Le Pilgrimage Gravel 2026: Sharing the Journey

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

RIDE REPORT - 6–11 September 2026
Le Pilgrimage is a journey through the mountains, shaped by the trails, the food and the people you meet along the way. It is about taking time to stop, sharing a table, noticing where you are and letting the experience unfold at its own pace. This fourth edition once again showed how much of the journey happens in the moments between the climbs.

For the fourth time, about fifty pilgrims gathered in Puy-Saint-Vincent from around ten different countries to share some of the best trails, food and company the Écrins area has to offer. Le Pilgrimage sold out within 24 hours, but what makes the event stand out is the contrast between demanding days in the mountains and the comfort of Hotel Saint Roch, where everyone returns to the same table at the end of the day.

Le Pilgrimage is deliberately not a race. There is no ranking, no timing and no prize for being first. It is not about speed, watts, calories or shaving minutes off the day. The focus is on the experience itself: the places you stop, the people you meet, the food you share and the time you spend in the landscape.

The event kicks off with a communal dinner where all pilgrims gather at long tables, sitting next to total strangers, chatting mostly about their set-up, previous rides or what they expect. Over the next four days, the route repeatedly creates reasons to stop and spend time together. Sometimes that means sitting down for fondue at a checkpoint, sometimes following a paper map to a hidden cabin, stopping at a bakery or simply returning to the same table at basecamp at the end of the day.

Les Pilgrims:

Pavel Berezyuk, Job Bokmans, Ward Boogert, Bruce Burkhalter, Rene Buitenhek, Marie-Louise Calame (DNF), Coen (DNF), Ralph Cullen (DNS), Lucie Denis (DNF), Steffen Dirkwinkel, Matthieu Distaso (DNF), Juliet Elliott, Jeroen Engels, Rombout Frieling, Björn Fries, Ronald Geleynse, Jasper Gils, Nick Goebel, Rob Grift, Justin Hawkins, Nicolas Hoffschir, Sergey Ignatov, Sam Klontz, Martijn Korpershoek, Izabela Kulas (DNS), Anna Lindell, Federico Martini, Andrew McCarthy, Rianda Molenaar, Norbert Münch, Thomas Paganon (DNF), Giulia Polita, Tony Reed, Tom Rijnders, Richard Schouten, Allan Shaw (DNS), Pavel Suslin, Heike Sturm, Hubert van Dam (DNF), Wouter van Beek, Bram van der Geest, Larendo van Gennip, Rudi van Houts, Martijn van Strien (DNF), Jasper Van Zanten, Germ Van Vliet, Rob uit de Bosch.

Stage 1: Starting close to home

Photo: Cyril Chermin

Day one is all about getting to know the area and each other, so route designer and founder Simon Rosmolen keeps the route quite close to basecamp, following the Durance Valley, taking on the Réotier climb and finishing with the Pousterle climb, which is practically the backyard of the hotel.

After just 38 kilometres, the riders reach the first checkpoint where, besides their first stamp, they also find a long lunch table in the middle of an alpine meadow with cheese fondue, white wine, and local cheeses and sausages. Riders are invited to relax, sit down, enjoy the food and amazing views instead of just rushing on. The checkpoints are designed to slow riders down.

There is even a bonus challenge in the shape of a printed map that takes riders further up to an isolated cabin where patron Saint Roch has left a message and some more local delicacies for them. That night, the volume at the dinner table is already notably higher than on the first night.

Stage 2: Back to Fort Janus

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

After a hearty breakfast buffet, the riders line up on the local ski slope with another highlight in their sights: Fort Janus. This defensive structure from the last century is now just a crumbling ruin with breathtaking 360º views of the surrounding valleys in both France and Italy. Along the way, they first tackle another climb above Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières before descending towards Briançon and our favourite bakery, where riders happily stop to sample the croissants, pains aux raisins and baguettes. Most fill up their bags or jerseys for the long climb ahead to the fort.

