{"id":2182606,"date":"2026-10-06T17:55:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2182606"},"modified":"2026-10-06T17:55:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:55:48","slug":"is-nannup-delivering-the-first-real-uci-gravel-world-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2182606","title":{"rendered":"Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aVDAw6hqD6AUQktJ4aFN4Q-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-06T17:55:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win&#8217; says Tiffany Cromwell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Australian gravel champion Tiffany Cromwell on her way to the win at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series event, SEVEN, which ran on the World Championships course<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Patrick Boere\u0301 \/ SEVEN Gravel Race)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26\">It is clear that Nannup in Western Australia is going to be a UCI Gravel World Championships unlike any we have seen before, with it hardly possible to make a bigger detour in location after four European-based editions.<\/p>\n<p>The change, however, runs far deeper than a position on the map, with the race also taking full advantage of its remote location, which offers one crucial natural resource in abundance: endless gravel roads.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It delivers a course that fits a more traditional archetype of what a rainbow-jersey race in the discipline should look like. That has created expectations that, after years of domination by road professionals since it started in 2022, the rainbow jersey could, in fact, end up on the back of a rider who races the discipline as their bread and butter this October.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8066e796-c0d2-11f1-ae24-0314578b165f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e804-c0d2-11f1-a68d-5d38faf23810\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s being dubbed as the first real Gravel World Championships in terms of a course. I think it&#8217;s exciting for it to be somewhere new,&#8221; Sofia G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> with the leading player in the unsanctioned world of gravel who skipped the world title race the last two editions, this time turning it into a key target for the season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She won&#8217;t be the only one switching from a calendar largely filled with more traditional gravel events, with Specialized Off-Road teammate Matt Beers returning to the race for the first time since the opening edition, while Keegan Swenson is also back after skipping the 2023 and 2024 editions.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They will also be joined by the in-form men&#8217;s gravel rider of the season, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, who earlier this year said: &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e872-c0d2-11f1-b954-d7ac4c2e5701\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt has ridden the Worlds and won two Euros before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e8d6-c0d2-11f1-89d2-57fd511d48ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The flow of riders mentioned as starters does, in fact, include quite a number of Unbound Gravel 200 winners and podium finishers, from this year&#8217;s victors W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Villafa\u00f1e to previous years&#8217; Swenson, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser, and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the top gravel riders certainly won&#8217;t have the field to themselves, as plenty of others from across disciplines also think it&#8217;s worth the trip. That includes the prolific rainbow title winner Marianne Vos, defending champion and WorldTour rider Florian Vermeersch, and riders who frequently mix road and gravel, like Tiffany Cromwell and Connor Swift.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, with the demands of the course, everybody sees an opportunity that they have not maybe seen in the previous years, with the European type racing, which has, let&#8217;s say, a more singular dynamic as regards to the person who can win it,&#8221; the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships race director Stephen Gallagher told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in the weeks before the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year has a lot more variance around the type of rider who can win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"what-39-s-different-gridding-course-and-more-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s different? Gridding, course and more<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b02b8bd8-b7dd-11f1-949a-1d51ff7edf5c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Nannup first applied for the World Championships, the event&#8217;s popularity and format were unknown, but with a big slab of road riders joining the gravel specialists. Even from the first edition of the UCI-sanctioned Worlds in Italy, it was well attended and fiercely competitive. It was then \u2013 and has continued to be \u2013 one where the podium is dominated by road professionals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Initially, there was controversy over the way the start grids worked, with UCI points deciding the positions even though there were no points at that stage on offer for the UCI&#8217;s own gravel series, and certainly not for the US-based, non-UCI gravel events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant road, mountain bike and cyclo-cross riders hit the front row while the specialists were allocated spots down the back of the grid, although some last-minute lobbying meant some were moved up into the second and third row, but ultimately it was still a system which put gravel riders at a considerable disadvantage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That situation has since changed, with riders like Nicole Frain, who are sitting right near the top of the UCI Gravel World Series, likely to get a position at the front of the field, as now the series allocates points and riders from other disciplines, where often there are far more race days packed into a season, get half their points taken into consideration. That, of course, still doesn&#8217;t help riders who race a gravel calendar that largely focuses on the unsanctioned events, like Life Time Grand Prix participants Swenson and Villafa\u00f1e.