Last Updated April 7, 2024
The UCI Gravel Fondo World Championship – 2024 is one of the world’s most amateur cycling championships and the culmination of the UCI Gravel World Series. The event is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and is the pinnacle of amateur gravel cycling. The UCI Gravel World Championship brings together amateur cyclists worldwide to compete in a series of races on challenging courses. Participants must first qualify for the event by placing high enough in one of the annual 25+ Series events held worldwide. The UCI Gravel World Championships – 2024 will occur on October 5 and 6, starting in Halle and finishing in Leuven, Belgium, just south and east of Brussels. Participants in the UCI Gravel Fondo World Championship will have the chance to take their place at the heart of the biggest gravel cycling event in history and to make their mark on history by winning the coveted Rainbow Jersey for their UCI Age Group. The event attracts a wide range of participants, from recreational cyclists to serious amateurs who train year-round for the event. It offers a unique opportunity for amateur cyclists to compete on a world stage and experience the thrill of racing at an elite level. The event is also a competition and a celebration of cycling culture, with a festival-like atmosphere and a host of activities for participants and spectators alike.
Qualification
The 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships’ qualifications are determined through the Trek UCI Gravel World Series events. Riders who place in the top 25% of their category at any event qualify for the Championships. Additionally, regardless of the number of starters, the top three finishers in each official category directly qualify. Qualified riders will be notified via official UCI email and must hold a valid license from their national federation to register. Age groups range from 19 years up to 75+ in five-year increments, with specific rules for elite riders regarding category participation.
Event & Course Info
The UCI Gravel World Championship 2024 course starts in Halle. It finishes in Leuven, leading riders through the Brabantse Wouden, a region celebrated for its gravel roads, old forests, and challenging terrains, recognized as a national park in 2023. The route is meticulously designed to align with the competition course, emphasizing environmental protection and respect for nature. Collaboration with local municipalities and agencies ensures a balance between competitive excitement and conservation efforts, offering a unique experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of the local landscape.
About the UCI Gravel World Series
The UCI Gravel World Series is a global series of 25+ gravel bike racing events sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body for the sport of cycling recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These events are part of the broader push by the UCI to formalize and structure gravel racing, a discipline of cycling that has seen significant growth in popularity over recent years.
Gravel racing involves riding on a mix of terrain, including gravel roads, dirt paths, and sometimes even pavement sections, making it a unique blend of road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking. Due to the variability of the terrain and the long distances typically covered in races, this type of racing emphasizes endurance, bike handling skills, and strategic planning.
The UCI Gravel World Series aims to bring new recognition and organization to gravel racing, culminating in a World Championship event. This championship allows amateur and professional cyclists worldwide to compete for the prestigious rainbow jersey, symbolizing world championship status across cycling disciplines. The series features races in various countries, offering diverse challenges due to each location’s unique landscapes and gravel conditions.
Participants in the series compete in various age and gender categories, and the events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming all levels of cyclists, from the elite to the enthusiast. By incorporating the UCI Gravel World Series into its calendar, the UCI aims to standardize race formats, ensure rider safety, and promote gravel racing as a legitimate and internationally recognized cycling discipline.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Traveling to the Brussels region, particularly between Halle and Leuven, presents an enticing adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering diverse activities. Cyclists and hikers can explore the scenic Brabantse Wouden, a national park known for its expansive forests and gravel paths. Sightseers will enjoy the historic city of Leuven, with its ancient university and vibrant market square, while Halle charms visitors with its Gothic architecture. Accommodation options cater to all preferences, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. The culinary landscape is equally diverse, with Belgian specialties like moules-frites and craft beers alongside international cuisine. This region perfectly blends outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and gastronomic delights, making it a must-visit destination.
Related Events
You can see the full roster of UCI Gravel World Series events here. Strambecco reviews the Highlands Gravel Classic and the Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo, which are the only North American series events. We also review The Gralloch in the UK and La Monsterrato in Italy.
The UCI Gravel World Series is a sister series of the UCI Gran Fondo Series, a similar international series of 20+ events-races culminating in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship. Strambecco reviews the only North American event in the series, the highly regarded Cheaha Challenge, which also doubles as a Gran Fondo National Series event.
