UCI Gravel Calendar 2025

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · December 10, 2024

UCI Gravel Calendar 2025

Winter has set in, Christmas is approaching so it must be time to start planning next year’s racing! When I was a younger, fitter man, this time of year I would be looking at road races in the south east of England. As time has gone by however, road races have become scarce and now gravel racing satisfies my competitive itch. So, I’ll sit down with my laptop, a glass of Westmalle and peruse the 2025 UCI Gravel Calendar.

The European Championships have already kicked off the UCI Gravel Calendar for 2025

The 2025 series started back in October with the European Championships in Italy; this was the first of thirty-three qualifiers. Twenty-one of those races are in Europe, three in Africa, North America and Australia, two are in the UK and one in South America. All of those locations feature on my ‘where to ride’ list, so running through the calendar is always enjoyable.

The Gralloch’s trails are much wilder than it’s European cousins

Lots of choice

So far I’ve managed to only tick off three events; the Gralloch, the Houffa and Gran Fondo Limburg. Each of them has been a blast! The two European races had a similar feeling, with ever-changing conditions under wheel. One moment you’re flying along smooth gravel, then chunky farm track, draggy grass and then flying along small twisty roads. There’s no let up, it’s just full on racing, with cheering locals encouraging you on.

The European races have a mix of surfaces to test yourself against

The Gralloch was completely different. This was big country riding, magnificent views on wide gravel lorry tracks. The locals were very friendly at the start, but the single-lap route took us far out in to the wilds of Galloway. This was more of a constant power effort compared to the two Euro races.

Festival atmosphere

The organisation and atmosphere around all three races was excellent. Each of the towns welcomed us and seemed very happy to have hundreds of riders and their supporters spending their time and money there! It is also a great chance to meet with riders from all over. So go and race hard, then relax with a cold one, you’ll have earned it. There’s also a usually a mini-expo and lots of chances to buy a souvenir or two.

If you’re thinking of trying one of these events I say do it! Even if, like me, you’re not up at the sharp end of the action, you’ll still have a great day out. Also, many of these races have non-competitive rides you, or your family can join. So, sit back, sip you Belgian brew and peruse the UCI Gravel Calendar 2025 (links below). The 2025 finals are due to be held in Nice, however there are no details available yet; we’ll let you know when we get confirmation of the event.