uci gravel world championships
The Pinnacle of Gravel Racing
What Are the UCI Gravel World Championships?
The UCI Gravel World Championships represent the highest level of gravel cycling competition — where the world’s best riders, both amateur and professional, compete for the prestigious UCI rainbow jersey.
Held annually since 2022, the Championships mark the culmination of the UCI Gravel World Series, bringing together riders who’ve qualified through events around the world. It’s where endurance, strategy and skill meet the raw beauty of gravel.
Where Are the UCI Gravel World Championships Held?
The UCI Gravel World Championships travel the globe each year, showcasing the sport’s diversity and connection to landscapes around the world.
The 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships will be held in Australia, marking the first time the event comes to the Southern Hemisphere. Riders will take on a stunning and challenging course that blends coastal trails, forest tracks and the vast, open terrain that defines Australian gravel riding.
Each edition of the Championships offers something unique — from the rolling white roads of Italy to the rugged trails of Flanders and now the wide horizons of Australia — but every race shares the same spirit of endurance, adventure and camaraderie.
Below is a look at the past and upcoming editions of the UCI Gravel World Championships
Qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships
To earn your place at the UCI Gravel World Championships, you must qualify through one of the official UCI Gravel World Series events.
Here’s how it works:
- Top 25% Rule: The top 25% of riders in each age and gender category at any UCI Gravel World Series event qualify for the Championships.
- Elite Category: Elite riders compete separately for direct qualification into the Elite World Championships.
- Medal Recognition: Riders who qualify can collect their official UCI Gravel World Series medal at their qualifying event.
The Gralloch, held annually in Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland, is the UK’s official UCI Gravel World Series round and a direct qualifying event for the Championships.
Who Can Compete?
The UCI Gravel World Championships are open to:
- Elite riders who qualify via the UCI Gravel World Series, UCI points system or their national federation.
- Amateur and age-group riders who qualify through the UCI Gravel World Series.
This inclusivity makes gravel unique — it’s the one cycling discipline where amateurs can line up alongside the pros, all chasing the same finish line and the same rainbow jersey.
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The Road to the Rainbow Jersey Starts Here
Every great ride begins somewhere — and for UK riders, that journey begins at The Gralloch.
Join us in May 2026 to race, qualify and experience the same world-class gravel that shapes champions.
What Makes the UCI Gravel World Championships Special
The UCI Gravel World Championships celebrate the spirit of gravel — connection to nature, inclusivity, and the thrill of discovery. It’s not just about racing; it’s about being part of a global community united by grit, freedom and adventure.
Each year, riders from more than 50 nations take part, representing every corner of the gravel world — from elite WorldTour professionals to passionate weekend riders.