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they do have running to their advantage this year, however, is the shape of the race, both in terms of the course and the participants. For a start, this year the gravel roads are wide, which means far more opportunities to work the way up through the field.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, the field isn&#8217;t likely to be as large in the first place, with the location outside Europe making it far more of an effort for the road professionals based there to just duck into the discipline for the weekend, or as dominated by teams from one nation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e94e-c0d2-11f1-a919-b5840c4a5b94\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Dutch domination of the women&#8217;s race last year was particularly obvious <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e9b2-c0d2-11f1-b8ca-1d22dae2bb6d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For example, last year in Limburg, 279 riders started the elite men&#8217;s race: 45 from Belgium, 36 from the Netherlands, and 32 from Germany; in the women&#8217;s field of 107, Dutch riders made up nearly a quarter of the starters. Based on the registered riders, it looks like the field will be far more evenly balanced this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next factor is the type of terrain and road surface riders will be facing. Other years have delivered a significant amount of the race off traditional smooth paved roads, but never as much as what will be offered on October 10 and 11. On top of that, this year those surfaces are actually all gravel roads, with previous editions including cobbles and single-track in the unpaved portions as organisers had to make do with what was available in the more heavily populated areas where the events were held.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066ea7a-c0d2-11f1-8753-6b6b1c491749\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Around the remote township of Nannup, however, organisers were spoilt for choice as they carved out an elite men&#8217;s course with the 144km route, 85% gravel and 3,713m of elevation gain and an elite women&#8217;s race with 84% gravel across the 125.6km and 3,179m of elevation gain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s in a forest. It&#8217;s endless gravel roads. So it&#8217;s a cross between what you can find in parts of Europe and what you find in America,&#8221; said Tiffany Cromwell, who won the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series race on the course earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb42-c0d2-11f1-858a-c1ba7498a36d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It gives more the feeling that it&#8217;s not about positioning; it&#8217;s not about short accelerations. The course is relentless, the climbs are steep, it&#8217;s a lot of climbing \u2013 total climbing, but it&#8217;s not long climbs, they&#8217;re just steep \u2013 and I think that kind of hard draining course makes it more towards what typical gravel races usually are.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cromwell, who is also a race ambassador, certainly wasn&#8217;t going to be drawn into the narrative of it being the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships as &#8220;gravel is always interpretation of what you have in the place that you&#8217;re in&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But she did make it clear that she believed that there is something on offer in 2026 for her retirement race that, as a rider who has competed in every edition of the UCI Gravel World Championships, she hasn&#8217;t seen before in the rainbow jersey battle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win,&#8221; Cromwell told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s the one that feels more like a gravel race than a Belgian Classic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb9c-c0d2-11f1-825e-8f7cc23d03ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__contributors\"><span class=\"author__contributors-text\">With contributions from<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"author__contributors-list\">\n<li class=\"author__contributor-item\"><span class=\"author__contributor-name\">\n<p>Jackie Tyson<\/p>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\nNorth American Editor\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tre Valli Varesine: Jarno Widar pulls off surprise win in three-up sprint with Tom Pidcock and Matteo Jorgenson<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tactics over watts? Surprise checkpoints and different route options as UCI revolutionises format for 2026 Esports World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM strengthen sprint and Classics lineup with Georgia Baker signing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UEC defends accuracy of photo finish at European Championships in response to Giulio Ciccone questioning technology<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UEC European Championships: France storm to elite mixed relay TTT victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">I love the K\u00e4rcher OC3 Foldable \u2013 it&#8217;s perfect for bike cleaning, and at a best-ever 32% off in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">It&#8217;s literally never been cheaper to buy this Wahoo indoor trainer on Amazon thanks to a whopping Prime Day discount<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tactics over watts? Surprise checkpoints and different route options as UCI revolutionises format for 2026 Esports World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">One of the best rear bike lights we&#8217;ve ever used has 41% off, but only for 48 hours in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM strengthen sprint and Classics lineup with Georgia Baker signing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tre Valli Varesine: Jarno Widar pulls off surprise win in three-up sprint with Tom Pidcock and Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>I love the K\u00e4rcher OC3 Foldable \u2013 it&#8217;s perfect for bike cleaning, and at a best-ever 32% off in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Binche-Chimay-Binche: Paul Magnier slams the door on Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 duo for winning sprint<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-06T17:55:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win&#8217; says Tiffany Cromwell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Australian gravel champion Tiffany Cromwell on her way to the win at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series event, SEVEN, which ran on the World Championships course<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Patrick Boere\u0301 \/ SEVEN Gravel Race)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26\">It is clear that Nannup in Western Australia is going to be a UCI Gravel World Championships unlike any we have seen before, with it hardly possible to make a bigger detour in location after four European-based editions.