{"id":2187846,"date":"2026-10-09T03:55:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T00:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187846"},"modified":"2026-10-09T03:55:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T00:55:00","slug":"three-course-features-that-could-be-make-or-break-at-the-uci-gravel-world-championships-in-nannup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187846","title":{"rendered":"Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-10-09T03:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">There is no easing up on the 144km men&#8217;s elite course or the 125.6km women&#8217;s route but there are key points where riders may have to dig deep if they want a rainbow jersey<\/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\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-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\">Riders on a reconnaissance ride on the final section of the course including the Folly climb<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Patrick Boer\u00e9 \/ Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships)<\/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-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f\">The course for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, is carved out of a landscape that delivers so many options for a gravel race and the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series event has, over the years, tried and tested a number of them. The outcome as the organisers now deliver the rainbow jersey race is an unrelenting 144km course for the elite men and a 125.6km route for the elite women.<\/p>\n<p>It will be a test with 3,179 metres of vertical gain for the women and 3,713 metres for the men on what are described as &#8216;Li\u00e8ge\u2013Bastogne\u2013Li\u00e8ge climbs&#8217; as the course winds its way through the course in the Blackwood Valley. &#8216;Draining&#8217; seems to be the word riders keep using when asked how the course is after they&#8217;ve had a chance to ride it for the first time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the type of route where it&#8217;s hard to say there are any easy portions, given there is at least 84% gravel, often long undulating plateau sections once a climb is completed and then descents where riders need to keep their wits about them so they don&#8217;t slip out on the pea gravel corners. Plus it&#8217;s unrelenting right to the finish.<\/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\">There are, however some patches which stand out, from sections that could split the field early or create the opportunity for a final winning move, so now it&#8217;s time to take a closer look at those.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brockman-first-shots-fired-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brockman \u2013 First shots fired<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706acce-c368-11f1-a4c7-8362275f7b78\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This isn&#8217;t the first climb of the race, that honour goes to Killarney at just over 15km in, but at just 1km long with a 7.6% average the history of SEVEN has shown that it&#8217;s the climb coming at around 27km into the day of racing that will start to make the difference. It&#8217;s usually where the first major selection is made.<\/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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You are going to see if you&#8217;ve either got good legs or bad legs on Brockman,&#8221; said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 2.4km Brockman ascent has an average gradient of 8.2% and what&#8217;s more the terrain that comes after is enough for riders to dig in and try to hold on to any advantage that they reap. There is a descent off the top, but not a long one, and then the profile just plots a jagged course for the next 20km, pulling in the climbs of Adina. The real stretch of descending only comes at over the 50km mark, before a flattish section of around 10km that offers some repreive before the climbing begins all over again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER 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<h2 id=\"ellis-creek-the-fatigue-finder-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ellis Creek \u2013 The fatigue finder<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706add2-c368-11f1-8828-3bf5b10d66a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbs continue, and so does the wear and tear which is perhaps why Ellis Creek&#8217;s 2km, 9.1% average with 169 vertical metres gain hits so hard. The challenging climb that also delivers an extra bit of steepness near the top \u2013 comes just after 85k of racing for the men and at around 65km for the women. Plus there is no real relief once you make it over the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think you&#8217;ve just got fatigue in the legs by that point, so that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s the hardest and I think it&#8217;s deep enough into the race where you can go from there to the finish line,&#8221; said Tasman Nankervis, the 2023 winner of the elite men&#8217;s race at SEVEN who also raced this year at the UCI Gravel World Series event which replicated much of the World Championship route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The year I won it, I broke away from there,&#8221; he said referring to the Ellis climb. &#8220;It&#8217;s logical to make a move from there, whereas to make a move from Brockman, that&#8217;s a bit of a high risk manoeuvre. It can be done, but you can win the race from Ellis, so I think people tend to go more in from there.&#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\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-150-80.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\">Gravel grid anomalies, national teams in name only and self funding \u2013 Explaining the workings of a UCI Gravel World Championships<\/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\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-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 would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"folly-a-winning-move-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Folly \u2013\u00a0A winning move?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af1c-c368-11f1-93bc-eb62661589b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Folly climb is a new introduction for this year, part of the finishing loop which will take the riders close to the start line but then send them off for more, including the 2.4km effort with a 4.8% average gradient that is Folly. It&#8217;s bound to be packed with spectators, as it is just a short walk from the start\/finish line and comes at a point where there is just over 20m of racing remaining.