The UCI Gran Fondo World Series returns to the Swiss Alps with The Majestics, a spectacular event combining a mountain time trial and one of the most demanding Gran Fondo courses on the 2026 calendar. Based in Villars-sur-Ollon, the event takes riders through the legendary climbs of the Vaudois Alps before finishing high above the Rhône Valley. The 2030 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships will also take place on these roads.
The weekend opens on Friday with a unique uphill time trial from Villars-sur-Ollon to the summit of the Col de la Croix. The 7.4 km effort features 467 metres of elevation gain and is designed for climbers.
Saturday’s road races present an entirely different challenge. The 150 km Granfondo includes nearly 3,800 metres of climbing and resembles a mountain stage from a Grand Tour with Col de la Croix and Col du Pillon, Col du Mittelberg, Col des Mosses and La Forclaz before the decisive finale. The race concludes with a second ascent of the Col de la Croix, climbing back to nearly 1,800 metres above sea level.
For older age categories, the 98 km Mediofondo provides a shorter but still extremely demanding alternative. With more than 2,500 metres of climbing, it incorporates many of the same iconic roads and mountain passes before finishing with the same alpine challenge.
As a qualifier for both the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, Japan, and the UEC Gran Fondo European Championships in Varese, Italy, The Majestics offers riders the opportunity to secure their place at the season’s major championships while experiencing some of the finest mountain roads Switzerland has to offer.
