The UCI Gravel World Series Expands: Your Guide to the 2026 Season
The world of gravel cycling is booming, and the UCI Gravel World Series is leading the charge. With a growing calendar of events and a new title sponsor, the 2026 season promises to be the biggest yet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from new additions to key races that will shape the championship contenders.
What’s New for 2026?
Four qualifying events have already taken place, setting the stage for an exciting season. These include Flanders Legacy Gravel in Belgium, Gravelista in Australia, dustman in Thailand, and Alentejo Gravel in Portugal. The series kicks off officially with The Ceder in South Africa on February 14th.
Notably, the 2026 calendar features 14 brand-new events alongside established favorites. This expansion demonstrates the growing global appeal of gravel racing. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:
* Vuelta Altas cumbres Gravel (argentina, March 29): This event adds a gravel category to a traditionally mountain bike-focused race.
* OG Classique (Canada, June 21): A new addition to the North American gravel scene.
* Latvia’s Gravel Weekend (Tukums, August 8): Expanding the series’ reach into the Baltic region.
* Gravel chile (September 6): Bringing the excitement to South America.
Key Races to Watch
Several established races will continue to be pivotal in determining who qualifies for the UCI Gravel World Championships. One event garnering meaningful attention is Seven, held in Nannup, Western Australia on May 16th.
This race is especially important because it will offer riders a preview of the course that will host the UCI Gravel World Championships later in the year, around five months later. You can use this event to get a feel for the terrain and prepare your strategy.
A Look Back to inform the Future
The series isn’t just looking forward; it’s also drawing inspiration from past successes. Organizers of the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy are bringing their expertise to a new event: Grand Tour 3 Cime Lavaredo in Auronzo di Cadore on June 20th.
This demonstrates a commitment to leveraging experience and delivering high-quality events. It also shows a dedication to building on the foundations of the sport.
New Sponsorship & Continued Growth
The expansion of the series is further bolstered by a new title sponsor: Gravelking, who will be onboard from 2026 to 2028. This partnership signifies the growing commercial interest in gravel cycling.
It also provides stability and resources for continued progress of the series. you can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Stay Informed
Ready to dive deeper? You can find a complete list of the 2026 events on the Cyclingnews UCI Gravel World Series home page.
This resource will keep you up-to-date on all the latest news, schedules, and registration information.Don’t miss out on the action!
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