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It starts with riders turning on to a short but relatively steep bitumen section and then it&#8217;s another turn onto the dirt, which, after a little recent rain is nicely packed down and while there are a few small rocks strewn around and some ruts in some patches they are easily avoidable as it is wide and the main line is smooth.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is a reprieve part way through the climb which opens up to views of the rolling farmland hills, but then it just kicks in again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nankervis warns that this climb isn&#8217;t one to be taken lightly, with a need to have something in reserve, recounting that in his race at SEVEN this year a puncture had left him behind but he made up around ten positions in this sector as it was one where the lights went out for many.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really hard,&#8221; added race director Gallagher. &#8220;It gets quite steep at the top. You can potentially go solo from that point if you&#8217;re really strong, or you can certainly reduce a group to one or two riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then before riders hit the line there are still a couple of nasty pinches and the more gradual Lindsay climb on one last descent before the winner of the rainbow jersey is decided.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f5b4-c392-11f1-8f01-49b7ef3b2e14\" 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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite men&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 11 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f636-c392-11f1-90eb-511a76e3118a\" 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\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite women&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 10 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af9e-c368-11f1-9bb9-eb7b1feb943a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>For a full overview of the course see our detailed route feature: <\/em><em>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all<\/em><\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and 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><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-320-80.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\">Gravel grid anomalies, national teams in name only and self funding \u2013 Explaining the workings of a 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 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\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup 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 Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup 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 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\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes storms to 21st victory of the season on stage 1<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the 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 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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the 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\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-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\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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 Features<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the 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 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\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-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\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Watch our video review of the Canyon Endurace before it goes live on YouTube<\/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\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can cyclists actually avoid injuries and illness? Experts examined three years of UAE Team Emirates-XRG data to find out<\/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\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Joint winners, overturned results and long-lasting controversies \u2013 Some of cycling&#8217;s most memorable photo finishes<\/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\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The year where someone who&#8217;s primarily a gravel racer would win \u2013 Maddy Nutt representing the specialists at the 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<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div 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Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-10-09T03:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">There is no easing up on the 144km men&#8217;s elite course or the 125.6km women&#8217;s route but there are key points where riders may have to dig deep if they want a rainbow jersey<\/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\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-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\">Riders on a reconnaissance ride on the final section of the course including the Folly climb<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Patrick Boer\u00e9 \/ Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships)<\/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-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f\">The course for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, is carved out of a landscape that delivers so many options for a gravel race and the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series event has, over the years, tried and tested a number of them. The outcome as the organisers now deliver the rainbow jersey race is an unrelenting 144km course for the elite men and a 125.6km route for the elite women.<\/p>\n<p>It will be a test with 3,179 metres of vertical gain for the women and 3,713 metres for the men on what are described as &#8216;Li\u00e8ge\u2013Bastogne\u2013Li\u00e8ge climbs&#8217; as the course winds its way through the course in the Blackwood Valley. &#8216;Draining&#8217; seems to be the word riders keep using when asked how the course is after they&#8217;ve had a chance to ride it for the first time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the type of route where it&#8217;s hard to say there are any easy portions, given there is at least 84% gravel, often long undulating plateau sections once a climb is completed and then descents where riders need to keep their wits about them so they don&#8217;t slip out on the pea gravel corners. Plus it&#8217;s unrelenting right to the finish.