While the UCI Gran Fondo World Series calendar is still facing some uncertainties, the gravel edition is almost finalized. The calendar reflects the immense popularity of gravel riding. In 2025, the series is set to be even larger than the road version. Can it surpass its 2024 success?

Gravel series success takes off

Since its debut in 2022, the UCI Gravel World Series has experienced remarkable growth. The appeal of gravel riding has surged in recent years, and the series has skillfully capitalized on this trend. With its accessibility, inclusiveness, and a wide array of courses often set in breathtaking landscapes, the series has attracted a broad spectrum of participants—from local enthusiasts like 'Henk from Houten' to the stars of international cycling.

The latest highlight of this success was the World Gravel Championship in Leuven (BE), where nearly three thousand gravel enthusiasts competed before a crowd of over 150,000 spectators. Gravel has secured a lasting and indispensable place on both the amateur and professional cycling calendars, with the UCI Gravel World Series set to play an even more prominent role in 2025.

There's something for everyone

Ahead of the Gravel Worlds in Nice in October 2025, the UCI Gravel World Series calendar features an impressive lineup of events across four continents. There are no fewer than 34 World Cup qualifying races spread across 23 countries. Thanks to this diversity, every gravel enthusiast—whether amateur or professional—can find terrain that suits them best and compete within their age group. By finishing in the top 25%, riders secure a starting spot in the World Championships.

The general calendar breakdown is as follows:

• A total of 33 qualifying events for the 2025 World Cup.
• Two events have already been completed (Asiago in Italy and Gravelista in Australia).
• There are 22 events scheduled in Europe, 5 in South and North America, 3 in Africa, and 3 in Australia.
• Four events have been removed from the calendar: Houffa Gravel (BE), La Indomable (ES), Alpine Gravel Challenge (CH), and the Swartberg 100 (SA).
• Fifteen new events have taken their place.
• The Seven Gravel Race (AUS) will mostly follow the course planned for the 2026 World Championships.
• The World Championships will take place in October in Nice, France (exact dates still pending).

Scroll down this article for the full calendar with links to the organizers' websites.

Date for mountainous finale in Nice not yet confirmed

While the World Championships in Halle-Leuven last October featured a relatively flat course, the event in Nice will be vastly different. On Oct. 18 and 19, participants will tackle a mountainous course in the Nice hinterland, covering 133 kilometers with 3,300 meters of elevation gain. The anticipated course can be found here on our Komoot channel. The combination of a challenging route and breathtaking scenery makes the Nice World Cup a must-do for any passionate gravel rider.

The date of the World Cup in Nice, however, has not yet been confirmed. After the Championships in Leuven, the first weekend in October—between the Road World Championship and the Tour of Lombardy—was considered, but this is no longer a certainty. Given the growing importance of the World Gravel Championships on the international calendar, we anticipate they will take place in October. Keep your weekends in October open if you want the chance to compete with your peers and the top gravel stars for the coveted rainbow jersey.

The complete UCI Gravel World Series calendar

_{* new event
** World Championships course 2026
*** event not (yet) confirmed
**** location not yet confirmed, presumably around Leuven
***** exact date of Gravel Worlds in Nice not yet confirmed}

More to come

This was part two of our series on the UCI Gran Fondo and Gravel World Series. Part 1, covering the UCI Gran Fondo calendar, can be read here. In the next episodes, we'll delve into the history of the series and preview the upcoming World Championships. Stay tuned!