Riding with Queens – Gstaad 2025
A Weekend at La Reine Women’s Cycling Festival
When I first rolled into Gstaad, I was running on three hours of sleep, a stiff neck from a 10-hour drive, and nerves from a last-minute wheel change on my bike. Glamorous? Not exactly. But if there’s one thing women in cycling know how to do — it’s show up, no matter what.
I had driven all the way from the Dolomites, picking up my boyfriend in Milan along the way. We arrived in the Swiss Alps late at night. I was exhausted but buzzing with excitement. The event was calling. At 2 a.m., I finally closed my eyes… only to wake at 5 a.m., hoping my new wheel setup would hold up. Luckily, the amazing on-site mechanics came to my rescue and got my TIME Scylon dialed in just in time. And that’s how La Reine began.
The Ride That Felt Like Home
La Reine isn’t your typical granfondo. It’s strictly women, beautifully tough, and utterly inspiring.
This year, more than 500 women lined up for the challenge — a stunning 140 km route with over 3,000 meters of elevation gain through the Alps. The ride itself was gorgeous — alpine climbs, sweeping valleys, and that quiet Swiss magic you can’t quite describe. But what truly made it unforgettable was the energy. We weren’t racing. We were riding together — some fast, some steady, some stopping for photos, some pushing their limits. There was space for everyone, and no need to prove anything. That freedom — to just ride as you are — is powerful.
A Tapestry of Stories on Two Wheels
What struck me most at La Reine wasn’t just the landscape — it was the women. So different, yet so united by a shared love of the ride.
There were women from all walks of life — engineers, mothers, artists, students, doctors and CEOs — each with their own reasons for being there. Some had been riding for decades, others had only recently found cycling through a friend or during lockdown. There were fearless solo travelers who’d crossed borders with panniers and maps, and women who’d never done a mountain climb until that day. Some rode with power and precision, others with joy and curiosity. One woman talked about racing with the strategy of a pro — another told me she just wanted to prove to herself she could finish. Some rode in silence, soaking in the scenery, others chatted, laughed, and sang on the climbs.
It was a reminder that cycling isn’t one type of woman. It’s a canvas for so many voices, stories, and identities. And when we come together — from different cultures, ages, and backgrounds — the result is something incredibly rich and inspiring.
We’re Not “Just Women on Bikes”
We’re often boxed in as niche, or “cute” riders because brands now offer smaller sizes and pastel kits. Yes, we love good design and a saddle that actually fits — but we’re also fierce, competitive, and deeply passionate. It’s not about women trying to ride like men. It’s about women riding like women — and redefining what that looks like. That means power, elegance, resilience, and community.
And right now, we’re in a powerful moment for women’s cycling. Just look at the Tour de France Femmes — it’s not the same distance or duration as the men’s race, and that’s OK. It’s not easier. It’s not harder. It’s different, and equally intense. The strategy, the climbs, the breakaways — it’s a different kind of battle. And it’s beautiful.
Each year, we’re seeing more media coverage, more fans at the roadside, and more young girls dreaming big. That’s how progress looks.
My TIME on the Road
My TIME Scylon carried me through Gstaad’s climbs with precision and confidence. I didn’t overthink the tech that day — I just rode. That’s the magic of a bike that fits your riding style so well: it becomes part of your rhythm. Quietly strong, just like the women around me.
TIME isn’t just a bike brand to me. It’s a partner in this evolving movement.
Why This Matters
La Reine left me humbled and inspired. It reminded me that we need spaces like this — to ride, to connect, to be loud, soft, fast, slow, new, elite… whatever version of us we bring to the road. Women’s cycling is not just growing — it’s evolving. It’s thriving.
And it’s time we all celebrate it! See you on the next summit!
Nadezhda Pavlova
