 to 14 July 2024
Family festival for children – Theatres, workshops and circus acts as well as a number of other activities for children. am-stram-gram.ch/en
Omega European Masters, 5 to 8 September 2024
One of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe – the world’s best golfers gather for the coveted trophy. Past winners include Severiano Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood. omegaeuropeanmasters.com
Wildstrubel by UTMB, 12 to 15 September 2024
Trail running race with various categories for elite and amateur runners including a 113 km course, 70km, 50km and 25km as well as a kid’s race. wildstrubel.utmb.world
More information can be found online: www.crans-montana.ch/en