Most riders need at least 1.5 hours to reach the summit, where the organisers await them with crêpes with Nutella, local génépi and a well-deserved second stamp. And, not to forget, time to simply stand still and take in the almost absurd view across the French-Italian borderlands from 2,500 metres.

Stage 3A: INTO PIEMONTE

Photo: Gijs Ferkranus

After two glorious sunny days, the queen stage starts with an overcast sky and the promise of rain. Besides the weather, the route also looks more challenging as the organisers try to build up during the event. This also means the riders have to find and book their own accommodation and dinner as the route dives into the Piemonte area.

To get there, they have to ascend the Col de Bousson, an ancient smugglers' route with the border at the summit. Most riders climb in pouring rain and are happy to find lighter skies on the Italian side of the border when they descend into a valley where time seems to have stood still.

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

Most riders opt to enjoy lunch in the rifugio before they hit the ski town of Sestrière and climb further up to the infamous Strada dell'Assietta. This high alpine military road is now home to adventurers in all shapes and sizes. Tremendous views open up high above the valleys, and this year the riders only ride about 15 kilometres of this gravel road before enjoying one of the best descents of the journey, flowing through the woods for many kilometres down to Bardonecchia.

There, the call of pizza is answered by almost all riders but one. Tom Rijnders chooses to bivvy out on the climb towards the Colle del Sommeiller, a climb that somehow manages to scare and inspire at the same time.

Stage 3B: The highest point of the journey

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

The final chapter of the journey is a rightful crescendo to remember. The dead-end gravel climb up to nearly 3,000 metres passes wild pastures and steep rock faces, along a trail that gets rougher and rougher the closer you get to the summit. It might not be particularly steep, but climbing for 24 kilometres is never easy, especially when the temperature at the top is a meagre four degrees Celsius.

Almost all riders make it to the small shelter at the top, where Saint Roch, or San Rocco on this side of the border, has left a final message and some food for the riders, asking them to reflect on their ride and share what they will remember from these four days of riding in the Alps.

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

What remains is a long descent back down the Sommeiller towards Rifugio Scarfiotti. There, on a plateau partway down the mountain, the third and final stamp is waiting, together with a traditional Italian buffet prepared by Daisy, the rifugista, and her welcoming team at the refuge. The meal proves to be a welcome refuel, because the ride back to basecamp turns out to be tougher than it looked on paper.

The distance itself is manageable, but the weather has other plans. A local hailstorm with thunder and lightning circles around Briançon and follows some of the riders almost all the way back up to Puy-Saint-Vincent.

The final arrivals

By the end of the day, most pilgrims are already back at basecamp. But some of the most memorable scenes come just before dinner, when the final two riders appear at the hotel. All the pilgrims who had already finished are waiting to welcome Anne and Bruce home. The biggest applause of the week is reserved for those arriving last, in recognition of their effort and for completing their own pilgrimage.

And perhaps those last riders have, in some ways, experienced the route most fully. They have spent the longest time outside, the longest time on the trail, and maybe the longest time simply being present in the journey.

With everyone safely back at basecamp, the pilgrims gather for one final dinner. Later that night, in the bar of Hotel Saint Roch, none of the riders feels much urge to head to bed early. New friendships are celebrated, stories shared, and Instagram handles and phone numbers exchanged.

Within just four days, fifty strangers have shared an experience that will stay with them. Not just the routes and places along the way, but also the conversations, helping each other and sharing this journey.

LE PILGRIMAGE BIKEPACKING

Next year, Le Pilgrimage turns five. Alongside a new basecamp edition, there will also be a new multi-day bikepacking edition. The format will be different, but the ingredients will remain the same: a shared dinner before departure, one long multi-day route with checkpoints designed to slow riders down, and one big final dinner where everyone comes back together to share the stories of the road. More info at www.le-pilgrimage.com/bikepacking.

