What Is 2024-25 UCI Gravel World Series

Overview

The 2024–25 UCI Gravel World Series marks the third official season of gravel racing under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), expanding its reach with 13 designated events across five continents. Designed to bridge amateur participation with elite competition, the series builds momentum toward the UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for November 2025 in Flanders, Belgium.

Unlike traditional road cycling, gravel racing emphasizes endurance, technical handling, and self-sufficiency on unpaved terrain. The 2024–25 season strengthens the sport’s global profile, integrating events from North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia to reflect its growing international base.

• 13 official events are confirmed for the 2024–25 season, including races in the USA, Italy, South Africa, and Japan, marking a 30% increase from the inaugural series.
• The season kicks off in September 2024 with the Belgian Waffle Ride Caliente in California, serving as the opening Class 1 gravel race.
• Each event awards UCI ranking points to elite men’s and women’s categories, influencing qualification for the World Championships.
• The series includes five Class 1 and eight Class 2 races, with Class 1 events offering higher point allocations and stricter technical requirements.
• Organizers must meet UCI safety, course measurement, and anti-doping standards to retain official status in the series.

How It Works

The UCI Gravel World Series operates under a structured calendar and classification system to standardize competition and athlete eligibility. Each race is integrated into the UCI international calendar, ensuring consistent rules, timing, and athlete rankings.

• UCI Ranking Points: Athletes earn points based on finishing position, with Class 1 winners receiving up to 150 points and Class 2 winners up to 100 points.
• Qualification Pathway: Top-ranked riders by October 2025 automatically qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships, with national federations also allocating spots.
• Event Classification: Class 1 events require minimum course lengths of 120km for men and 80km for women, while Class 2 events have slightly reduced standards.
• Anti-Doping Compliance: All elite competitors are subject to UCI’s biological passport and out-of-competition testing during the season.
• Neutral Support: UCI mandates neutral mechanical support zones at each event to ensure fair competition and safety.
• Course Certification: Each route must be officially measured and approved, with at least 60% of the distance on unpaved surfaces to meet gravel criteria.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key features of the UCI Gravel World Series with other major cycling disciplines:

This comparison highlights how the UCI Gravel World Series blends the accessibility of grassroots gravel events with the structure of professional cycling. While lacking the volume of RoadWorldTour events, it offers a unique competitive niche with growing athlete and sponsor interest.

Why It Matters

The 2024–25 UCI Gravel World Series represents a pivotal moment in the institutionalization of gravel racing, transforming a grassroots movement into a globally recognized discipline. Its expansion reflects increasing demand for off-road endurance events and signals long-term investment from national federations and sponsors.

• Professionalizes gravel racing by introducing standardized rules, anti-doping protocols, and UCI-sanctioned rankings.
• Increases visibility for women’s categories, with equal point structures and media coverage at all Class 1 events.
• Encourages course diversity, from South Africa’s dusty Karoo to Japan’s volcanic trails, showcasing global terrain variety.
• Boosts local economies, with host cities reporting up to 35% increases in tourism during race weekends.
• Supports athlete development by providing a clear pathway from amateur to elite status through consistent competition.
• Influences bike design and safety standards, as manufacturers align with UCI technical regulations for gravel-specific equipment.

As the gravel discipline matures, the UCI’s role in regulating and promoting the sport ensures greater equity, safety, and global participation, setting the stage for future Olympic consideration.