{"id":2187527,"date":"2026-10-09T11:11:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T08:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187527"},"modified":"2026-10-09T11:11:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T08:11:11","slug":"im-here-to-just-go-all-out-and-race-without-any-regret-florian-vermeersch-prepared-for-gravel-worlds-title-defence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187527","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-2560-80.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\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FFbuw6kBv6RkLDMWxnc7y7-80-80.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                                    Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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, Dani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-10-09T11:11:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I think I&#8217;m in a good place&#8217; says Belgian ahead of toughest Gravel Worlds yet in Nannup<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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\">Florian Vermeersch celebrates victory in Maastricht at the 2025 Gravel World Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/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-49c0b512-c3cc-11f1-9678-b18c70c96f29\">Belgian racer Florian Vermeersch is in Australia this weekend, the 27-year-old taking aim at becoming the first rider to defend the gravel world title since the event was established in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Vermeersch triumphed in Maastricht last October, soloing to the line in the final 20km after initially attacking with more than 120km to go.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49c0b512-c3cc-11f1-9678-b18c70c96f29-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now he&#8217;s in Nannup, Western Australia, for another shot at the Gravel World Championships, where he&#8217;ll face off against the likes of Keegan Swenson (USA), Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark), and Matt Beers (South Africa), among others.<\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch has mostly focussed on the road this season, racing the spring Classics (including podiums at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic plus a top-10 finish at the Tour of Flanders) and the Giro d&#8217;Italia. But he&#8217;s still prepared to defend his title at the Gravel Worlds,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, I&#8217;ve done only one gravel race. The plan was to do one or two more, but due to my calendar, it was not possible,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> this week.<\/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\/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<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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-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;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve done a lot of gravel rides at home wearing the jersey, so I&#8217;ve enjoyed that. It was a very nice year, I would say. It&#8217;s an honour to wear those rainbow colours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch and his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team have planned for him to return to the gravel this week to keep the rainbow stripes in the team along with Brandon McNulty&#8217;s road world title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F 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\">&#8220;From December last year, when we were speaking about my calendar with my team, I already got the signal that I could defend my title. They gave me the freedom that if I wanted, I could come here,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said immediately that I would like to defend it. So it was a bit of a no-brainer. I didn&#8217;t really have to fight for it with the team; they allowed me to come, so that&#8217;s very nice of them and I really appreciate that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last few weeks, to prepare and train for this race, have been very nice. I&#8217;ve made a lot of hours on the bike, and I think I&#8217;m in a good place.&#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\/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-[#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\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-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\">Keegan Swenson adds UCI Gravel World Championships to crowded schedule after MTB Marathon Worlds defence<\/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\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-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\">Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bf272-c3cd-11f1-9cda-9da4e1f88427\" 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\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-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\">Vermeersch in the rainbow jersey in Maastricht <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-358bf57e-c3cd-11f1-a39f-8b99098f9760\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with a host of other top competitors to battle \u2013 even if none of the previous world champions is lining up \u2013 Vermeersch will face a tough route in Nannup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 144km race route will include 3,713 metres of climbing and much tougher gravel than previous editions in Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, with at least 80% gravel on every route, said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the big loop \u2013 the 77 km loop \u2013 yesterday, and it&#8217;s really tough. I think it&#8217;s going to be a very demanding race, but I&#8217;m in for a challenge, and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; Vermeersch said of the route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Some corners were actually pretty sketchy. It&#8217;s really slippery, and you have to pay attention. But I think now, with the rain coming down, it&#8217;s going to make it a bit faster and a little bit less slippery in the corners, I think. So for this, the rain is not too bad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He acknowledged that the route is a major challenge but noted that some pressure is off his shoulders, having already won the world title last time out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s going to be on the limit. I&#8217;m a big guy, and it&#8217;s almost 4,000 metres of climbing. But I&#8217;m in for a challenge. I really like the course, and we&#8217;ll see where I end up.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The good thing is I&#8217;ve already won the jersey once, so this is not an extra stress factor for me. I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret, I would say. Just leave it all out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991f7aa8-c3cc-11f1-be42-5b5b8544105e\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F 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\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-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>Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor before being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France Femmes, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-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;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/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\/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\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-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\">Keegan Swenson adds UCI Gravel World Championships to crowded schedule after MTB Marathon Worlds defence<\/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\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-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\">Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel 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>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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\">&#8216;I intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mikayla Harvey and Oliver Bleddyn set to strengthen Jayco-AlUla women\u2019s and men\u2019s rosters for next two years<\/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\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-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\">&#8216;I don\u2019t think it\u2019s my responsibility to finance that&#8217; \u2013 Gravel pros forced to buy their own kit and fund travel to Australia for 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\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Movistar poach top under-23 talent from UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-320-80.