<\/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\">There are, however some patches which stand out, from sections that could split the field early or create the opportunity for a final winning move, so now it&#8217;s time to take a closer look at those.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brockman-first-shots-fired-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brockman \u2013 First shots fired<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706acce-c368-11f1-a4c7-8362275f7b78\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This isn&#8217;t the first climb of the race, that honour goes to Killarney at just over 15km in, but at just 1km long with a 7.6% average the history of SEVEN has shown that it&#8217;s the climb coming at around 27km into the day of racing that will start to make the difference. It&#8217;s usually where the first major selection is made.<\/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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You are going to see if you&#8217;ve either got good legs or bad legs on Brockman,&#8221; said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 2.4km Brockman ascent has an average gradient of 8.2% and what&#8217;s more the terrain that comes after is enough for riders to dig in and try to hold on to any advantage that they reap. There is a descent off the top, but not a long one, and then the profile just plots a jagged course for the next 20km, pulling in the climbs of Adina. The real stretch of descending only comes at over the 50km mark, before a flattish section of around 10km that offers some repreive before the climbing begins all over again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER 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<h2 id=\"ellis-creek-the-fatigue-finder-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ellis Creek \u2013 The fatigue finder<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706add2-c368-11f1-8828-3bf5b10d66a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbs continue, and so does the wear and tear which is perhaps why Ellis Creek&#8217;s 2km, 9.1% average with 169 vertical metres gain hits so hard. The challenging climb that also delivers an extra bit of steepness near the top \u2013 comes just after 85k of racing for the men and at around 65km for the women. Plus there is no real relief once you make it over the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think you&#8217;ve just got fatigue in the legs by that point, so that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s the hardest and I think it&#8217;s deep enough into the race where you can go from there to the finish line,&#8221; said Tasman Nankervis, the 2023 winner of the elite men&#8217;s race at SEVEN who also raced this year at the UCI Gravel World Series event which replicated much of the World Championship route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The year I won it, I broke away from there,&#8221; he said referring to the Ellis climb. &#8220;It&#8217;s logical to make a move from there, whereas to make a move from Brockman, that&#8217;s a bit of a high risk manoeuvre. It can be done, but you can win the race from Ellis, so I think people tend to go more in from there.&#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\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-150-80.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\">Gravel grid anomalies, national teams in name only and self funding \u2013 Explaining the workings of a UCI Gravel World Championships<\/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\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-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 would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"folly-a-winning-move-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Folly \u2013\u00a0A winning move?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af1c-c368-11f1-93bc-eb62661589b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Folly climb is a new introduction for this year, part of the finishing loop which will take the riders close to the start line but then send them off for more, including the 2.4km effort with a 4.8% average gradient that is Folly. It&#8217;s bound to be packed with spectators, as it is just a short walk from the start\/finish line and comes at a point where there is just over 20m of racing remaining.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It starts with riders turning on to a short but relatively steep bitumen section and then it&#8217;s another turn onto the dirt, which, after a little recent rain is nicely packed down and while there are a few small rocks strewn around and some ruts in some patches they are easily avoidable as it is wide and the main line is smooth.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is a reprieve part way through the climb which opens up to views of the rolling farmland hills, but then it just kicks in again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nankervis warns that this climb isn&#8217;t one to be taken lightly, with a need to have something in reserve, recounting that in his race at SEVEN this year a puncture had left him behind but he made up around ten positions in this sector as it was one where the lights went out for many.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really hard,&#8221; added race director Gallagher. &#8220;It gets quite steep at the top. You can potentially go solo from that point if you&#8217;re really strong, or you can certainly reduce a group to one or two riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then before riders hit the line there are still a couple of nasty pinches and the more gradual Lindsay climb on one last descent before the winner of the rainbow jersey is decided.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f5b4-c392-11f1-8f01-49b7ef3b2e14\" 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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite men&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 11 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f636-c392-11f1-90eb-511a76e3118a\" 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\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite women&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 10 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af9e-c368-11f1-9bb9-eb7b1feb943a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>For a full overview of the course see our detailed route feature: <\/em><em>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all<\/em><\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and 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><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">CATEGORIES<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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 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\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-320-80.