PRESS RELEASE
01 | 04 | 2026
Valchiavenna Gravel Escape 2026 | Routes, Event Programme & Registration Info
Lake Como and the Swiss Alps: The Ultimate Gravel Experience
If you’re looking for gravel events in northern Italy for spring 2026, the Valchiavenna Gravel Escape is the one to put in your calendar. Now in its third edition, taking place on 9–10 May 2026, this non-competitive gravel cycling event unfolds across the alpine valleys of Valchiavenna and the Swiss border. Choose from three gravel routes, enjoy a kids ride, gourmet food stops featuring local produce, and an expo village in the heart of Chiavenna. Entries are already open at gravelescape.it.
Why the Valchiavenna Gravel Escape Should Be on Your 2026 Gravel Bucket List
In just a few years, the Valchiavenna Gravel Escape has established itself as one of the go-to gravel cycling events in the Lombardy Alps. What began as a niche event has seen participation more than double across two editions, from 250 riders in 2024 to 550 in 2025, drawing cyclists from across Italy and beyond.
The secret to its success lies in a format that brings together strikingly beautiful alpine scenery, technical gravel routes crossing into Switzerland, a genuinely convivial atmosphere, and an unwavering focus on the quality of the experience rather than the results board.
If you’ve ridden events like Dirty Reiver, The Hills, The Gralloch or Grinduro, you’ll recognise the same spirit in Valchiavenna: a gravel event that puts adventure, landscape and cycling community front and centre.
The weekend gets under way on Friday evening. At 8:45 PM at Cinema Victoria in Chiavenna, Alessandro Donati — a leading voice in ethical sport — will present his book Training Differently: Towards a Healthy and High-Performance Sport, a work exploring sustainable and ethical training methods. The evening is organised in partnership with the Associazione Libere Menti Valchiavenna
The Full Event Programme: 8–10 May 2026
Opening Night at Cinema Victoria
Saturday 9 May: Family Rides, Expo Village & Basso Bikes Test Session
From 10:00 AM, the Expo Village opens across Piazza Bertacchi and Viale Matteotti in Chiavenna: live music, entertainment and an exhibition space hosting the leading names in the cycling industry. Expect product challenges, gravel and MTB demos, and interactive activities showcasing the latest kit and tech.
At 10:30 AM, the Kids Ride (ages 6–10) and Junior Ride (ages 10–18) get under way, led by qualified MTB Chiavennese guides. A safe, fun and memorable introduction to cycling and mountain adventure for younger riders. Entry is free.
From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Basso Bikes Test Ride — in partnership with Basso Bikes and the Enough Cycling team — gives riders the chance to try the Palta III gravel bike (available in sizes S, M, L and XL) and the Flo model. Each session lasts 40–60 minutes: a hands-on opportunity to get a feel for two of the most talked-about gravel bikes on the market before committing to your Sunday setup.
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, join the Social Ride with Asja from Enough Cycling — an open, no-drop ride perfect for exploring the Chiavenna area on Basso Bikes and connecting with fellow gravel cycling enthusiasts. The afternoon wraps up with a closing refreshment — the ideal way to recharge and get in the mood ahead of Sunday’s big ride.
Sunday 10 May: the Main Event: Gravel Routes & Ride Day
Sunday is ride day. Routes are only revealed a few days before the event — a deliberate choice to keep the anticipation alive right up to the start. Three distances are available, open to gravel bikes, MTBs and e-bikes:
- 50 km / 500 m elevation gain — the introductory route, suitable for all abilities. No sports medical certificate required.
- 80 km / 1,200 m elevation gain — an intermediate route that crosses into Switzerland. A cycling medical certificate is required.
- 110 km / 2,000 m elevation gain — the most demanding option, also crossing into Switzerland. A cycling medical certificate is required.
Riders signing up for the 80 km or 110 km routes have the flexibility to switch between the two distances on the day itself.
Gourmet Food Stops & Welcome Bag: The Gravel Experience Beyond the Ride
Along the 80 km and 110 km routes, riders will find gourmet food stops stocked with traditional Valchiavenna produce, curated by local agriturismi.
These are far more than simple rest points — they are moments where the landscape tells its story through food, and one of the details that sets the Valchiavenna Gravel Escape apart from other gravel events on the calendar.
The first 400 registrants will receive the official event welcome bag. At the close of Sunday, a prize draw open to all participants rounds off the weekend in style.
