Verbier Bike Festival has reported record attendance for its 2026 edition, with 3,975 participants taking part across four days in the Swiss Alps.
The eighth edition of the event, held in Verbier from August 13 to 16, marked the second year of its broadened format, which now covers the full cycling market across mountain bike, e-bike, gravel, road, downhill and enduro categories.
Expanded Expo Village highlights trade appeal
The festival’s Expo Village hosted 41 exhibitors, including 26 international bike brands, and recorded 35,472 visits during the event.
Organisers said 719 bikes were available to test, giving visitors the opportunity to ride new models on discipline-specific routes around Verbier and the Val de Bagnes.
The event also offered a wider product mix beyond complete bikes, with helmets, eyewear, technical backpacks and other accessories available from specialist suppliers.
Routes, tests and competitions broaden participation
The 2026 programme featured 33 routes designed for a range of riding levels and cycling disciplines, supporting bike tests, guided rides and competitive formats.
Bike tests remained a key draw, while the Gourmet Rides combined riding with local Valais produce including alpine cheeses, artisan charcuterie and regional wines.
Bosch, Specialized and Scott formats feature in sporting programme
The sporting programme covered e-MTB, enduro, gravel and road cycling, with formats aimed at both amateur riders and professional athletes.
The BOSCH eMTB Challenge attracted almost 100 participants, including 21 professional riders. World champions Valentina Höll, Jérôme Gilloux and Joris Ryf were among the named riders taking part.
The Specialized Enduro Challenge and SCOTT Kids Challenge were also introduced, together attracting more than 100 riders.
Social Rides ran throughout the weekend, covering road cycling, Bike Park sessions, Girls Only rides and opportunities to ride alongside world champion athletes.
International audience and festival atmosphere
Alongside the ride programme, the festival village hosted after-bike gatherings, trial shows, a silent party, DJ sets and bar activity, creating a social hub for riders, brands, athletes and visitors.
Participants represented 23 nationalities, while family-focused activities helped reinforce the event’s positioning as an accessible gathering for the wider cycling community.
2027 dates confirmed
Organisers said the 2026 edition confirmed the success of the festival’s updated format and provided a platform for continued growth.
The ninth edition of the Verbier Bike Festival is scheduled to take place from August 12 to 15, 2027.