<\/p>\n<p>The change, however, runs far deeper than a position on the map, with the race also taking full advantage of its remote location, which offers one crucial natural resource in abundance: endless gravel roads.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It delivers a course that fits a more traditional archetype of what a rainbow-jersey race in the discipline should look like. That has created expectations that, after years of domination by road professionals since it started in 2022, the rainbow jersey could, in fact, end up on the back of a rider who races the discipline as their bread and butter this October.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8066e796-c0d2-11f1-ae24-0314578b165f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e804-c0d2-11f1-a68d-5d38faf23810\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s being dubbed as the first real Gravel World Championships in terms of a course. I think it&#8217;s exciting for it to be somewhere new,&#8221; Sofia G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> with the leading player in the unsanctioned world of gravel who skipped the world title race the last two editions, this time turning it into a key target for the season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She won&#8217;t be the only one switching from a calendar largely filled with more traditional gravel events, with Specialized Off-Road teammate Matt Beers returning to the race for the first time since the opening edition, while Keegan Swenson is also back after skipping the 2023 and 2024 editions.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They will also be joined by the in-form men&#8217;s gravel rider of the season, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, who earlier this year said: &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e872-c0d2-11f1-b954-d7ac4c2e5701\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt has ridden the Worlds and won two Euros before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e8d6-c0d2-11f1-89d2-57fd511d48ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The flow of riders mentioned as starters does, in fact, include quite a number of Unbound Gravel 200 winners and podium finishers, from this year&#8217;s victors W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Villafa\u00f1e to previous years&#8217; Swenson, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser, and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the top gravel riders certainly won&#8217;t have the field to themselves, as plenty of others from across disciplines also think it&#8217;s worth the trip. That includes the prolific rainbow title winner Marianne Vos, defending champion and WorldTour rider Florian Vermeersch, and riders who frequently mix road and gravel, like Tiffany Cromwell and Connor Swift.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, with the demands of the course, everybody sees an opportunity that they have not maybe seen in the previous years, with the European type racing, which has, let&#8217;s say, a more singular dynamic as regards to the person who can win it,&#8221; the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships race director Stephen Gallagher told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in the weeks before the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year has a lot more variance around the type of rider who can win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"what-39-s-different-gridding-course-and-more-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s different? Gridding, course and more<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b02b8bd8-b7dd-11f1-949a-1d51ff7edf5c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Nannup first applied for the World Championships, the event&#8217;s popularity and format were unknown, but with a big slab of road riders joining the gravel specialists. Even from the first edition of the UCI-sanctioned Worlds in Italy, it was well attended and fiercely competitive. It was then \u2013 and has continued to be \u2013 one where the podium is dominated by road professionals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Initially, there was controversy over the way the start grids worked, with UCI points deciding the positions even though there were no points at that stage on offer for the UCI&#8217;s own gravel series, and certainly not for the US-based, non-UCI gravel events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant road, mountain bike and cyclo-cross riders hit the front row while the specialists were allocated spots down the back of the grid, although some last-minute lobbying meant some were moved up into the second and third row, but ultimately it was still a system which put gravel riders at a considerable disadvantage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That situation has since changed, with riders like Nicole Frain, who are sitting right near the top of the UCI Gravel World Series, likely to get a position at the front of the field, as now the series allocates points and riders from other disciplines, where often there are far more race days packed into a season, get half their points taken into consideration. That, of course, still doesn&#8217;t help riders who race a gravel calendar that largely focuses on the unsanctioned events, like Life Time Grand Prix participants Swenson and Villafa\u00f1e.