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\">Despite fractured wrist, Ion Izagirre will get dream farewell at Il Lombardia he wanted after all<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-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\">Helmets<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-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\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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\">&#8216;I intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-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\">Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/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\" 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data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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, Dani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-10-09T11:11:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I think I&#8217;m in a good place&#8217; says Belgian ahead of toughest Gravel Worlds yet in Nannup<\/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\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-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\">Florian Vermeersch celebrates victory in Maastricht at the 2025 Gravel World Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/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 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id=\"elk-49c0b512-c3cc-11f1-9678-b18c70c96f29-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now he&#8217;s in Nannup, Western Australia, for another shot at the Gravel World Championships, where he&#8217;ll face off against the likes of Keegan Swenson (USA), Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark), and Matt Beers (South Africa), among others.<\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch has mostly focussed on the road this season, racing the spring Classics (including podiums at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic plus a top-10 finish at the Tour of Flanders) and the Giro d&#8217;Italia. But he&#8217;s still prepared to defend his title at the Gravel Worlds,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, I&#8217;ve done only one gravel race. The plan was to do one or two more, but due to my calendar, it was not possible,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> this week.<\/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\/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<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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-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;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve done a lot of gravel rides at home wearing the jersey, so I&#8217;ve enjoyed that. It was a very nice year, I would say. It&#8217;s an honour to wear those rainbow colours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch and his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team have planned for him to return to the gravel this week to keep the rainbow stripes in the team along with Brandon McNulty&#8217;s road world title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F 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\">&#8220;From December last year, when we were speaking about my calendar with my team, I already got the signal that I could defend my title. They gave me the freedom that if I wanted, I could come here,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said immediately that I would like to defend it. So it was a bit of a no-brainer. I didn&#8217;t really have to fight for it with the team; they allowed me to come, so that&#8217;s very nice of them and I really appreciate that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last few weeks, to prepare and train for this race, have been very nice. I&#8217;ve made a lot of hours on the bike, and I think I&#8217;m in a good place.&#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\/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-[#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\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-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\">Keegan Swenson adds UCI Gravel World Championships to crowded schedule after MTB Marathon Worlds defence<\/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\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-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\">Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bf272-c3cd-11f1-9cda-9da4e1f88427\" 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\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-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\">Vermeersch in the rainbow jersey in Maastricht <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-358bf57e-c3cd-11f1-a39f-8b99098f9760\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with a host of other top competitors to battle \u2013 even if none of the previous world champions is lining up \u2013 Vermeersch will face a tough route in Nannup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 144km race route will include 3,713 metres of climbing and much tougher gravel than previous editions in Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, with at least 80% gravel on every route, said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the big loop \u2013 the 77 km loop \u2013 yesterday, and it&#8217;s really tough. I think it&#8217;s going to be a very demanding race, but I&#8217;m in for a challenge, and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; Vermeersch said of the route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Some corners were actually pretty sketchy. It&#8217;s really slippery, and you have to pay attention. But I think now, with the rain coming down, it&#8217;s going to make it a bit faster and a little bit less slippery in the corners, I think. So for this, the rain is not too bad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He acknowledged that the route is a major challenge but noted that some pressure is off his shoulders, having already won the world title last time out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s going to be on the limit. I&#8217;m a big guy, and it&#8217;s almost 4,000 metres of climbing. But I&#8217;m in for a challenge. I really like the course, and we&#8217;ll see where I end up.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The good thing is I&#8217;ve already won the jersey once, so this is not an extra stress factor for me. I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret, I would say. Just leave it all out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991f7aa8-c3cc-11f1-be42-5b5b8544105e\" 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 id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F 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\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-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>Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor before being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France Femmes, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\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\/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 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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-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;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/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\/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\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-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\">Keegan Swenson adds UCI Gravel World Championships to crowded schedule after MTB Marathon Worlds defence<\/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\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-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\">Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel 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>\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 Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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\">&#8216;I intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yS8vovoaxqs9ZVUbA6Due5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mikayla Harvey and Oliver Bleddyn set to strengthen Jayco-AlUla women\u2019s and men\u2019s rosters for next two years<\/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\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-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\">&#8216;I don\u2019t think it\u2019s my responsibility to finance that&#8217; \u2013 Gravel pros forced to buy their own kit and fund travel to Australia for 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\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FBSi4UQHkiSV7yj9nMosmJ-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Movistar poach top under-23 talent from UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/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\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hKMSvwnw9aY8ArcpTx9Yk3-320-80.