The Swiss Cycling Alpine brevet is experiencing an unprecedented rush: all 3,250 starting places for the 2026 edition were completely sold out after just 60 hours. The most traditional Alpine marathon in Switzerland has thus set a new record in terms of registration speed. "We are experiencing the racing bike boom first hand. This year, almost all the starting places for 2026 were taken within one day - something that was unimaginable just a few years ago," explains Philipp Avenell, Marketing Manager of the Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet. The remaining places also went quickly after the first day. The rush for starting places reflects a fundamental change in Swiss cycling: road cycling has developed from a niche sport to a widely accepted leisure sport that appeals to a wide variety of target groups. In addition to performance-orientated amateur athletes, leisure cyclists are increasingly discovering the fascination of road cycling in Switzerland. alpine environment. The event, which like 2025 takes place in Andermatt, is regarded as a highlight in the Swiss road bike calendar and offers various route options with different levels of difficulty.
Significant rejuvenation at the Alpenbrevet
The age statistics for the Alpenbrevet show a marked change in the participant structure. While the 40 to 49 age group made up the largest group in 2021 with around 1,000 participants, the 30 to 39 age group dominated in 2026 with over 1,200 starters. This age group now accounts for more than 30 per cent of all participants. At the same time, the number of 20 to 29-year-olds is also increasing significantly, which underlines the trend towards a rejuvenation of the sport. "We see that 30-year-olds in particular are rediscovering the road bike - often people who want to combine work, family and sport and choose an event like the Alpenbrevet as a very special destination," explains Avenell. This development points to a lasting change in the sport of road cycling, which is increasingly appealing to younger generations and thus gaining new impetus in the long term.
Increasing proportion of women
The trend in the proportion of women in the various age groups is particularly remarkable. In the 30 to 39 age group, the proportion of female participants has risen from just under 18 per cent in 2021 to over 34 per cent in 2026 - almost doubling within five years. A similar trend can also be seen in the other age groups: there has also been a significant increase in the proportion of women in the 20 to 29 age group and the 40 to 49 age group. This development not only makes the Alpenbrevet younger, but also more diverse. The racing bike boom is thus reaching women and men in equal measure and contributing to a more balanced gender distribution in the traditionally male-dominated sport of cycling. The figures show that road cycling is increasingly being perceived as an attractive sport for all genders and is moving away from its former image as a male-only sport.
Alpenbrevet as a symbol of the cycling boom
In its almost 50-year history, the Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet has become a symbol of the passion for road cycling in Switzerland. The event offers various tours that can cover up to five Alpine passes in one day. The combination of challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery makes the event a special experience for cycling enthusiasts. The current rush for starting places makes it clear that the Alpenbrevet is more than just a sporting event - it represents the unmistakable upswing in road cycling in Switzerland. The event reflects the transformation of the sport: from a niche sport for enthusiasts to a popular sport that appeals to people of different age groups and genders. With its long tradition and the current record number of registrations, the Alpenbrevet exemplifies the growing enthusiasm for cycling in Switzerland.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