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Le Pilgrimage Gravel is organised by Anne Pekelharing, Simon Rosmolen, Yorit Kluitman, Cyril Chermin and Nils van der Heide.

Merci to everyone who was part of the quatrième edition of Le Pilgrimage. And a big thank you to those who helped make it possible: our partners Hotel Saint Roch, Opinel and Massacan, and our media team, Gijs Ferkranus, Thomas Silva and Yorit Kluitman.

Le Pilgrimage Bikepacking 2027
A new chapter is coming. Le Pilgrimage Bikepacking will be revealed at the end of October, with the first edition taking place at the end of August 2027. A new multi-day journey built around the same ingredients: shared food, long-distance riding, checkpoints designed to slow you down, and one big table at beginning and the end.

Le Pilgrimage Gravel 2027
The fifth edition of Le Pilgrimage Gravel at basecamp Hotel Saint Roch will return in 2027. Four days of riding through the Alps, with a basecamp to return to, checkpoints along the way and the Pilgrims’ Table at the end of each day. Dates will be announced soon.

Le Pilgrimage Trail Deux: Shared Trails, Food & Stories

Photo: @gijsferkranus

TRAIL REPORT
The final climb had brought the pilgrims to the Col de Vallouise, high above the valleys they had crossed the previous days. Behind them lay 125 kilometres of mountain trails, 7,500 metres of climbing, a cold night at Refuge du Pelvoux and countless moments shared around the same trails and tables.

The descent to basecamp was waiting. Shade and water were far below. Still, the pilgrims did not leave. They waited until the others appeared on the skyline, one by one. A few days earlier, they had arrived as strangers. On that final col, they stood together as comrades.

To understand how they got there, the story begins a few days earlier, at Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent.

After its inaugural edition last year, Le Pilgrimage Trail returned to Puy-Saint-Vincent in the Écrins for a second journey through the mountains of the French Alps. Thirty pilgrims from eight different countries travelled to Hotel Saint Roch, the basecamp of this journey.

Every pilgrim arrived with a different reason and background. Within the group were ultra trail winners, seasoned hikers, people who had crossed entire mountain ranges, endurance athletes used to long distances, and others taking their first real steps into high alpine terrain.

Le Pilgrimage is a journey. For some, it is mainly a physical one. For others, it is also a spiritual one. Some come to close a chapter in their lives, others to begin a new one. Some come to discover new landscapes, meet new friends, or simply search for adventure and camaraderie.

They were different in many ways. But on that first evening, they had one thing in common: most of them arrived as strangers and sat down next to each other at the same pilgrims' table.

That is where the journey began. Not at a starting line, but around a table. Following the spirit of Saint Roch, Le Pilgrimage invites people to travel slowly, pay attention to the little things and look after those around them.

Le Pilgrimage is a journey where we share trails, we share food and we share stories.

Les Pilgrims:

Adriaan Oprins, Alp Aras (DNF), Anna-Luisa Ruther, Billur Engin (DNF), Brent Waterman, Chiem Helsen, Dennis de Hoog (DNS), Dilara Tuna, Dorothy Teng-Jones (DNF), Erwin Haers, Florian Gräber (DNS), Francesc Varkevisser, Gijs Ferkranus, Hartger Ruijs (DNS), Janneke Scherpenhuyzen, Jenny Tough, Joris Seghers, Josh Allen, Jules Raijer, Justin Selmanoff, Kelly Brady-Selmanoff, Laurent van de Mortel, Lorenz Rieck, Lucas Enthoven, Lucas Jones, Milo Stegmann, Nicolas Hoffschir, Nis Alps, Roy Vermazeren, Sarah Mayer, Sarah Pryce, Tobias Eicke, Vincent van de Mortel (DNS), Yana Strese.

