The provisional program of the long-awaited UCI Gravel World Series had already been leaked in February. Yesterday, the UCI also announced the series officially. Compared to the leaked program there are some changes.
A series of gravel races organized by local (mostly small) organizers, under the supervision of the UCI. Golazo is responsible for the coordination. These are open races (gran fondos) where the surface consists of at least 75% gravel. CX bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes and MTBs are all allowed (provided they are not electric). In contrast to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, professionals are also allowed to participate.
Full series here.
Compared to the leaked calendar the races in Canada disappear, and the race in Nannup (Australia) is added.
As with the Gran Fondo World Series, the best 25% qualify for the concluding UCI Gravel World Championships. More will be known about that later. What is clear is that the UCI is taking gravel seriously, as evidenced by the words of UCI president David Lappartient.
“I am thrilled that we now have an exciting and rich calendar of gravel events for riders with an adventurous spirit who enjoy cycling on unsealed roads and paths. The best among them will earn the right to compete in the inaugural UCI Gravel World Championships, the details of which will be released soon. The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is incredibly popular, and I am convinced that this concept will be equally successful for the gravel format.”
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