Header image courtesy of Octopus Gravel

Octopus Gravel is described by the event organisers as “the meeting point for gravel enthusiasts and mountain lovers.” With an alpine setting, a unique course layout and plenty of challenges, it offered an irresistible draw to hundreds of gravel riders. Timo Rokitta packed his climber’s gear and headed to Switzerland to take part.

Image courtesy of Octopus Gravel

The course for the Octopus Gravel event held recently in Andermatt was made up of seven arms, or climbs. Some were very short and steep, while others were flatter but correspondingly longer. But don't worry, everyone could tackle as many climbs as they wanted. For those with ambitions of a podium placing, times were measured on three of the climbs.

Image courtesy of Octopus Gravel

An exuberant atmosphere full of anticipation reigned at the event site in Andermatt, Switzerland. 700 gravel bikers from all over the world had gathered to conquer the seven arms of the Octopus Gravel rides. After the organiser addressed the starters with a few words, the event began. To avoid traffic jams and spread out the huge field of riders, the first two climbs immediately branched off in different directions from the start area. I choose the Rossmettelen climb first because it looked the hardest to me and I wanted to tackle it with fresh legs. 

The gravel peloton rolled through the large roundabout at the town entrance, shielded by several motorbike outriders and plunged down the road into a tunnel. Suddenly, two control posts stood in the middle of the road, indicating that the track veered sharply to the left in the tunnel. The path immediately became very steep and I shifted to my lowest gear. As the sign for the start of the first timed segment appeared, there was no holding back. Aspirants for victory shot past me on both sides, making me feel like a complete novice. After a few hundred meters, sweat was already pouring out of my helmet and every time I tried to get out of the saddle, my rear wheel slipped mercilessly. Here, I clearly realised that my 38x42 gearing was not optimal for long, hard climbs.

Nonetheless, I slowly and silently suffered my way up the switchbacks on my Open U.P.P.E.R. At the same time, I was totally captivated by the view of the Schöllenen Gorge. While traffic rushed along the road between Andermatt and Göschenen below, we gravel bikers were alone up on the mountainside. Eventually, the gradient decreased gradually and the fastest riders started back coming towards me on their descent. The first feed station of the Octopus Gravel was located after eight kilometers at over 2,000 meters altitude. I'd conquered the Rossmettelen climb – Mama Mia, what a start! After quickly photographing a herd of goats grazing unimpressed at the roadside, I headed back down the same route. The need to constantly brake made the descent no less strenuous.

For the second challenge, I chose the Vermigel climb. At a leisurely pace, we rode out of Andermatt on asphalt, then continued deeper into a valley on a very rideable gravel track. The timed segment was again very strenuous, though not as steep as the Rossmettelen climb. The feed station here was full of party vibes. South American helpers cheered every rider who arrived at the top with frenzied enthusiasm and sent them off with the same energy when they rolled back into the valley.

The descent was a true gravel dream, with the track winding gently through lush green meadows where hay was being made. When I arrived in Andermatt for the second time, I'd already climbed 1,500 meters, but I set off on the third climb. Having scouted the route beforehand, I rode from Andermatt towards the Gotthard Pass, where three points seemed close together. My idea was that these climbs could be quickly conquered. However, I was soon proven wrong. The designated path to the old Gotthard road led over a mountain bike trail. Those who don't want to ride this could switch to the pass road, where I met many participants taking it easier, though it was busy with cars as it was the weekend. At the top, clouds raced over the pass and the weather turned – the temperature plummeted rapidly. Before tackling the third and final timed segment, I refuelled and put on my wind vest, as the temperature hovered just above 10 degrees Celsius.

The descent on the old Tremola cobblestone road was not particularly challenging and was relatively relaxed. At the bottom, I turned around and took off my wind vest. Now it was uphill with speed. The gradients were even and in my opinion, it was the easiest climb of the Octopus Gravel.

From the Gotthard Pass, two smaller climbs branched off. The left turn took me to Lago della Sella. The small asphalt road led steeply almost up to the dam wall in its final section. Water ran over the path and there were some snowfields to cross. At the feed station, a helper informed us that we should all head directly to the finish in Andermatt due to an approaching storm – safety first. I rode up to the dam wall and enjoyed the view of a true winter landscape. The snowfields and ice floes on the water resembled winter fjords in Scandinavia rather than a summer Alpine scene. Since I was already up here, I quickly headed to the other short climb, the Airolo Viewpoint. Dense fog enveloped the climb, but at the top, there was a brief clear view of the valley, where the southern portal of the Gotthard tunnel was located.

Now it was a dash back down to Andermatt before the storm hit. I quickly took a souvenir photo in front of a huge snow wall. I raced down the road to Andermatt at full throttle. It got noticeably warmer with every meter and on the straight, I set a new personal speed record of nearly 71 km/h on the gravel bike. After 80 kilometers and over 2,600 meters of climbing, I was glad to be back down from the mountains safe and dry. As I redeemed my meal voucher, it began to rain.

The Octopus Gravel was not just a cycling event – it was an experience and a true physical challenge. Whether racing against the clock or enjoying a leisurely tour through breathtaking landscapes, the Octopus Gravel was an unforgettable experience amidst magnificent scenery. All the participants could start together and adjust the climbs to suit their own fitness levels and form. Since the target points could be approached in any order, it was never too crowded except on the first climb. The routes were superbly chosen and mostly free from car traffic – typical Swiss quality.

Image courtesy of Octopus Gravel

Text and images by Timo Rokitta, except where credited