Elevation Vercors

Elevation Vercors takes riders deep into the mountainous terrain of the Vercors, linking remote plateaus, forest tracks, rocky trails and demanding mountain passes. Starting and finishing in L’Albenc, in the Isère department, the event is designed as a compact but exceptionally challenging bikepacking adventure through one of the French Alps’ most distinctive landscapes.

The 2027 route covers approximately 350 km with 10,000 metres of elevation gain. Around 60% of the course is off-road, with the remaining 40% on paved roads. Riders can expect a demanding mix of gravel tracks, technical trails, mountain paths and steep climbs. The exact GPX route is released only around ten days before the start, following consultation with the managers of the natural areas crossed by the event.

There is a single mandatory time barrier at the halfway point, located at the base camp in Vassieux-en-Vercors. Riders must reach it within 30 hours. Those who miss the cut-off can continue on a shorter alternative route, allowing them to reach the finish within the overall 60-hour limit. A separate backup route may also be activated if dangerous weather conditions make parts of the original course inaccessible.

Elevation Vercors follows a self-supported format, with no outside assistance permitted. Participants receive a GPS tracker and GPX route, while a staffed base camp halfway through the course provides refreshments and a place to recover. Riders remain responsible for their own navigation, equipment, mechanical repairs and progress between the organised facilities.

Distance: Approximately 350 km
Elevation gain: 10,000 m
Start / Finish: L’Albenc, Isère, France
Terrain: 60% off-road / 40% paved roads
Time limit: 60 hours
Mid-route cut-off: 30 hours at Vassieux-en-Vercors
Categories: Solo
Format: Self-supported gravel and mountain bikepacking challenge
2027 dates: 2–4 July