Stage 1: Narreyroux, Col du Bal & Refuge de la Pousterle

Photo: @yorit_kluitman

The cowbell rang, and the first stage started from Hotel Saint Roch, leading the pilgrims into the green Vallon de Narreyroux. Snowmelt still filled the streams and waterfalls, giving the valley a wild, early-summer energy.

From there, the route climbed towards the Col du Bal at 2,600 metres before descending into the beautiful Vallon du Fournel, known for its wildflowers and protected natural landscapes. The trail then followed the GR54 towards Refuge de la Pousterle.

This old refuge, once a place of passage for travellers on the GR route, opened its doors once again for Le Pilgrimage. At the checkpoint, a long table had been set, with a steaming pot of fondue fromage waiting in the middle. Pilgrims sat down, took a fondue fork and joined the table. For those who wanted, a glass of white wine from Savoie was poured.

With the last six pilgrims still out on the trail, the weather changed. Heavy rain swept across the mountain. One by one, they arrived soaked at the old refuge, where they found shelter, warmed up, ate, recovered and gathered strength for the final kilometres back to basecamp.

It was the first real reminder of what a pilgrim checkpoint should be. A place to arrive. A place to find refuge, eat and rest. A place to enjoy the simple pleasures of French mountain cuisine and gather the energy needed to continue the journey.

Stage 2: Montbrison Massif & Croix de la Salcette

Photo: @gijsferkranus

The second stage crossed the valley and climbed towards Bouchier before entering the Montbrison Massif. This was a more technical day, shaped by forest trails, open slopes, limestone formations and loose mountain terrain. The climb to the Croix de la Salcette, at 2,331 metres, rewarded the pilgrims with wide views over the Durance Valley, the Vallouise Valley and the peaks of the Écrins.

The descent demanded full concentration. Storms in the previous week had left their mark on the mountain. Loose stones, eroded slopes and debris made the trail technical and, for some, understandably intimidating. The gaps between the first and last pilgrims became large, but the nearby checkpoint remained open until everyone had passed.

From a distance, you could already smell the checkpoint at Cabane Marcellin. Only reachable on foot or by a steep 4x4 track, this was where the Haute Dogs returned: grilled hot dogs, prepared with love by chef Anne, high in the mountains, using Opinel knives for exactly what they are made for.

No standard ravito point with gels and electrolytes, but food from the grill, with or without sauce, an espresso and an ice-cold Orangina from the fountain around the corner. The kind of checkpoint that makes you sit down for a moment, before the trail drops back into the valley and climbs one last time to basecamp.

Stage 3.1: ToWARDS Refuge du Pelvoux

Photo: @yorit_kluitman

The final stage was the biggest undertaking of the week: 68 kilometres and more than 3,800 metres of climbing, divided over two days, with a night at Refuge du Pelvoux.

Not everyone started this stage, and that too belongs to the nature of a pilgrimage. The terrain is serious, the trails are technical and weather can be demanding. Knowing when not to continue is also part of travelling through the mountains.

The 27 pilgrims who did set out moved from basecamp towards Vallouise, past the Cascade de la Pissette and on to Ailefroide. From there, the long climb to the refuge began. Over the final 1,200 metres of ascent, the trail enters the heart of the Écrins National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in France. The trees disappear, the glaciers come into view and the valley drops away below.

One by one, the pilgrims reached Refuge du Pelvoux. Those who had arrived earlier waited outside and encouraged the others as they made their final steps towards the refuge. Everyone who started the journey made it to the refuge in time for dinner in the communal space.

Here, at 2,704 metres, guardian Mathieu welcomed us. After a long day on the trail, he and his team served a warm lentil curry with fresh vegetables. Later that evening, his homemade génépi appeared and was passed around the table. Mathieu makes this mountain liqueur himself, infused with a special alpine herb that grows high in the mountains. A small nightcap to help everyone through a night in the refuge dormitories.

