Across the Alps in Gravel with Nathalie Monnier ENG — ULTRA TALK Arnaud Manzanini

What does it really mean to cross the Alps… in gravel?

In this episode of the Ultra Talk Podcast – Ultra Cycling Capsule, produced by Race Across Series, Arnaud Manzanini sits down with Nathalie Monnier, Main Coordinator of GRAAALPS, to dive deep into one of the most demanding and inspiring ultra-distance gravel events in Europe.

From the Mediterranean Sea to the high alpine passes of Switzerland, GRAAALPS is not just a race—it’s an expedition across France, Italy, and Switzerland, where strategy, preparation, and resilience define the experience.

Together, they explore:

The evolution of the GRAAALPS routes for 2026
Why the event now offers 300, 500, and 800 km formats with distinct identities
The introduction of loop formats in Crans-Montana
The iconic Tour du Mont Blanc in gravel on the 500 km
The balance between gravel and road in extreme alpine terrain
Key insights on gear, tires, logistics, and mental preparation

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering ultra-distance gravel—or simply looking to understand what it takes to push beyond limits in the mountains.

GRAAALPS is more than a race. It’s a journey.

👉 Registrations are now open:

https://www.raceacrossseries.com

👉 Discover GRAAALPS:

https://www.raceacrossseries.com/graaalps-2026

👉 Watch all videos on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@RaceAcrossSeriesUltraCycling

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