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RIDER MANUAL GSTAAD 2026
Provisional. This document is continuously updated.
Please consult the manual for final information approximately 10 days before the event.
For Gstaad 2026
Notes & Information
La Reine has two routes:
Gran Fondo, 140km / 3000m elevation gain(/routes-gstaad)
Medio Fondo, 90km / 1800m elevation gain(/routes-gstaad)
The Gran Fondo route, with its 140 km and 3000 m of elevation gain, is very demanding. It's roughly equivalent to the queen stage of the Tour de France Femmes. Please don't be misled by the raw numbers. Finishers need excellent fitness, experience with long climbs, a competitive average speed, and good road bike handling skills.
The Medio Fondo route is less challenging, but it's no walk in the park either. Most of the elevation gain occurs in the first few kilometers before the first aid station. The rest of the route is relatively easy. This makes the Medio Fondo manageable even for beginners (provided they have a good general fitness level); just take your time.
When registering, you must choose one of the two routes. This helps us plan the Culinary Stops with as little food waste as possible.
The route choice is NOT binding. You can decide during the ride whether you want to ride the Medio Fondo or the longer Gran Fondo, depending on your fitness level, the weather, etc.
This also applies to the race category: the timing system recognizes which route you actually drove.
Attention Gran Fondo: If you DO NOT REACH BY THE LATEST
- 11:00 am at the junction in Broc
- 14:00 at the junction in Montbovon
Once you arrive, you probably won't be able to cover the long distance before the support vehicle arrives . This means you'll suddenly have NO signs and NO aid stations. In this case, we strongly recommend that you switch to the Medio Fondo route.
You can find the detailed schedule for the event here.(/schedule-gstaad)
The route schedules, including the exact opening and closing times of all Culinary Stops and timing points, will be published approximately one month before the event. For reference, you can find the schedules 2025 here: Gran Fondo (https://www.lareine.cc/uploads/7/0/8/5/70854415/schedule_2025_gran_fondo.pdf)| Medio Fondo(https://www.lareine.cc/uploads/7/0/8/5/70854415/schedule_2025_medio_fondo.pdf)
There are several points of interest along the way. All food is vegetarian and artisanal; we do not serve any industrial products (no gels/isotonic drinks).
The current culinary program for 2026 is not yet available.
Here is the menu for 2025:
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c51075_3f67f6340c4b49b4a555754f5336cbe1~mv2.jpg
The routes are fully signposted (see "Route Signposting" in this Rider Manual). We provide GPS/GPX data, but the route signposting is ALWAYS authoritative.
The official GPS/GPX data for both routes will only be posted on this website (https://www.lareine.cc/routes-gstaad)on the eve of the event.
This is not possible beforehand, as there may be minor discrepancies at the last minute due to short-term construction work, etc. We will only post the data after the signage is complete to prevent participants from having conflicting information.
Anyone who wants to preview/train on the route in advance can independently generate/download gpx data from our Komoot route descriptions (/routes-gstaad)- as mentioned, these are not binding.
The classification is based on the times driven in the timed sectors. The times of the 2 special stages (Medio Fondo) or 3 special stages (Gran Fondo) are added together.
The timing starts automatically as the vehicle rolls through (therefore, it is NOT necessary to stop).
There is a separate ranking for the Medio Fondo 90 km route and the Gran Fondo 140 km route (no class rankings based on age or similar).
The final standings will be published after the race has finished.
The total time traveled from start to finish is NEITHER MEASURED NOR VALUED (so it is worthwhile to really enjoy the refreshment stations, beautiful views, etc. outside of the timed sections).
The top 10 in each category will receive a trophy. The trophies will be presented in person at the awards ceremony. Post-event delivery of trophies is not possible.
Anyone who decides to abandon the race - for whatever reason (fatigue, injury, breakdown, etc.) is responsible for arranging suitable transportation back to their starting point.
