In 2026, the Connected Passes operation will return for a fifth season. A ninth pass has been announced for this summer.
The year 2026 marks a new milestone for the Connected Passes. The operation continues from previous seasons. Connected cycling ascents. Access is open to all audiences with the aim of combining sport, discovery, and sharing. The launch of a ninth pass, whose identity is not yet known, further strengthens this territorial network.
After the 2025 edition marked by strong public engagement and a thriving digital dynamic, the initiative confirms its success. Attendance is increasing, as is the online community. The events are becoming a fixture on the local sports calendar with an unchanged ambition: to offer accessible, free, and friendly sporting moments, all anchored at the heart of the mountain region.
Eight Days of Events
The fifth season builds on an enhanced program. Eight days of events will punctuate the year. The format remains intentionally diverse: hikes, timed ascents, days coupled with the Alpes-Maritimes Tour cycle race, joint organization with the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Several road closures will be scheduled for ascents reserved for cyclists. Each date will offer a different approach to the sport.
The season will also feature the presence of a new ambassador. Gianni Bugno will participate in two dates, on the Madone and Valberg passes. The double world champion will be present alongside Claudio Chiappucci, Stephen Roche, and Mika Cherel. These events aim for sharing moments with the public. The Nice Métropole Sprinter will participate in three days. Specific events will be organized for this occasion.
The president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Charles Ange Ginésy outlines the framework for this new season: “Year after year, the Connected Passes have become a popular sporting event, promoting cycling and outdoor activities while strengthening social ties. This 5th season is fully in line with this dynamic, with an enhanced program, prestigious partners, and the same goal: to bring the Passes to life in a different way.”
Cyclists, sports enthusiasts, families, and curious individuals are invited to participate in these days. The natural setting remains central. Mountain roads become shared spaces for a practice that aims to be friendly. The calendar is available in detail on the Alpes-Maritimes department website.
Return in Numbers to the 2025 Edition
The 2025 edition presents a detailed numerical report. Seven days of events welcomed 1,500 participants. The digital community saw notable growth. The Strava club counts 1,656 members, an increase of 27%.
These numbers reflect public enthusiasm for this format that mixes sport, discovery, and friendliness. The connected aspect plays a central role. Digital tools extend the on-site experience. Photo spots at the summits contribute to this visibility. Dedicated signage structures the routes.
The Connected Passes 06 are part of the Departmental Cycling Plan. The initiative offers connected cycling ascents on several passes in the Alpes-Maritimes. Access remains open to all profiles: amateurs, families, or experienced cyclists. The approach combines sporting challenge, territorial discovery, and digital experience. The desired practice aims to be friendly and sustainable.
This initiative is part of a broader departmental policy in favor of cycling. The 2022-2028 Cycling Plan, part of the GREEN Deal policy, mobilizes 62 million euros. The announced goal is to develop a coherent, secure, and connected cycling network. Three hundred and twenty kilometers of cycling paths are targeted by 2028.
Through the Connected Passes, the Alpes-Maritimes region pursues a strategy combining sport, mobility, and attractiveness. The fifth season follows this continuity. While waiting to know the new pass that will complete this new edition. As a reminder, last year, participants had the opportunity to enjoy the legendary Turini pass.