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\">Despite fractured wrist, Ion Izagirre will get dream farewell at Il Lombardia he wanted after all<\/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\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BeqSRtAgGQv26oXLCwLUKW-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\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek announce early departure of Giulio Ciccone on eve of final race together at Il Lombardia<\/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\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iPZrguHRjpC8DMxf4azMLe-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\">Helmets<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The fastest road helmet we&#8217;ve ever tested has dropped by up to 40% \u2013 Save watts and money at the same time with this Sigma Sports deal<\/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\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgndAsuc5KQLuYvN4qpPqe-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\">Doping<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">ITA confirms 12-month ban for Kyrylo Tsarenko after three whereabouts failures<\/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\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AHayJhLU9j3qGgLTrjwbCX-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\">Six-day American Criterium Cup summer schedule confirmed for 2027 while USA CRITS taking shape for spring &#8211; North American Roundup<\/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\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/APtGhMAYhmoX4TGnnPjWAQ-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\">&#8216;I intend to start the upcoming season&#8217; &#8211; Egan Bernal denies retirement rumours in personal Instagram post<\/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\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KSqpBGMqZoj78dyjy7vT9c-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\">Isaac del Toro reveals mystery knee pain ahead of trying to defend Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Il Lombardia streak alongside World Champion Brandon McNulty for UAE<\/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\" 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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>Canyon Endurace CF SLX review: One of the fastest and most capable endurance bikes on the market right now<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/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 max-sm:flex-col 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, Dani Ostanek <\/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=\"2026-10-09T11:11:11Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I think I&#8217;m in a good place&#8217; says Belgian ahead of toughest Gravel Worlds yet in Nannup<\/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 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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 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-49c0b512-c3cc-11f1-9678-b18c70c96f29\">Belgian racer Florian Vermeersch is in Australia this weekend, the 27-year-old taking aim at becoming the first rider to defend the gravel world title since the event was established in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Vermeersch triumphed in Maastricht last October, soloing to the line in the final 20km after initially attacking with more than 120km to go.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49c0b512-c3cc-11f1-9678-b18c70c96f29-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Now he&#8217;s in Nannup, Western Australia, for another shot at the Gravel World Championships, where he&#8217;ll face off against the likes of Keegan Swenson (USA), Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark), and Matt Beers (South Africa), among others.<\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch has mostly focussed on the road this season, racing the spring Classics (including podiums at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Classic plus a top-10 finish at the Tour of Flanders) and the Giro d&#8217;Italia. But he&#8217;s still prepared to defend his title at the Gravel Worlds,<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unfortunately, I&#8217;ve done only one gravel race. The plan was to do one or two more, but due to my calendar, it was not possible,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> this week.<\/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\/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<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\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-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;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I&#8217;ve done a lot of gravel rides at home wearing the jersey, so I&#8217;ve enjoyed that. It was a very nice year, I would say. It&#8217;s an honour to wear those rainbow colours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vermeersch and his UAE Team Emirates-XRG team have planned for him to return to the gravel this week to keep the rainbow stripes in the team along with Brandon McNulty&#8217;s road world title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7JgqSKrNhbfkE2973uk79F 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\">&#8220;From December last year, when we were speaking about my calendar with my team, I already got the signal that I could defend my title. They gave me the freedom that if I wanted, I could come here,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I said immediately that I would like to defend it. So it was a bit of a no-brainer. I didn&#8217;t really have to fight for it with the team; they allowed me to come, so that&#8217;s very nice of them and I really appreciate that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The last few weeks, to prepare and train for this race, have been very nice. I&#8217;ve made a lot of hours on the bike, and I think I&#8217;m in a good place.&#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\/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-[#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\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gyRZerFrwZVQh8yGmF7AJg-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\">Keegan Swenson adds UCI Gravel World Championships to crowded schedule after MTB Marathon Worlds defence<\/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\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJwozGfLzFoKyrGcWjeXPU-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\">Is Nannup delivering the first &#8216;real&#8217; UCI Gravel World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bf272-c3cd-11f1-9cda-9da4e1f88427\" 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\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mAzmkLaaWKSv3oSHhvAmd-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\">Vermeersch in the rainbow jersey in Maastricht <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-358bf57e-c3cd-11f1-a39f-8b99098f9760\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with a host of other top competitors to battle \u2013 even if none of the previous world champions is lining up \u2013 Vermeersch will face a tough route in Nannup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 144km race route will include 3,713 metres of climbing and much tougher gravel than previous editions in Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, with at least 80% gravel on every route, said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did the big loop \u2013 the 77 km loop \u2013 yesterday, and it&#8217;s really tough. I think it&#8217;s going to be a very demanding race, but I&#8217;m in for a challenge, and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; Vermeersch said of the route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Some corners were actually pretty sketchy. It&#8217;s really slippery, and you have to pay attention. But I think now, with the rain coming down, it&#8217;s going to make it a bit faster and a little bit less slippery in the corners, I think. So for this, the rain is not too bad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He acknowledged that the route is a major challenge but noted that some pressure is off his shoulders, having already won the world title last time out.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it&#8217;s going to be on the limit. I&#8217;m a big guy, and it&#8217;s almost 4,000 metres of climbing. But I&#8217;m in for a challenge. I really like the course, and we&#8217;ll see where I end up.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The good thing is I&#8217;ve already won the jersey once, so this is not an extra stress factor for me. I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret, I would say. Just leave it all out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991f7aa8-c3cc-11f1-be42-5b5b8544105e\" 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\/teams-riders\/im-here-to-just-go-all-out-and-race-without-any-regret-florian-vermeersch-prepared-for-gravel-worlds-title-defence\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Some big absentees, but plenty of quality and a favourite with a question mark \u2013 Analysing the European Championships men&#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 [&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-2187527","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\/2187527","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=2187527"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187527\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2187527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2187527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}