UCI Gravel World Series

The UCI Gravel World Series, sponsored by Trek,  is the latest UCI World Series addition 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 with events with up to 8000 riders and a yearly World Championships with 3000 participants. 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 UCI Gravel World Series is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale and features events held all over the world, with each race featuring a unique course and set of challenges for the riders.  Strambecco rates several of the events, including the two North American qualifying events, both held in June.  The Highlands Gravel Classic in Arkansas and the Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo in Ontario. You can see the full event calendar here. The races are typically long-distance, and riders must navigate challenging terrain, including steep hills, loose gravel, and technical sections, while also contending with unpredictable weather conditions and varying altitudes. The thrill of the adventure, combined with the physical demands of the race, has made gravel racing an increasingly popular option for cyclists seeking new challenges.

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 Veneto, Italy, where the champions are awarded the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.

The major success of gravel races lies in discovering new hidden backcountry roads where riders of all levels, from world tour elite level to cyclo tourists, can all share the same routes during these mass participation events. 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.