As darkness fell over the Écrins, the refuge slowly quietened down. Some pilgrims chose the warmth of the dormitory, accepting a night of mattresses, tired bodies and the inevitable soundtrack of snoring. Others carried their sleeping bags outside and chose a bivouac under the stars. High above the valley, beneath a clear mountain sky, the night became beautiful, short and cold.

Stage 3.2: THE GRANDE FINALE

Photo: @gijsferkranus

Breakfast was served at 5:00. By 6:00, the cowbell rang for the last time of this trail pilgrimage, while the first rays of sunlight touched the surrounding peaks. The final return to basecamp was 43 kilometres long, with the Col de Vallouise at 2,621 metres waiting as the last major passage of the journey.

The route first descended from Refuge du Pelvoux back towards Ailefroide before turning into the Vallon de Chambran. There, in the morning light, our friends from Another Morning were waiting with a welcome surprise: coffee and croissants served from their cargo bike in a high alpine valley. French petit déjeuner at its best, and much needed, because there was still a long way to go.

The passage that followed moved through high alpine terrain. A no man's land in the Montbrison Massif, passing the Col de la Pisse at 2,358 metres before reaching the Col de Vallouise at 2,621 metres. Between them lay a vast alpine landscape, far away from any village, passing mountain lakes and quiet trails where only marmots, birds of prey and chamois crossed the path.

It was a passage through the alpine landscape where shade was almost as scarce as water. One final test waited before the journey could be completed.

On the other side of the col, the crew were waiting to catch up the first pilgrims. And one by one, they reached the col. What happened there said something about this group. The next shade was far below, as was the next water source, and the descent was still long. But they waited.

Photo: @yorit_kluitman

The others appeared on the skyline. The group slowly gathered on the Col de Vallouise, looking back over the valleys, passes and trails they had travelled during the previous days. Nobody rushed the moment. There was no clock pushing them forward and no finish line to reach first. There was only the desire to be there together, high above the route they had shared.

And so, a big part of the group came together on the Col de Vallouise. To enjoy the view. To wait for each other. To begin the steep descent together. Tired, thirsty and ready to return, they left the high mountains behind and followed the trail back to Hotel Saint Roch, where the journey had started.

SHARED TRAILS, FOOD & STORIES

That final moment on the Col de Vallouise said more than any finish line could have done.

After 125 kilometres and 7,500 metres of climbing, after a cold refuge night at 2,700 metres, after days of changing weather, difficult trails, shared meals and stories around the same table, the pilgrims waited for each other.

Not because they had to. But because the journey had brought them there together. They had arrived as strangers. They returned from the mountains as comrades.

Le Pilgrimage is not defined by a result, a ranking or a time, but by the way people move through the mountains together. By the moments they share along the way. By the people they meet, the food they pass around, the stories they tell and the memories they carry home.

At Le Pilgrimage, we share trails. We share food. We share stories.

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Merci to those who were part of the deuxième edition of Le Pilgrimage Trail. And thank you to those who helped make it possible: our partners Hotel Saint Roch, Opinel & Another Morning and our media team — Gijs Ferkranus, Martijn van Strien, and Yorit Kluitman.

Le Pilgrimage Trail returns in 2027 for its third edition. The journey continues in the Écrins from June 27 to July 2, 2027. Tickets go on sale August 30 at 10 AM CET.

[Discover Le Pilgrimage Trail 2027 →]

Le Pilgrimage Gravel 2025: Beautifully Brutal

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

The third edition of Le Pilgrimage Gravel

While cold and wet pilgrims huddled in fleece blankets around a small fire in the abandoned Fort de l’Olive, organisers Simon and Cyril looked at each other with a fleeting reflection: had we pushed them too far? These were the fastest riders. If even they arrived trembling and soaked, what about those still out on the mountain?

A special combination

Only four days earlier, at August 28, 47 adventure cyclists from 13 different nations gathered in the cosy mountain Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent. Some felt relaxed, others more nervous, depending on their experience and fitness level. They had all signed up for an event that is not just about exploring some of the best gravel trails in the Pays des Écrins region, but just as much about sharing the experience, personal stories, and maybe even future dreams.