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\">Gravel grid anomalies, national teams in name only and self funding \u2013 Explaining the workings of a 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 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\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup 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 Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup 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 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\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GR8hMnz74quLVEPKFXZdum-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes storms to 21st victory of the season on stage 1<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the 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 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\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JNZastQiZyHcp9fHvQJnwm-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\">Evenepoel and Del Toro the favourites, but Il Lombardia is wide open \u2013 Analysing the 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\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-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\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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 Features<\/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\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7iX94Fdss4cwAXSPUHLmqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;They are going to be hard to beat for sure&#8217; \u2013 Marianne Vos toes the line against a field packed with discipline specialists at the 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 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\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVRk57PzuHNFMtZzbZVimn-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\">A rare return to unpredictability as no Tadej Poga\u010dar at Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/STFyRaPXAeB5vNkz9tFDQf-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\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Early access: Watch our video review of the Canyon Endurace before it goes live on YouTube<\/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\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GtFDurbG3b2gLf6P6HiFv-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\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can cyclists actually avoid injuries and illness? Experts examined three years of UAE Team Emirates-XRG data to find out<\/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\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oPLcn5SL3wxBvkscxdLC6M-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Joint winners, overturned results and long-lasting controversies \u2013 Some of cycling&#8217;s most memorable photo finishes<\/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\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6SpdPDMP29mwp96rf3UEV6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The year where someone who&#8217;s primarily a gravel racer would win \u2013 Maddy Nutt representing the specialists at the 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<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xPHERfyWYCwk6hjw7UbJu7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div 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Il Lombardia opens the door to the same anarchy as Worlds \u2013 Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Three course features that could be make or break at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/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=\"2026-10-09T03:55:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">There is no easing up on the 144km men&#8217;s elite course or the 125.6km women&#8217;s route but there are key points where riders may have to dig deep if they want a rainbow jersey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f\">The course for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, is carved out of a landscape that delivers so many options for a gravel race and the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series event has, over the years, tried and tested a number of them. The outcome as the organisers now deliver the rainbow jersey race is an unrelenting 144km course for the elite men and a 125.6km route for the elite women.<\/p>\n<p>It will be a test with 3,179 metres of vertical gain for the women and 3,713 metres for the men on what are described as &#8216;Li\u00e8ge\u2013Bastogne\u2013Li\u00e8ge climbs&#8217; as the course winds its way through the course in the Blackwood Valley. &#8216;Draining&#8217; seems to be the word riders keep using when asked how the course is after they&#8217;ve had a chance to ride it for the first time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827877d8-c367-11f1-aa5e-1fbdf98e068f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s the type of route where it&#8217;s hard to say there are any easy portions, given there is at least 84% gravel, often long undulating plateau sections once a climb is completed and then descents where riders need to keep their wits about them so they don&#8217;t slip out on the pea gravel corners. Plus it&#8217;s unrelenting right to the finish.<\/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\">There are, however some patches which stand out, from sections that could split the field early or create the opportunity for a final winning move, so now it&#8217;s time to take a closer look at those.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brockman-first-shots-fired-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Brockman \u2013 First shots fired<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706acce-c368-11f1-a4c7-8362275f7b78\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This isn&#8217;t the first climb of the race, that honour goes to Killarney at just over 15km in, but at just 1km long with a 7.6% average the history of SEVEN has shown that it&#8217;s the climb coming at around 27km into the day of racing that will start to make the difference. It&#8217;s usually where the first major selection is made.