A truly unique gravel event in Andermatt, Switzerland! A breathtaking event course, delicious food and festival vibes. Octopus Gravel in Andermatt is the meeting point for gravel enthusiasts and mountain lovers.
THE ROUTE
Imagine the main event area to be the head and body of the Octopus, and the climbs to be the arms. All 8 arms are dead-end gravel climbs and lead back to the main event area, giving you the possibility to rest, have some food and drinks, listen to some great beats and check out the event expo, before then tackling the next segment.
Decide the amount of riding yourself! Challenge yourself and find out how many of the 8 gravel climbs you can do in a day. On top of every climb you receive a stamp. The maximum amount of riding would be 155km with 4450 vertical gain.
Let’s race! Octopus Gravel also offers 3 timed climbs between 4km and 6km in the spirit of a special race. There is a women’s category and a men’s category, the fastest will receive prizes.
Feed zones: Food and water stops on top of all 8 climbs and a proper meal in the finish area.
Summiteer Raffle: On top of every climb you have the chance to win a prize.
ACCOMODATION
Looking for a comfortable place to stay in Andermatt?
Enjoy your weekend during Octopus Gravel at Andermatt Alpine Apartment: spacious stays with kitchen and living area, perfect to share with your crew.
Get a 10% discount with the code OCTO26.
PROGRAMM
FRIDAY
5pm – 9pm – Bib number collection
7pm Gravel Talk
8pm Cycling Movie Night
SATURDAY
7am – Bib Collection opens
8:30am – Start Octopus Gravel
17:30pm – Feed zone closing
6pm – Cut off time
7pm – SCOTT challenge final
8pm – Podium ceremony & After party
SUNDAY
10am – Schwalbe hang-over ride (optional)
11am – SCOTT hang-over ride (optional)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 8 Feed zones
- Route indication (arrows & GPX file)
- 15 CHF voucher for food in the main square
- Music & after party
- Event photos
- Participation Summiteer Raffle
- Timing
- Prizes for the fastest racers
- Goodie bag
- Event socks
BIKES
GRAVEL
45-50 mm tires & tubeless recommended
MTB
Fast rolling cross country tires recommended
EBIKE
You can also take part with an ebike. No timed segments for ebikers.
FAQ
Where is it located?
Andermatt is known as the mecca of road riding in Switzerland. It is the door to some of the most impressive road climbs in Europe, such as Gotthard, Furka, Susten, Grimsel or Oberalp. However, you will soon discover during the event that Andermatt offers even more spectacular dead-end gravel roads. You’ll find yourself immersed in an unexplored dreamland.
Where can I sleep?
There are different levels of accommodations in Andermatt.
Alpine Apartments
For everyone arriving on Thursday already, we recommend checking out the impressive Alpine Apartments.
Get a 10% discount with the code OCTO26.
Event area: For campervans you can camp directly in the festival area :). No reservation needed. Just toilets, no showers. Costs 10CHF to the owner of the parking. For 5CHF participants can shower at Radisson Blue.
Camping: Andermatt Camping is considered as one of the most beautiful located camping spots in Switzerland. The rate is 15 CHF a night. Either for tent or camper van. Contact: mail@gotthard-camping.ch
Ölta Stall: Bed in a 4-bed dormitory for two nights (Friday to Sunday) CHF 95 per person. Kitchen on site. 300m from the event area. Reservation info@epicos.cc
There are plenty of more hotel options or mountain huts in the area.
Can I decide the order of the climbs myself?
Yes, you can.
Is it no dangerous to ride in both directions on these roads?
No, it is cristal clear that you have to expect on coming traffic at all times and should never cut corners. On all segments where you ride in both directions, the road will be at least 2m wide. There is no timing for downhill sections.
Do I have to be a skilled cyclist?
No, the course consists out of smooth gravel fire roads, rough tarmac, and easy single trails.
Up the Gotthard trail some experience with steep bumpy trails will help you, but if you don’t make it you can easily push your bike for that part.
Any prizes for the winners?
Yes, the first three women and the first three men will receive some great prizes.
Do I need any insurance?
Of course, you should have a valid health, travel and liability insurance.
What is the total length?
155km and 4450hm of climbing. Most participant will do 3-6 of the 8 climbs, but we recommend that you give it a try to do it all. Every meter of the course is worth the effort.
What happens in case the event gets cancelled because of Covid or a natural disaster?
You will have the following three options:
- Transfer of the participation fee to the next year.
- Refund of the participation fee, minus 20€ administration costs.
- Donation of the participation fee in favor of the event.
