Welcome to Via Del Sale 550
There are places where borders fade away, roads disappear into the mountains and adventure takes on its full meaning.
Via Del Sale 550 invites you on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, between France and Italy. A 550-kilometre ultra-cycling race through the wild landscapes of the Mercantour, the hidden valleys of Piedmont and the spectacular terrain of Liguria.
From high-altitude military tracks to the ancient trails of the legendary Via del Sale, the route winds past dramatic ridgelines, remote villages and endless panoramas, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean.
550 kilometres of exploration, endurance and personal challenge. A self-supported adventure where every rider must find their own rhythm, face the elements and push their limits.
Here, borders are more than lines on a map. They are also the limits we set ourselves.
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Ride with GPS privacy550K - The wild alpine odyssey
550 km | France - Italy Ultra Distance
From the Mercantour mountains to the wild landscapes of Piedmont and the spectacular ridgelines of Liguria, Via Del Sale 550 takes you on an extraordinary adventure through the heart of the Southern Alps.
Starting from Peille, the route gradually climbs towards wide-open alpine landscapes, following an incredible network of mountain tracks, ancient trails and forgotten back roads. As the kilometres unfold, the scenery transforms: deep forests, remote valleys, high mountain pastures and characterful villages follow one another against a breathtaking backdrop.
The highlight of this journey, the high-altitude tracks of the legendary Via del Sale offer an unforgettable experience, with old military roads, dramatic ridgelines and sweeping views across the Ligurian Alps.
But Via Del Sale 550 is much more than a journey through the mountains. It is a true test of endurance, where long climbs, altitude, fatigue and hours in the saddle challenge mind and body alike.
Between France and Italy, by day and by night, every kilometre becomes a hard-earned achievement, every border crossed another step towards the finish.
One loop. Two countries. 550 kilometres to push beyond your own borders.
Gallery
“Living is not a serious matter, not a grave one. It is an adventure, almost a game.”
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
Frequently asked questions
Where does Via Del Sale 550 take place?
Via Del Sale 550 starts and finishes in the hilltop village of Peille, in the Alpes-Maritimes, near Nice and Monaco. The route crosses the Southern Alps between France and Italy, exploring the landscapes of the Mercantour, Piedmont and Liguria, including a stretch along the legendary Via del Sale.
What is Via Del Sale 550?
Organised by La Baroudeuse, Via Del Sale 550 is an ultra-cycling race of around 550 kilometres, combining gravel tracks, old military roads and quiet back roads. A demanding alpine adventure through wild landscapes, where endurance, strategy and self-sufficiency are the keys to success.
Is it an official race or a self-supported adventure?
Unlike GRAVEL06, Via Del Sale 550 is a fully fledged self-supported ultra-cycling race, with timing and rankings. Each participant must independently manage their effort, nutrition, sleep and progress in accordance with the event rules.
Will the routes be marked, signposted and secured?
No. The route is neither signposted nor closed to traffic. Each participant must follow the official GPX track, obey road traffic rules and take responsibility for their own navigation and safety. The route crosses remote mountain areas where conditions can change rapidly.
What are the entry fees and what does registration include?
Registration for the Via Del Sale Gravel Race 550 opens on December 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., subject to availability.
Prices are tiered to reward participants who register early.
Registration Period:
- December 1–10, 2026 : Solo €189 / Duo €378
- December 11, 2026–January 31, 2027 : Solo €219 / Duo €438
- February 1–April 30, 2027: Solo €249 / Duo €498
- May 1–August 14, 2027: Solo €279 / Duo €558
Your registration includes:
- Participation in the Via Del Sale Gravel Race 550.
- The official GPX track and the participant’s guide.
- An individual GPS tracker with live tracking, including for each team member in the Duo category.
- Timing and official rankings.
- Access to refreshments at the Col de Tende checkpoint during both passes.
- Participant check-in, equipment inspection, and race briefing.
- Services provided by the organizers at the start and finish.
Optional Meetch cancellation insurance will be offered to you during registration. In the event of withdrawal, no refund or rescheduling will be granted by the organizers, including in cases of injury or illness, subject to mandatory legal provisions. Only participants who have purchased the insurance may request compensation from Meetch, in accordance with the coverage provided by their policy.
What is the schedule for Via Del Sale 550?
The Via Del Sale Gravel Race 550 will take place from September 11 to 16, 2027, starting and finishing in the village of Peille, in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Saturday, September 11, 2027 — Participant Check-In
- Rider check-in and race pack pickup.