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they do have running to their advantage this year, however, is the shape of the race, both in terms of the course and the participants. For a start, this year the gravel roads are wide, which means far more opportunities to work the way up through the field.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, the field isn&#8217;t likely to be as large in the first place, with the location outside Europe making it far more of an effort for the road professionals based there to just duck into the discipline for the weekend, or as dominated by teams from one nation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e94e-c0d2-11f1-a919-b5840c4a5b94\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Dutch domination of the women&#8217;s race last year was particularly obvious <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e9b2-c0d2-11f1-b8ca-1d22dae2bb6d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For example, last year in Limburg, 279 riders started the elite men&#8217;s race: 45 from Belgium, 36 from the Netherlands, and 32 from Germany; in the women&#8217;s field of 107, Dutch riders made up nearly a quarter of the starters. Based on the registered riders, it looks like the field will be far more evenly balanced this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next factor is the type of terrain and road surface riders will be facing. Other years have delivered a significant amount of the race off traditional smooth paved roads, but never as much as what will be offered on October 10 and 11. On top of that, this year those surfaces are actually all gravel roads, with previous editions including cobbles and single-track in the unpaved portions as organisers had to make do with what was available in the more heavily populated areas where the events were held.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066ea7a-c0d2-11f1-8753-6b6b1c491749\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Around the remote township of Nannup, however, organisers were spoilt for choice as they carved out an elite men&#8217;s course with the 144km route, 85% gravel and 3,713m of elevation gain and an elite women&#8217;s race with 84% gravel across the 125.6km and 3,179m of elevation gain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s in a forest. It&#8217;s endless gravel roads. So it&#8217;s a cross between what you can find in parts of Europe and what you find in America,&#8221; said Tiffany Cromwell, who won the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series race on the course earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb42-c0d2-11f1-858a-c1ba7498a36d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It gives more the feeling that it&#8217;s not about positioning; it&#8217;s not about short accelerations. The course is relentless, the climbs are steep, it&#8217;s a lot of climbing \u2013 total climbing, but it&#8217;s not long climbs, they&#8217;re just steep \u2013 and I think that kind of hard draining course makes it more towards what typical gravel races usually are.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cromwell, who is also a race ambassador, certainly wasn&#8217;t going to be drawn into the narrative of it being the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships as &#8220;gravel is always interpretation of what you have in the place that you&#8217;re in&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But she did make it clear that she believed that there is something on offer in 2026 for her retirement race that, as a rider who has competed in every edition of the UCI Gravel World Championships, she hasn&#8217;t seen before in the rainbow jersey battle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win,&#8221; Cromwell told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s the one that feels more like a gravel race than a Belgian Classic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb9c-c0d2-11f1-825e-8f7cc23d03ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__contributors\"><span class=\"author__contributors-text\">With contributions from<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"author__contributors-list\">\n<li class=\"author__contributor-item\"><span class=\"author__contributor-name\">\n<p>Jackie Tyson<\/p>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\nNorth American Editor\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SMpZpLJQrHv8dhqHmS9CEP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tre Valli Varesine: Jarno Widar pulls off surprise win in three-up sprint with Tom Pidcock and Matteo Jorgenson<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tactics over watts? Surprise checkpoints and different route options as UCI revolutionises format for 2026 Esports World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM strengthen sprint and Classics lineup with Georgia Baker signing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pCawfm4gCDiwkCVKrshAXe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UEC defends accuracy of photo finish at European Championships in response to Giulio Ciccone questioning technology<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SmLPkVaN77DVaFpvg6D4GP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UEC European Championships: France storm to elite mixed relay TTT victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3FX2KV7PaSzza3WvH3w2KQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fg49VA9QHWqiq9CMqiSp9c-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">I love the K\u00e4rcher OC3 Foldable \u2013 it&#8217;s perfect for bike cleaning, and at a best-ever 32% off in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QoutZUcC87LPadeCpsHWZM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">It&#8217;s literally never been cheaper to buy this Wahoo indoor trainer on Amazon thanks to a whopping Prime Day discount<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mV4XRPVB83Tawp4BxeMbkV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tactics over watts? Surprise checkpoints and different route options as UCI revolutionises format for 2026 Esports World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ptDAADfWDTawSfTUzGCfta-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">One of the best rear bike lights we&#8217;ve ever used has 41% off, but only for 48 hours