Last updated June 8, 2024--

Sponsored by Trek, the UCI Gravel World Series is the latest UCI World Series addition. This series is based on the successful UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which launched in 2011 as a road qualifier series for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Events see up to 8000 riders each year! The Trek UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional and amateur riders, with various categories available to suit different levels of experience and skill.

The Union Cycliste Internationale organizes the Trek UCI Gravel World Series and features events held worldwide. Each race features a unique course and set of challenges for the riders. Strambecco rates several events, including the two North American qualifying events listed below.

1. The Highlands Gravel Classic in Arkansas started last year to rave reviews and features the beautiful Boston Mountains range of the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas – known as the Highlands. Strambecco rates Highlands as one of the best gravel events in the South-Central region and Arkansas.
2. The Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo is organized by Cycling Events Ontario and is rated one of Strambecco's best cycling events in Canada.

In addition to individual races, the Trek UCI Gravel World Series includes an overall ranking system that awards points based on a rider's performance across multiple events. Some 15-20 qualifier events qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Gravel World Championships, held this year in Belgium, where the champions are awarded the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.

The major success of gravel races lies in discovering new hidden backcountry roads. During these mass participation events, riders of all levels, from world tour elite level to cyclo tourists, can share the same routes. These events offer a unique opportunity for cyclists to push their limits and explore the beauty of nature while competing against some of the best riders in the world.