The UCI Gran Fondo World Series returned to the spectacular Alpes Vaudoises region of Switzerland for The Majestics, a weekend featuring a demanding uphill time trial on Friday and one of the toughest Gran Fondo courses of the season on Saturday. Centred around Villars-sur-Ollon, the event challenged riders with the legendary climbs of the Col de la Croix, Col du Pillon, Col du Mittelberg, Col des Mosses and La Forclaz before a final ascent back to the Col de la Croix. The Granfondo covered 150 kilometres with almost 3,800 metres of climbing, while the time trial tackled 7.4 kilometres and 467 metres of elevation gain. On Sunday there was also a leg of the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series.
Dockx dominates mountain weekend
Belgium’s Jort Dockx enjoyed a perfect weekend by winning both the time trial and the Granfondo.
On Saturday, Dockx crossed the line after 4:35:31, giving him an average speed of 32.67 km/h over the 150-kilometre course. He finished 2:42 ahead of Artur Sowinski (POL), while French rider Adrien Guillonnet completed the podium at 4:48. Raphael Addy (SUI) was the first home rider in fourth place at 5:16, with Edgar Michelet (FRA) rounding out the top five.
In the women’s race, Jennifer Powell (GBR) claimed victory in 6:20:40 and an average speed of 23.64 km/h. Brigitte Filensky (GER) finished second, 6:11 behind, while Marharyta Laktsevich (POL) secured third place at 10:14. The top five was completed by Nicolien Luijsterburg (NED) and Alina Mylka (POL).
Uphill time trial opens the weekend
The weekend had started on Friday with the spectacular uphill time trial to the summit of the Col de la Croix.
Dockx stopped the clock at 19:11 over the 7.4-kilometre climb, averaging 23.14 km/h. Swiss rider Michael Nydegger finished second at 36 seconds, while compatriot Eric Ruttimann claimed third place at 48 seconds.
The women’s time trial victory went to Germany’s Ilsa Beig, who completed the ascent in 23:48, averaging 18.65 km/h. Ethiopia’s Gebru Eyeru Tesfoam was second at 50 seconds, with Canada’s Isabelle Chaput taking third place at 1:21.
With victories in both races, Dockx was undoubtedly the rider of the weekend at a venue that will continue to establish itself as one of the premier mountain challenges on the UCI Gran Fondo World Series calendar.
This was the last qualifier option for riders keen on qualifying for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko in 7 weeks.