- Distribution of individual GPS trackers.
- Check of mandatory equipment.
- Official race briefing.
Sunday, September 12, 2027 — Race Start
- 8:00 a.m.: Official start for Solo and Duo participants.
- Start of timing and the adventure on the trails and roads of France and Italy.
Sunday, September 12 through Thursday, September 16 — Self-supported race
- Free progress along the official route, with a maximum time limit of 108 hours.
- Two mandatory stops at the Col de Tende checkpoint, where refueling and personal assistance are permitted.
- Live GPS tracking of participants.
Thursday, September 16, 2027 — End of the race
- 8:00 PM: Official closing of the finish line in Peille.
- End of timing and validation of results.
Detailed schedules for registration, checkpoints, and the briefing will be provided in 2027 in the official participants’ guide.
What is the time limit for finishing?
To be officially recognized as a Finisher of the Via Del Sale Gravel Race 550, each participant has a maximum of 108 hours (4 days and 12 hours) to complete the entire course.
The race will start on Sunday, September 12, 2027, at 8:00 a.m., and participants must finish by Thursday, September 16, at 8:00 p.m., in Peille.
Two intermediate time barriers are scheduled at the Col de Tende checkpoint:
- First passage (approximately km 127): Monday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. — H+36.
- Second passage (approximately km 335): Wednesday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. — H+78.
- Finish in Peille: Thursday, September 16 at 8:00 p.m. — H+108.
Timing is continuous: breaks, refueling, repairs, and sleep periods are included in the race time.
To be classified as a Finisher, each Solo or Duo participant must complete the entire official course, pass through all mandatory checkpoints, and meet all time cutoffs.
To each their own strategy: ride, pace yourself, rest, and cross the finish line within the time limit!
Do I need a GPS device?
Yes, a GPS device is essential. As the route is not signposted, each participant must have a device capable of following the official GPX track. A power bank and a backup navigation solution are strongly recommended for night riding and remote sections.
What bike, gearing and tyres should I use?
A gravel bike with 40 to 50 mm tyres is recommended. Alpine tracks can be rocky, rough and demanding, especially on the Via del Sale.
Choose reinforced tyres, reliable brakes and gearing suited to long climbs, with a lowest gear ratio below 1:1 if possible. A hardtail mountain bike is also an excellent alternative.
What should I do if I withdraw?
If you withdraw, you must notify the organisers as soon as possible, following the instructions provided before the start. As this is a self-supported event, each participant is responsible for arranging their own return.
In the event of an accident or emergency, call the emergency services on 112 and provide your GPS location.
Are there feed stations or support along the route?
The Via Del Sale Gravel Race 550 is a self-supported ultracycling event with one official aid station and support point at the Col de Tende, which riders can access twice during the race.
One checkpoint, two stops:
- On the outbound leg (approximately km 127): organized refueling and personal assistance permitted.
- On the return leg (approximately km 335): second refueling stop and personal assistance permitted.
At this checkpoint, riders can receive assistance from their own support team to refuel, perform mechanical repairs, change equipment, or recharge their gear.
On the rest of the course, riders must be completely self-sufficient.
Participants are free to purchase supplies at shops, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and gas stations open to the public, as well as at authorized public water sources.
However, any private resupply or outside assistance outside the official Col de Tende zone is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. Support vehicles are also prohibited.
Mutual assistance among participants—particularly between the two teammates in a Duo—remains permitted.
One support point, two opportunities to refuel, and 550 km of adventure to manage on your own!
Should I expect to ride at night?
Yes. Depending on your pace and strategy, you may need to ride through one or more nights. Reliable front and rear lights, spare batteries and clothing suited to changing mountain temperatures are essential.
What weather conditions might I encounter?
Even in the height of summer, conditions in the Southern Alps can be highly changeable. Participants must prepare for heat in the valleys, cold at altitude, thunderstorms and significant temperature swings between day and night. Equipment suitable for high mountain conditions is essential.
Important Route Information?
The route shown on the map is provided for guidance only and is subject to change.
Throughout the spring, our team will scout the trails to bring you the best possible route, while ensuring it remains rideable and safe.
Our mountain terrain is exposed to natural hazards, including rockfalls, severe weather and trail deterioration, so adjustments may be necessary.
The final GPX track will be shared a few days before the event, following our final checks on the ground.