Monaco, Monaco 19 Apr 2026 Class UGS – UCI Gravel Series
Website https://monacogravelrace.fr/en/
The Monaco Gravel Race, part of the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series (UGS), took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The event is a grueling test through the Mercantour National Park, starting and finishing in the medieval village of Peille, located high above the Principality of Monaco.
2026 Race Results
The second edition of the race saw elite road talent dominating the gravel tracks:
- Men’s Elite Winner: Romain Bardet (Factor Racing RCC) won with a time of 3:47:38, marking his third gravel victory of the 2026 season.
- Men’s Podium: Paul Voss finished 2nd (+3:14), followed by Sascha Weber in 3rd.
- Women’s Elite Winner: Sophie Wright (Ribble Outliers) took a dominant victory in 4:27:35.
- Women’s Podium: Nicole Frain (Factor Racing RCC) took 2nd, with Jade Wiel in 3rd.
Course Profile
The race is known for its “Alpine” feel, favoring climbers over pure power riders.
- Distance: 120 km (main qualifier distance).
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,400 meters.
- Key Climbs: Includes the Col de Braus and Col des Banquettes, both famous from the Tour de France but tackled here via gravel sectors.
- Terrain: The UCI specifically noted the course is designed to be “rolling” without technical “traps” or single tracks that require hiking, emphasizing speed and safety.
World Championship Qualification
As a UCI Gravel World Series event, the top 25% of finishers in each age and gender category today have officially earned their qualification for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, which will be held in Nannup, Western Australia, on October 10–11, 2026.