in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B5PdyShMtgThobd2YRvnLK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Canyon-SRAM strengthen sprint and Classics lineup with Georgia Baker signing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I was mad&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock says two teammates were hit by police motorbike driving against peloton at Tre Valli Varesine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tre Valli Varesine: Jarno Widar pulls off surprise win in three-up sprint with Tom Pidcock and Matteo Jorgenson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>I love the K\u00e4rcher OC3 Foldable \u2013 it&#8217;s perfect for bike cleaning, and at a best-ever 32% off in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Binche-Chimay-Binche: Paul Magnier slams the door on Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 duo for winning sprint<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span class=\"font-normal vds-collabs\"><br \/>\nContributions by<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-06T17:55:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win&#8217; says Tiffany Cromwell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26\">It is clear that Nannup in Western Australia is going to be a UCI Gravel World Championships unlike any we have seen before, with it hardly possible to make a bigger detour in location after four European-based editions.<\/p>\n<p>The change, however, runs far deeper than a position on the map, with the race also taking full advantage of its remote location, which offers one crucial natural resource in abundance: endless gravel roads.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-97d4c368-b654-11f1-a56d-55eecb71bd26-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It delivers a course that fits a more traditional archetype of what a rainbow-jersey race in the discipline should look like. That has created expectations that, after years of domination by road professionals since it started in 2022, the rainbow jersey could, in fact, end up on the back of a rider who races the discipline as their bread and butter this October.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-8066e796-c0d2-11f1-ae24-0314578b165f\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on this<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\"><strong>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e804-c0d2-11f1-a68d-5d38faf23810\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s being dubbed as the first real Gravel World Championships in terms of a course. I think it&#8217;s exciting for it to be somewhere new,&#8221; Sofia G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e told <em>Cyclingnews,<\/em> with the leading player in the unsanctioned world of gravel who skipped the world title race the last two editions, this time turning it into a key target for the season.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She won&#8217;t be the only one switching from a calendar largely filled with more traditional gravel events, with Specialized Off-Road teammate Matt Beers returning to the race for the first time since the opening edition, while Keegan Swenson is also back after skipping the 2023 and 2024 editions.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They will also be joined by the in-form men&#8217;s gravel rider of the season, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, who earlier this year said: &#8220;I think a World Championships with an Unbound peloton would be pretty special, so I hope the guys will come over and see the opportunity that it is to have a really cool, actual Gravel World Championships.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e872-c0d2-11f1-b954-d7ac4c2e5701\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpP9pExtmC3jqCnFf3w2Cd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt has ridden the Worlds and won two Euros before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e8d6-c0d2-11f1-89d2-57fd511d48ab\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The flow of riders mentioned as starters does, in fact, include quite a number of Unbound Gravel 200 winners and podium finishers, from this year&#8217;s victors W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Villafa\u00f1e to previous years&#8217; Swenson, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser, and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-km3MBwYJweXoWr34FEeq2V slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, the top gravel riders certainly won&#8217;t have the field to themselves, as plenty of others from across disciplines also think it&#8217;s worth the trip. That includes the prolific rainbow title winner Marianne Vos, defending champion and WorldTour rider Florian Vermeersch, and riders who frequently mix road and gravel, like Tiffany Cromwell and Connor Swift.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Hopefully, with the demands of the course, everybody sees an opportunity that they have not maybe seen in the previous years, with the European type racing, which has, let&#8217;s say, a more singular dynamic as regards to the person who can win it,&#8221; the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships race director Stephen Gallagher told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in the weeks before the event.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This year has a lot more variance around the type of rider who can win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kMoMca9WffoSrbYm3J9wNY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Former mountain bike World Champion set to line up at UCI Gravel Worlds in Nannup, while USPro U23 ITT champion DQ&#8217;d at FoCo Fondo &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"what-39-s-different-gridding-course-and-more-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What&#8217;s different? Gridding, course and more<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-b02b8bd8-b7dd-11f1-949a-1d51ff7edf5c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When Nannup first applied for the World Championships, the event&#8217;s popularity and format were unknown, but with a big slab of road riders joining the gravel specialists. Even from the first edition of the UCI-sanctioned Worlds in Italy, it was well attended and fiercely competitive. It was then \u2013 and has continued to be \u2013 one where the podium is dominated by road professionals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Initially, there was controversy over the way the start grids worked, with UCI points deciding the positions even though there were no points at that stage on offer for the UCI&#8217;s own gravel series, and certainly not for the US-based, non-UCI gravel events.