It’s time for the third annual Gravel Worlds! The cream of the crop in the cycling world will descend on Halle, Belgium, to compete for the coveted Rainbow Jersey from 5 to 8 October 2024. Want to learn more about the awesome gravel routes and the riders involved? Well, you’re in the right place.
Read on.
What are the Gravel Worlds?
We love the unique discipline of gravel cycling. As its concept evolved, gravel's beautiful, unifying nature was complemented by some seriously competitive races, from gran fondos to larger-scale challenges such as UNBOUND in Kansas, U.S.A.
Three years ago, the UCI created the UCI Gravel World Series. This new series was modeled after the highly successful UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which allowed riders to earn a spot representing their country in the annual UCI World Championships. The UCI Gravel World Series follows a similar format, where the top 25% of male and female riders from each age group at each event qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships. These championships will crown the UCI World Champions for each age group, adding a competitive edge to the sport.
Did you know: The biggest gravel event in the world actually starts from your doorstep! Learn more about REBOUND today.
UCI Gravel World Championships: The course
On Saturday, October 5, the Women’s Elite group will ride for the rainbow jersey over a 133km course. The following day, the Men’s Elite group will tackle a 179km course. Both days will also feature races for riders aiming for the UCI world title in their respective age groups.
The course starts in Halle and finishes in Leuven. Beautiful forest pathways will lead to tricky climbs and hollow roads. This year’s World Championships will have something for everyone. Reminiscent of the 2021 Road World Championships held in the same area, its off-road counterpart will provide some adventure for teams from each nation.
In a nutshell: All race categories will commence in Halle with a 12km loop around the city before heading towards Leuven, where they will cross the finish line for the first time after 86km. Men over 65 and women over 50 will conclude their race at this point. The other categories racing on Saturday will complete an additional 47km loop around Leuven, while the male racers on Sunday will do two 47km loops. The total elevation gain ranges from 800m for elite women to 1200m for elite men.
The finish line in Leuven is located on the famous Bondgenotenlaan in the city center. It features some “urban gravel zones”, a steep cobblestone climb and a route through the train station and city park.
How do you qualify for the Gravel World Championships?
Riders can qualify for the event by competing in one of the annual 25 UCI Gravel World Series events. Elite racers nominated by their national federations can also secure spots.
One notable difference between the UCI Gravel World Series and the Gran Fondo series is the inclusion of professional riders. In the Gravel World Series, professional cyclists can participate in the events and qualify for the UCI World Championships. Integrating amateur and professional riders adds a unique dynamic to the competition, elevating performance and excitement.
Meet the Dutch Team Coach: Laurens ten Dam
A legend in the gravel world and long-time Shimano gravel ambassador, Laurens ten Dam was asked to be the ‘bondscoach’ (National Coach) of the Dutch National Team on its way to the Gravel World Championship. We asked Laurens for his take on this year’s Worlds.
“I have kept pretty busy traveling around the world with my ‘bondscoach hat’ on”, Laurens said. “I really like being involved with the planning side of things while helping aspiring athletes fulfill their dreams.”
The national team is represented by WorldTour riders and talented riders without a pro contract, and Laurens does his best to ensure everyone feels motivated. “I try to make the UCI World Championships into the best possible weekend of the year for everyone involved. For the WorldTour pro’s away from their teams and the other talents—I’m aware it can be daunting to race in the same team as Paris-Roubaix and Tour de France (Femmes) winners.
“About myself. After finishing the Tour Divide, I wasn’t sure whether I’d start in the Worlds. I was so tired and thought I could better focus on just the coaching side. Now, after a good holiday, I’m considering a combination! But for sure, when I arrive at the starting line, most of my work will be done, and I’ll hope for a win or podium from one of ‘my riders’.”
GRX vs. DURA-ACE
Last year’s Men’s Elite WC winner was Matej Mohorič, who rode his DURA-ACE R9150 Di2 to victory in Veneto. The lightweight and incomparable fast shifting make DURA-ACE a stellar companion for the Elites. However, GRX will be making its own appearance at this year’s Worlds, with riders already competing in races with the new GRX RX825 2x12 Di2 and its mechanical counterpart.
Besides the unrivaled ergonomics of the shift and brake levers, one of the significant advantages of choosing a GRX groupset for gravel riding is that the rear derailleur has an extra-secure cage to handle the debris from hardcore gravel adventure. Want to learn more about the advantages of GRX?
As gravel cycling continues to gain momentum, it is not just about the competition. It is fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Events and races are being organized worldwide, bringing together cyclists of all skill levels and backgrounds. These gatherings provide a platform for competition and promote camaraderie and the sharing of experiences among participants, turning the gravel world into a joyful community.
Bringing us another step closer to a world United in Gravel.
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