About This Event

Part of the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series, this French gravel race offers direct qualification to the UCI Gravel World Championships for top performers. The event unfolds across the dramatic landscapes of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, where riders traverse limestone plateaus and distinctive red stone terrain before finishing beneath the iconic Millau Viaduct.

The race structure accommodates serious competitors and recreational riders through multiple distance options. The flagship 145km UCI route provides the primary qualification pathway, while age-group specific categories include a 101km route for Women 50+ and Men 60+. Open races at 80km and 40km distances welcome broader participation, with dedicated junior and cadet categories ensuring younger cyclists can experience this unique terrain.

What sets this event apart is its stunning geological diversity. Riders experience the contrasting landscapes of the Grands Causses, moving from expansive limestone plateaus to areas of striking red stone formations. The course showcases why this region earned protected status as a Regional Natural Park, with terrain that challenges riders technically while rewarding them visually.

The qualification system follows UCI standards: top 25% finishers in each age category earn their spot at the World Championships, with the top three finishers in each category receiving automatic qualification regardless of field size. Age groups span from 19 to 75+ in five-year increments, creating meaningful competition across all demographics.

The event attracts both recreational cyclists seeking adventure and serious amateurs training year-round for World Championship qualification, creating an atmosphere that balances competitive intensity with the celebration of gravel cycling culture.

The UCI Gravel World Series is an elite international competition circuit dedicated to the growing discipline of gravel cycling. Launched by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to meet the rising global interest in gravel racing, the series serves as both a competitive platform and a celebration of the unique spirit of gravel cycling. With routes often combining paved roads, gravel paths, and off-road trails, the UCI Gravel World Series attracts a diverse community of riders, from professional racers to passionate amateurs. The gravel series is affiliated with the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which follows a similar format.

Format and Structure

The UCI Gravel World Series consists of qualifying events held across various countries, each organized in scenic, challenging locations that showcase the region’s distinctive landscapes. Riders who finish in the top 25% of their age group in any qualifying event earn a coveted spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships, the series’ annual grand finale. The championship event crowns world champions across different age categories, with winners receiving the iconic UCI rainbow jersey, a prestigious symbol of cycling excellence.

Unique Characteristics

Mixed Terrain: Gravel racing is characterized by diverse terrain, including smooth gravel, rocky trails, forest paths, and even stretches of pavement. Each event in the UCI Gravel World Series capitalizes on this by designing courses that highlight the natural beauty of their surroundings while challenging riders’ skills and endurance.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: The UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional cyclists and amateur riders, with age-group categories encouraging broad participation. This inclusive approach fosters a community-focused atmosphere where cyclists of all levels can compete and share their passion for gravel cycling.
Scenic, Iconic Locations: Events occur in renowned cycling destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond, allowing participants to experience various landscapes and cycling cultures. The series combines tourism with sport, drawing both competitors and spectators to explore new regions through the lens of gravel racing.

The UCI Gravel World Championships

The season culminates in the UCI Gravel World Championships, hosted in a rotating location and featuring a prestigious course designed to challenge the world’s best gravel riders. The championship brings together the top finishers from the qualifying events, where they compete for age-group titles and the chance to wear the rainbow jersey. This event has quickly gained prominence as a premier gravel racing occasion, uniting the global gravel cycling community and showcasing the highest level of competition.

The UCI Gravel World Series blends traditional cycling competition with the adventurous, community-driven spirit of gravel racing, making it appealing to athletes worldwide. With gravel cycling’s ongoing growth, the series is poised to become a defining circuit in the landscape of endurance sports, drawing participants and fans who are passionate about exploring the world on two wheels.