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant road, mountain bike and cyclo-cross riders hit the front row while the specialists were allocated spots down the back of the grid, although some last-minute lobbying meant some were moved up into the second and third row, but ultimately it was still a system which put gravel riders at a considerable disadvantage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That situation has since changed, with riders like Nicole Frain, who are sitting right near the top of the UCI Gravel World Series, likely to get a position at the front of the field, as now the series allocates points and riders from other disciplines, where often there are far more race days packed into a season, get half their points taken into consideration. That, of course, still doesn&#8217;t help riders who race a gravel calendar that largely focuses on the unsanctioned events, like Life Time Grand Prix participants Swenson and Villafa\u00f1e.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">What they do have running to their advantage this year, however, is the shape of the race, both in terms of the course and the participants. For a start, this year the gravel roads are wide, which means far more opportunities to work the way up through the field.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Plus, the field isn&#8217;t likely to be as large in the first place, with the location outside Europe making it far more of an effort for the road professionals based there to just duck into the discipline for the weekend, or as dominated by teams from one nation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8066e94e-c0d2-11f1-a919-b5840c4a5b94\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqk2shvoU5rEEcsZttfzKk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Dutch domination of the women&#8217;s race last year was particularly obvious <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-8066e9b2-c0d2-11f1-b8ca-1d22dae2bb6d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For example, last year in Limburg, 279 riders started the elite men&#8217;s race: 45 from Belgium, 36 from the Netherlands, and 32 from Germany; in the women&#8217;s field of 107, Dutch riders made up nearly a quarter of the starters. Based on the registered riders, it looks like the field will be far more evenly balanced this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The next factor is the type of terrain and road surface riders will be facing. Other years have delivered a significant amount of the race off traditional smooth paved roads, but never as much as what will be offered on October 10 and 11. On top of that, this year those surfaces are actually all gravel roads, with previous editions including cobbles and single-track in the unpaved portions as organisers had to make do with what was available in the more heavily populated areas where the events were held.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066ea7a-c0d2-11f1-8753-6b6b1c491749\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Around the remote township of Nannup, however, organisers were spoilt for choice as they carved out an elite men&#8217;s course with the 144km route, 85% gravel and 3,713m of elevation gain and an elite women&#8217;s race with 84% gravel across the 125.6km and 3,179m of elevation gain.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s in a forest. It&#8217;s endless gravel roads. So it&#8217;s a cross between what you can find in parts of Europe and what you find in America,&#8221; said Tiffany Cromwell, who won the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series race on the course earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb42-c0d2-11f1-858a-c1ba7498a36d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It gives more the feeling that it&#8217;s not about positioning; it&#8217;s not about short accelerations. The course is relentless, the climbs are steep, it&#8217;s a lot of climbing \u2013 total climbing, but it&#8217;s not long climbs, they&#8217;re just steep \u2013 and I think that kind of hard draining course makes it more towards what typical gravel races usually are.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Cromwell, who is also a race ambassador, certainly wasn&#8217;t going to be drawn into the narrative of it being the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships as &#8220;gravel is always interpretation of what you have in the place that you&#8217;re in&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But she did make it clear that she believed that there is something on offer in 2026 for her retirement race that, as a rider who has competed in every edition of the UCI Gravel World Championships, she hasn&#8217;t seen before in the rainbow jersey battle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the first time we&#8217;re going to potentially see a gravel rider maybe win,&#8221; Cromwell told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;It&#8217;s the one that feels more like a gravel race than a Belgian Classic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8066eb9c-c0d2-11f1-825e-8f7cc23d03ee\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/is-nannup-delivering-the-first-real-uci-gravel-world-championships\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Will Vollering continue the Dutch domination or can someone exact Worlds revenge? \u2013 European Championships women&#8217;s road race contenders 2 True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders 3 The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2182606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2182606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2182606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2182606\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2182606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2182606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2182606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}