Name: Highlands Gravel Classic 2026
Start: 2026-04-25T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-25T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Goshen, Arkansas

About This Event

Set in the scenic Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, this event stands out as one of only two UCI Gravel World Series qualifiers in North America, offering direct entry to the UCI Gravel World Championships. The race organizers bring serious credentials, having hosted five UCI Cyclo-cross World Cups, which translates to professional-level event management and course design.

Two distance options cater to different age categories: the 70-mile long course for younger riders and the 52-mile option for older age groups. Both routes roll across 95% gravel terrain through the Ozark Mountains, starting at 1,200 feet elevation and climbing to a high point of 2,200 feet along a sprawling ridgeline at mile 33. From this peak, riders enjoy expansive views of the Ozark skyline before tackling the remaining descents and rollers. The long course accumulates 6,150 feet of climbing while the shorter route totals 4,600 feet—both featuring moderate to steep gradients on undulating gravel roads punctuated by scenic stream crossings.

The qualification structure follows UCI standards: the top 25% of each age category earn spots at World Championships, with automatic qualification for the top 3 in smaller divisions. This creates genuine competitive intensity while maintaining the inclusive spirit of gravel racing.

Fayetteville’s location offers easy access from major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis, with XNA National Airport providing 19 direct flight options for those traveling from farther distances.

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.