<\/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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You are going to see if you&#8217;ve either got good legs or bad legs on Brockman,&#8221; said race director Stephen Gallagher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 2.4km Brockman ascent has an average gradient of 8.2% and what&#8217;s more the terrain that comes after is enough for riders to dig in and try to hold on to any advantage that they reap. There is a descent off the top, but not a long one, and then the profile just plots a jagged course for the next 20km, pulling in the climbs of Adina. The real stretch of descending only comes at over the 50km mark, before a flattish section of around 10km that offers some repreive before the climbing begins all over again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-7MwbVhbGAaJYe9v8uB3LER 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<h2 id=\"ellis-creek-the-fatigue-finder-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ellis Creek \u2013 The fatigue finder<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706add2-c368-11f1-8828-3bf5b10d66a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The climbs continue, and so does the wear and tear which is perhaps why Ellis Creek&#8217;s 2km, 9.1% average with 169 vertical metres gain hits so hard. The challenging climb that also delivers an extra bit of steepness near the top \u2013 comes just after 85k of racing for the men and at around 65km for the women. Plus there is no real relief once you make it over the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think you&#8217;ve just got fatigue in the legs by that point, so that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s the hardest and I think it&#8217;s deep enough into the race where you can go from there to the finish line,&#8221; said Tasman Nankervis, the 2023 winner of the elite men&#8217;s race at SEVEN who also raced this year at the UCI Gravel World Series event which replicated much of the World Championship route.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The year I won it, I broke away from there,&#8221; he said referring to the Ellis climb. &#8220;It&#8217;s logical to make a move from there, whereas to make a move from Brockman, that&#8217;s a bit of a high risk manoeuvre. It can be done, but you can win the race from Ellis, so I think people tend to go more in from there.&#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\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Hn7nrhgXqVnPyszwkUyca8-150-80.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\">Gravel grid anomalies, national teams in name only and self funding \u2013 Explaining the workings of a UCI Gravel World Championships<\/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\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xJsCV77NKDRYC4cTznLnsC-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 would love to see an actual gravel rider winning the jersey&#8217; \u2013 An established gravel incarnation of Nicole Frain lines up as key hope for home-nation at Nannup Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"folly-a-winning-move-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Folly \u2013\u00a0A winning move?<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af1c-c368-11f1-93bc-eb62661589b8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Folly climb is a new introduction for this year, part of the finishing loop which will take the riders close to the start line but then send them off for more, including the 2.4km effort with a 4.8% average gradient that is Folly. It&#8217;s bound to be packed with spectators, as it is just a short walk from the start\/finish line and comes at a point where there is just over 20m of racing remaining.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It starts with riders turning on to a short but relatively steep bitumen section and then it&#8217;s another turn onto the dirt, which, after a little recent rain is nicely packed down and while there are a few small rocks strewn around and some ruts in some patches they are easily avoidable as it is wide and the main line is smooth.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is a reprieve part way through the climb which opens up to views of the rolling farmland hills, but then it just kicks in again.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Nankervis warns that this climb isn&#8217;t one to be taken lightly, with a need to have something in reserve, recounting that in his race at SEVEN this year a puncture had left him behind but he made up around ten positions in this sector as it was one where the lights went out for many.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s really hard,&#8221; added race director Gallagher. &#8220;It gets quite steep at the top. You can potentially go solo from that point if you&#8217;re really strong, or you can certainly reduce a group to one or two riders.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then before riders hit the line there are still a couple of nasty pinches and the more gradual Lindsay climb on one last descent before the winner of the rainbow jersey is decided.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f5b4-c392-11f1-8f01-49b7ef3b2e14\" 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\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ASsjL9Gjfhnc8i4wboFzMK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite men&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 11 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07c3f636-c392-11f1-90eb-511a76e3118a\" 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\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-932-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U5WHJmLEoACm6rcyZxwSRK-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The course for the elite women&#8217;s race at the UCI Gravel World Championships on October 10 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: UCI Gravel World Championships Nannup, Western Australia)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-d706af9e-c368-11f1-9bb9-eb7b1feb943a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>For a full overview of the course see our detailed route feature: <\/em><em>The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all<\/em><\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and 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><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/three-course-features-that-could-be-make-or-break-at-the-uci-gravel-world-championships-in-nannup\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VCpi4LX6sGpiB4VEJU2HEF-2000-80.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-2187846","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\/2187846","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=2187846"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187846\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2187846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2187846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}