Welcome to the Grind: The Gempen Grinder Debuts in Basel

Words by James Ion - Photography provided by Gempen Grinder

There’s a certain kind of gravel that sings under your tyres, not too loose, not too sharp, just right. Brecht Guldemont calls it Champagne Gravel. And come September 20–21, 2025, riders will find it flowing through the forests, borders, and valleys surrounding Basel as the Gempen Grinder kicks off its inaugural edition.

This new event isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a festival. A challenge. A statement of intent. And like all good gravel races, it starts with one thing: a story.

Brecht's Borderline Dream

Brecht Guldemont, the man behind the Gempen Grinder, is Belgian by birth and a cyclist by blood. After relocating to Switzerland for work three years ago, he found community and rhythm in the buzzing Thursday night rides of Basel’s cycling club scene. Gravel, however, came later, sparked by a ride on a rental bike in Spain and ignited further by a golden ticket to Unbound Gravel in the U.S.

"The vibe in the U.S. is different," he says. "It’s competitive, yes, but also open, fun, and community-focused. I wanted to bring some of that back to Europe."

And so, the idea was born: create a gravel race that blends the natural beauty and technical terrain of the Basel region with the soul of American gravel culture. One that welcomes both elite riders and curious newcomers, where the afterparty matters as much as the podium.

The Course: Champagne Gravel, Whiskey Bumps

The main event follows a 50 km loop, with riders choosing between a single 50 km challenge or the full 150 km grind. Roughly 88% of the course is gravel, with flowy sections, forest roads, and just enough singletrack and "whiskey gravel" to keep things spicy. There are views of the Alps, the Vosges, and even the Black Forest, weather permitting, of course.

The course prioritises rideability over raw brutality. "It’s not about scaring people off," Brecht says. "We want the top gravel racers, sure, but also folks trying this for the first time. It should be fun, fast, and just technical enough."

And yes, there are plans for a cross-border version in future editions, connecting France, Germany, and Switzerland in one transnational loop. But that’s for later. For now, the Gempen Plateau offers plenty.

The Gravel Velodrome & Festival Vibes

Here’s where things get really cool. The start/finish venue is an old hippodrome, a gravel-surfaced horse racing track turned into what Brecht calls the "gravel-drome." On Saturday, before the main race, this oval becomes the site of an experimental gravel track racing event. Think pursuits and time trials, adapted for knobbly tyres and party tunes.

Off the course, the festival feels continue. Live music, local breweries, food trucks, workshops, and even a pétanque pitch await. Families are not just welcome, they’re expected. With loops designed for spectators and enough off-bike action to keep kids entertained, the Gempen Grinder aims to become a true gravel gathering.

"I don’t believe in expos just for the sake of it," Brecht says. "But if a brand can show up and share something meaningful, like a nutrition talk, a workshop, then that’s what we want."

Pro Level Support

Riders will be supported throughout the event with tech stations and feed zones dotted around the course. Neversecond will be supplying the race day nutrition, so you know you are in good hands there, and with more sponsors being announced, expect to be treated like a pro on race day!

Racing with a Conscience

One of the event’s core values is trail respect. Bring back three used gel wrappers? You get a drink. Littering is out, stewardship is in. The goal is to leave no trace, not just to keep the trails beautiful, but to ensure future editions can thrive.

Inclusivity is another keystone: junior riders can race the 50 km course, and the organising team is pushing for 30% female participation. "We’re working with groups like Fast and Female to make it happen," says Brecht. "It has to be fun, and it has to be welcoming."

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Registration & Website

Sign-ups begin on 21. May via www.gempengrinder.com. Solo riders can join, but there are group discounts for teams of five or more. Camping will be available right at the race village, or you can bed down in one of Basel’s many nearby hotels. Either way, come ready to ride and ready to connect.