From Jaun to Saanen/Gstaad, the route is relatively well served by public transport: route planner for bus, postal bus, train(https://www.sbb.ch/de)
Taxis are available in Bulle (https://www.google.com/search?q=Taxi+bulle&client=firefox-b-d&sca_esv=719ed570ba997555&sca_upv=1&ei=2JPWZu-ZAt-ti-gPsZvzuQI&ved=0ahUKEwjv5ayL-6WIAxXf1gIHHbHNPCcQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Taxi+bulle&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiClRheGkgYnVsbGUyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHkiIFlDEBVibFHACeACQAQCYAWegAd0DqgEDNS4xuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIIoAKrBMICDRAAGIAEGLADGEMYigXCAggQABiABBiwA8ICCRAAGLADGAcYHsICBxAAGLADGB7CAgkQABiwAxgIGB7CAgsQLhiABBjHARivAZgDAIgGAZAGCpIHAzcuMaAH2yQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp)and in Gstaad(https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Taxi+Gstaad)
One of our service vehicles or the support vehicle might also offer a ride. However, a) this is not guaranteed and b) a very slow return journey (several hours) should be expected, as both the service and support vehicles will continue to carry out their normal duties.
The organizers will under no circumstances arrange for the individual repatriation of any single participant.
Three neutral service vehicles will be deployed along the routes to assist participants with technical problems. This is an exceptional service provided by LA REINE, one not typically offered at road cycling events.
The service vehicles can be requested by telephone from the operations manager: 📞 078 824 15 11. However, due to the very different speeds of the participants and the long distance, waiting times (sometimes longer) must be expected.
The service vehicle is free of charge. Any spare parts must be paid for on site (cash or Twint only).
Private service vehicles of individual participants are PROHIBITED on the routes.
There will be no medical service at the event.
In an emergency, be sure to dial the official emergency number 144.
All refreshment stations, our three service vehicles and the support vehicle have a small pharmacy (some bandages, disinfectant) where minor injuries can be treated.
Official emergency number:
📞 144
Route Manager (Emergencies & Breakdowns):
📞 078 824 15 11
Thursday
13:00-14:00 Huus Gstaad(https://maps.app.goo.gl/jUiFmBtDtRXTDHV56)
16:30-17:30 Promenade (https://share.google/ysOgd9k7vqINI1MCh)(Start Social Ride)
Friday:
08:30-10:00 Promenade (https://share.google/ysOgd9k7vqINI1MCh)(Start Prologue)
10:30-19:00 Huus Gstaad(https://maps.app.goo.gl/jUiFmBtDtRXTDHV56)
Saturday:
06:15-07:15 Promenade (https://share.google/ysOgd9k7vqINI1MCh)(Start LA REINE)
You can find your personal starting number on the starting list on our website here.(/startlist-gstaad-2026)
Please remember your number for bib number collection. The bib numbers are sorted numerically, NOT alphabetically by name. Anyone at the desk who doesn't know their number will be sent back to look it up on the notice board and will then have to queue again.
Start and bib number distribution Saturday:
Earlybeck, Promenade Gstaad(https://goo.gl/maps/HAQnX8TCypgZfc5D6)
Finish line & finisher's drink:
Fromage & Pain, Saanen(https://goo.gl/maps/ETrjzfV2b4ZCJrBdA)
Finisher party:
Hotel HUUS Gstaad(http://www.huusgstaad.com)
You can find the exact locations in the detailed schedule. Clicking on the locations will show you their position in Google Maps. Here you can find the schedule.(/schedule-gstaad)
The Friday evening aperitif/get-together is one of LA REINE's highlights. Enjoy free drinks, snacks, a DJ, and a great atmosphere. Connect with like-minded people and make new friends.
The aperitif will take place on Friday at 6:30 pm at the Hotel HUUS Gstaad
ATTENTION: A wristband is required for participation. You will receive this when you pick up your race number. Therefore, you must collect your race number BEFORE the aperitif.
