The 2024 season was an exceptional year for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series and the UCI Gravel World Series. Nearly all events set new records in participant numbers, with thrilling high-level races throughout. Notably, the exceptionally successful and well-organized World Championships for the Gran Fondo in Aalborg (DK) and gravel in Halle-Leuven (BE) garnered enthusiastic feedback and positive media coverage.

Success of the series

In recent years, the UCI Gran Fondo Series has truly come into its own, establishing a permanent place in the granfondo scene, with the annual World Championship as its pinnacle. The qualifiers stand apart from traditional endurance/performance events such as the Marmotte and Ötztaler Radmarathon, evolving as a kind of amateur World Cup. The growth and popularity of the series are impressive; while many events struggled during the pandemic (and some even ceased), the UCI Gran Fondo Series emerged even stronger.

This growth was even more pronounced for the UCI Gravel World Series. Gravel riding's popularity surged, quickly solidifying its place in the cycling calendar. Launched in 2022, the gravel series now holds a permanent position for amateur and professional riders alike. The appeal of events where pros and recreational cyclists compete together has contributed to its popularity, while preserving gravel's relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

A deeper look at the UCI series

After focusing heavily on individual qualifiers and the annual World Championships in recent years (with even champions among our own crew), we decided it was time to delve further into the UCI Gran Fondo and Gravel Series. We begin by unveiling the preliminary 2025 calendar of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

Still many question marks

The overwhelming success also brings challenges. The growing number of participants places high demands on organizers. Obtaining necessary permits and ensuring safety can no longer be taken for granted. In recent years, there has been occasional criticism of various organizers, prompting the UCI and the umbrella organizing agency Golazo to be especially vigilant in finalizing the calendar.

There remain some question marks regarding various qualifiers. While adjustments are expected, the main points are:

• A total of 30 qualifiers for the 2025 Worlds.
• Four events are already confirmed: two in Italy, one in Australia, and one in Brazil.
• The breakdown includes 19 events in Europe, 3 in South and North America, 6 in Asia, and 2 in Australia.
• Three events have been removed from the calendar (in Indonesia, Denmark, and Ireland).
• Four new events have been added: in Belgium, China, Malaysia, and Uruguay.
• The event in Japan is primarily on the 2026 World Cup course.
• The World Championships will be held from Oct. 16 to 19 in Lorne, Australia.

The complete but preliminary (!) calendar, based on the latest information, would look as follows:

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** 2026 World course}

Updates expected

The essential events are confirmed, and many details of the spectacular finale in Australia are already set. However, additional updates to the calendar are expected. Keep following us for the latest news.

In part 2 of our UCI series, we’ll cover the UCI Gravel Series calendar.