Le Pilgrimage combines four challenging days on the bike with evenings filled with shared meals at long tables. A pilgrimage is only special when you share your version of the day you just had.

On Thursday, all riders arrived, checked in, put their bikes together and met each other for the first time. Cautious sharing of previous rides and travels was the most common conversation. After checking in and picking up their brevet card and goodies from partners like Opinel, Café du Cycliste and Ass Savers, they gathered for the first shared dinner — the true start of every edition of Le Pilgrimage. It’s the perfect way to break the ice and figure out who you connect with.

Les Pilgrims:

Nathalie Baillon, Matt Bark, Ilonka Biermans, Marieke Blomme, Jelle Bokkers, Sebastiaan Brons, Berrol de Cuba, Lucie Denis, Niels Dijksterhuis, Gerwin Dijksterhuis, Matthieu Distaso, Sonja Döpp, Björn Fries, Marc Geyteman, Randy Greven, Berend Gras, Rob Grift, Jasper van Gils, Sergey Ignatov, Erik Jager, Joost Klarenbeek, Sam Klontz, Kris Lafleur, Jan Leegwater, Robèrt Ligthart, Duncan Macdonald, Tamara Meulman, Jasper Mols, Max Muller, Fabricio Quinones, Grace Pyne, Sergi Reixach Reyes, Michel Reuser, Christoph Schaller, Jorrit Schade van Westrum, Nicolas Hoffschir, Timothy Flott, Alex Floor, Jenny Tough, Trevor Watchman, Larendo van Gennip, Jasper Van Zanten, Rob de Vries, Kees Zaal, Marie-Louise Calame (DNS), Ralph Cullen (DNS), Steen Friis (DNS), Taroen Pasman (DNS).

Photo: Yorit Kluitman

Put in your place

The 2025 route took riders in various directions from their basecamp at Hotel Saint Roch. Traditionally, the first stage stays close to base and includes the climb right outside of it: the Col de la Pousterle. During this year’s Stage 1, the riders crossed it and descended into the valley of the Durance. From there, they faced a rough gravel ascent up to the Fort de la Croix-de-Bretagne. This imposing defensive structure overlooks the city of Briançon and its valleys. The climb was washed out after heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the event, making it the first real challenge and one that “put riders in their place.”

During Le Pilgrimage, riders are well taken care of at checkpoints, and this year’s first one was no different: steaming fondue fromage with baguettes awaited at the end of the gruelling climb. Local white wine, a sip of génépi… Riders took a seat, enjoyed the views, the food and shared their first experiences.

Kind of a classic

Stage 2 has become a Pilgrimage classic. From basecamp in Puy-Saint-Vincent, riders headed north, first to Briançon and then along dirt trails, singletracks and rough asphalt following the Vallée de la Guisane, almost up to the Col du Lautaret. With a welcome stop at the small boulangerie in Le Monêtier-les-Bains to restock, they pressed on to where the main road intersects the old road to the Col du Galibier. This track, used in the earliest editions of the Tour de France, is now little more than a farm road. Steep inclines and multiple stream crossings mark this historic and demanding climb all the way up to the last small café just below the summit.

Of course, the pilgrims continued to the famous top before descending into the valley, then turning sharply onto the beautiful and quiet Col des Rochilles. Via the military road, they climbed again to the plateau with its three alpine lakes and surrounding summits of the Massif des Cerces. Then came one of the most infamous parts of Le Pilgrimage: the downhill hike-a-bike to the Refuge des Drayères.

All riders who made it up to the Col des Rochilles also reached this remote but welcoming mountain refuge. After strengthening mind and body with hearty mountain food, they returned to base through the stunning Vallée de la Clarée.

