The UEC had already announced that the 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships would move to Italy after the successful 2023 edition in Leuven (B). That the Veneto region wants to profile itself as a gravel hotspot was already clear after hosting the first two editions of the Gravel World Championships. In 2024, host city Asiago will host the European Gravel Championship. The first details surrounding the championship race on Oct. 13 have now been announced.

Courses still on the drawing board

The exact courses in Asiago are not yet fully drawn and the UEC technical committee has yet to consider them. According to UEC rules, more than 60% of the course will be on dirt trails with a mix of gravel (the famous sterrato) and coarser pebbles. Gravel riders can expect the necessary climbing around Asiago and the Cima Ekar mountain massif (up to 1400 meter). With a nice variety of technical passages, climbs and fast lanes along local highlights, it promises to be a great course.

No qualifying required

As with the European Gran Fondo Championships in the Ardèche, you don't have to qualify first, registering is enough. However, there will be a limit per age category, which is still to be determined by the UEC. The UEC has not yet opened registration. Be quick, as we expect it to be a popular event. A good result will likely earn a starting ticket to the UCI Gravel Worlds in 2025. Again, exact details are not yet known.

2025 still a question mark, 2026 back to Belgium

The UEC has not yet announced where the 2025 European Gravel Championships will take place. After the 2023 edition in Leuven, the 2026 European Gravel Championship will in any case return to Belgium. Organizer Golazo has signed on to host the Eurpean Gravel Championships in Houffalize. With gravel, they have plenty of experience in Houffalize. The UCI Gravel qualifier Houffa Gravel has been organized there for several years. Golazo informs us that it has not yet been decided whether it will remain two separate events in the summer (Houffa Gravel) and fall (European Gravel Championships) or one combined event. Much will depend on the UEC setting the exact date.