It will take place as part of the finisher's party on Saturday, around 6:30 pm at the Hotel HUUS Gstaad.(http://www.huusgstaad.com)
In the ranking of both routes, the top ten finishers in each category will be honored with a trophy.
The finisher's party with the awards ceremony will take place on Saturday from 4:30 pm to 7:15 pm at the Hotel HUUS Gstaad (http://www.huusgstaad.com). Risotto, drinks, a DJ, and a party will be provided free of charge.
A wristband is required for participation. Unfortunately, accompanying persons are not permitted this year, as the venue's capacity has been reached with the number of participants.
The aperitif and finisher's party are free for participants (only with a wristband, which can be obtained at bib number pick-up). Unfortunately, accompanying persons are not permitted this year, as the venue's capacity is already fully booked with participants.
HUUS Hotel
For: Bib number distribution, workshops, get-together, finisher party
Parking spaces at Hotel Huus are for hotel guests only.
Nearest public parking lot:
Schönried, behind the train station(https://www.google.ch/maps/@46.5035294,7.2908467,3a,75y,326.38h,84.33t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sbaw0LNsLStmFWeCB_Czk5w!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dbaw0LNsLStmFWeCB_Czk5w%26cb_client%3Dsearch.revgeo_and_fetch.gps%26w%3D96%26h%3D64%26yaw%3D306.10007%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656)
(Please note fees. Departure to Huus Gstaad by bicycle approx. 5-7 min)
promenade
For: Start Social Ride, Start Prologue, Start LA REINE
Unter-Gstaad parking garage(https://goo.gl/maps/ZGgkyhczzindWcyP7)
Parking Belair Street(https://maps.app.goo.gl/NP5n6G6Z9YpZo1av8)
(Please note fees apply. Walking distance < 100 m)
Goal:
Saanen parking garage(https://goo.gl/maps/Eujha2QDLTRJp2f17)
(Please note fees. Directly below the target area)
Alle Teilnehmerinnen erhalten kostenlos ein hochwertiges digitales Fotos-Set von professionellen Fotografen von mehreren Standorten entlang der Strecke. Die Bilder können hier kostenlos heruntergeladen werden.(https://freephotos.finisherpix.com/gallery/2025LaReineGstaad/)
On Friday during the prologue, we will transport luggage from the start to the finish (change of clothes, etc. - the finish line and finisher's party are outdoors at 1700 meters above sea level). Luggage can be left in our transport vehicle at the start at your own risk and retrieved from there at the finish.
On Saturday, participants can leave their bags or luggage at the Hotel HUUS Gstaad (http://www.huusgstaad.com)during the ride. This is unsupervised and is done entirely at the participants' own risk.
Our participant list is automatically updated with each registration. You can find it here.(/startlist-gstaad-2026)
The event will take place regardless of the weather (including rain, snowfall, etc.).
Please note that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly and that the route passes through three to four different weather zones. Forecasts: Gstaad (https://www.srf.ch/meteo/wetter/Gstaad/46.4750,7.2844?geolocationNameId=b364f52bb9a6538111dab4fe5bc06b25), Jaun (https://www.srf.ch/meteo/wetter/Jaun/46.6107,7.2750?geolocationNameId=0322f36d05281ba64954739df78fc626), Bulle (https://www.srf.ch/meteo/wetter/Bulle/46.6194,7.0567?geolocationNameId=1578526b94d933d353aea359d55bff43), Les Mosses (https://www.srf.ch/meteo/wetter/Les%20Mosses/46.3952,7.1021?geolocationNameId=88980d305b8b5eb20d9854b5e44fd9bf).
Please make sure you have appropriate clothing.
Especially downhill sections on small, often somewhat dirty mountain roads can pose a particular challenge in the rain (braking and slipping). Prepare for this situation in your training for LA REINE.
You can find the schedule and locations for the workshops here (/schedule-gstaad).
You can find detailed descriptions of the workshops in our "Progress" section.(/community)
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