Beautifully Brutal

The last two days formed the queen stage: 232 km into Italy, split over two days. Riders had to arrange their own accommodation in between. On the menu were the Colle di Gondrand, the legendary Strada dell’Assietta and the Col du Granon. Riders crossed the French–Italian border multiple times and climbed up to famous military structures, forts and roads.

The first two days created a split in the group, so a smaller field (about 75%) showed up at the start on day three. Due to mechanical problems or doubts about their physical condition for the demanding routes, some designed their own program from basecamp Saint Roch.

The weather was favourable at first — cool and mostly sunny. But during the descent from the stunning Strada dell’Assietta into the Susa valley, clouds began to hug the mountains. Riders were treated to the “little sister” of the Colle delle Finestre: more than 20 km down through barren peaks, lush meadows and even past a traditional Piemontese cheese farm. During this stage, as in the previous ones, it became clear that Le Pilgrimage brings out the best in people. Like true pilgrims, everyone looked after each other — spare parts exchanged hands, and help was always given with mechanical issues, no matter how long it took, to make sure all could finish this beautifully brutal stage. In the end, the riders reached Oulx, where most opted for a warm hotel bed, and one brave pilgrim chose to bivvy at a local playground.

That night brought rain — a lot of it. The organisers decided to remove the Colle della Mulattiera, a very remote, exposed and brutal climb that crosses borders back to France. Even with that adjustment, the final stage proved a real challenge. The gravel climb from the Vallée de la Clarée up to the promisingly named Fort de l’Olive took most riders over two hours in pouring rain, with temperatures dropping towards zero at the top. A small fire, warm blankets and a bottle of génépi gave strength and determination to the handful of pilgrims who made it up. All that remained was a long descent back to Briançon and one last climb to Puy-Saint-Vincent, where all pilgrims gathered and cheered each finisher.

Photo: Cyril Chermin

Did we push them too far?

Le Pilgrimage is about making your own choices and knowing your own limits. Riders know beforehand what they sign up for: they are asked to confirm their mountain experience, endurance and ability to ride self-supported through high and rough terrain. Competency checks ensure that every participant recognises the demands: the skill to navigate in the mountains carrying your own supplies, the endurance to cover multiple days of 100 km and 3,000 metres of elevation, and the familiarity with rugged, high-altitude terrain and unpredictable weather. Yet even with preparation, every pilgrim must still make their own decisions along the way.

The routes are heavy and demanding, but with the comfort of basecamp and the checkpoints — set up to provide food, warmth and connection at the very moment it is most needed. That is what Le Pilgrimage is about.

Looking back at that moment at Fort de l’Olive, where pilgrims arrived soaked and exhausted, the thought briefly crossed our minds: had we pushed them too far? The answer was clear: no. Pilgrims chose their own limits, and the checkpoints offered the strength and warmth to continue, helping them find their way safely back to base.

Although only ten managed to ride the complete route, a pilgrimage isn’t about finishing first. It is about your own journey, making choices and finding new friends along the way. Even taking a shortcut or skipping a checkpoint is part of it — accepting where you are today and perhaps returning another time to complete the pilgrimage. And that shared understanding is what makes Le Pilgrimage what it is: a spiritual and inspiring journey through some of the most beautiful mountains Italy and France has to offer.

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Le Pilgrimage Gravel is organised by Simon Rosmolen & Cyril Chermin, together with Anne Pekelharing (chef), Yorit Kluitman (photo), Nils van der Heide (production), Tycjan Trzpiola (video). Thanks to our basecamp Hotel Saint Roch, Massacan, Café du Cycliste, Opinel, Pays-des-Écrins & AssSavers.

Le Pilgrimage Gravel will return in 2026.
Now we look ahead to the next edition. Where the beauty remains, and so does the brutality. From September 6–11, 2026, riders will gather once again at Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent. Registration opens on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 19:00 CET (Paris), 13:00 EST (New York) and 05:00 AEST (Sydney, Sunday).