What is gravel, when did it appear and where does it take place, what defines a gravel bike, when the UCI Gravel World Series began, what its basic regulations are, and where we will see it for the first time in Greece in 2026.

By Thanassis Krekoukias

Gravel cycling refers to riding on dirt or gravel roads and, if we were to translate it loosely into Greek, it would mean cycling on unpaved surfaces. It combines sport with recreation, as riders move along dirt roads and other non-asphalted terrain. Although there are bikes specifically designed for gravel, in practice any bicycle capable of handling this kind of surface can be used. Compared to road cycling, gravel offers greater freedom in route choice, while avoiding both traffic-heavy asphalt roads and the highly technical trails typical of mountain biking.

While the term gravel cycling became widely used in the early 2010s, the concept itself is as old as cycling. In the 19th century, paved roads were rare, meaning that the first cyclists spent decades riding mainly on dirt roads. Gravel does not necessarily mean riding only on compacted dirt. Any non-asphalt surface, including gravel, rocky ground, roots, branches and uneven natural terrain, falls under the gravel umbrella.

Dirt roads take cyclists away from urban environments and paved networks, leading them directly into nature. In this way, gravel evolves from a discipline into a way of riding, focused on discovery, enjoyment, exploration of new places and people, and above all on the joy of participation. Gravel blends the excitement of a timed challenge with the persistence, solidarity and companionship required to complete demanding routes.

A gravel bike combines elements of a mountain bike, a road bike and a cyclo-cross bike. Its geometry and drop handlebar are similar to those of a road bike, but with a stronger frame, a more upright riding position and wider tires that provide better grip and comfort on rough surfaces. At the same time, it is lighter and more aerodynamic than a mountain bike and almost exclusively uses hydraulic disc brakes for consistent stopping power in all conditions. Gravel bikes perform comfortably on asphalt and often include mounts for racks and mudguards, making them ideal for bikepacking and cycling tourism.

After road cycling races emerged in the late 19th century, cyclo-cross in the early 20th century and mountain biking in the 1970s, gravel arrived at the beginning of the 21st century. Today, it is the fastest-growing cycling discipline worldwide, with rapidly increasing popularity across all continents. Naturally, the spirit of adventure and freedom that defines gravel soon found its way into organized competition, leading the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to establish a dedicated category within its official calendar.

Gravel races as a whole do not operate under a single central governing body, as each event traditionally had its own identity and regulations. However, in 2021, a major shift took place when the UCI announced the launch, from 2022 onwards, of two annual flagship events: the UCI Gravel World Series and the UCI Gravel World Championships.

The first UCI Gravel World Championships were held in October 2022 in Veneto, Italy, where Gianni Vermeersch of Belgium and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot of France claimed the elite world titles. The UCI Gravel World Series in 2026 consists of a record 48 races approved by the UCI. Each race includes 22 age categories, 11 for men and 11 for women, covering Elite categories and five-year age groups from 19–34 up to 75–79, with the possibility of additional categories for older participants if required.

Let's look at them in detail:

• Men Elite
• Women Elite
• 19 – 34 (Men & Women)
• 35 – 39 (Men & Women)
• 40 – 44 (Men & Women)
• 45 – 49 (Men & Women)
• 50 – 54 (Men & Women)
• 55 – 59 (Men & Women)
• 60 – 64 (Men & Women)
• 65 – 69 (Men & Women)
• 70 – 74 (Men & Women)
• 75 – 79 (Men & Women)

(The UCI leaves open the possibility of more five-year categories, in case there are participants of older ages, for example 80-84, 85-89, etc.).

In each category, the top 25% of finishers earn qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships. However, only the first 43 races of the 2026 calendar count towards qualification for the 2026 World Championships. The final five races, including The Gravel of Marathon, provide qualification for the 2027 edition. This happens because the UCI Gravel World Championships are held every year in early October, while the World Series continues until November, with the 2026 season concluding in Marathon on November 15, 2026.

Each UCI Gravel World Series race must be strictly one-day long and cover a distance between 50 and 175 kilometers, with the UCI recommending distances between 80 and 130 kilometers, adjusted according to elevation gain. While a single route for all categories is allowed, the preferred format includes two routes: a longer one for Elite and younger age categories, and a shorter one for older age groups. A fundamental regulation across all UCI gravel races is that at least 60% of the course must be off-road.

What makes the Gravel World Series truly unique is that elite athletes, masters and amateur riders all compete together in the same events. It is the only cycling discipline where professionals and amateurs line up side by side. Those who qualify for the Gravel World Championships experience the rare opportunity to race for a world title alongside legends such as Mathieu van der Poel or Marianne Vos, competing in a UCI World Championship on equal terms within their age category.

The UCI Gravel World Series is open to professional cyclists, masters and amateurs alike, including riders seeking high-level competition later in life as well as those who simply love the sport and aim to finish challenging races while maintaining a strong level of fitness. The series is a collaboration between the UCI, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and Golazo Sports, a Belgian sports marketing company.

In just a few years, the UCI Gravel World Series has become the leading gravel racing series worldwide, known for its high competitive level, global reach and participation of top athletes from all cycling disciplines. In 2025, the series featured 35 races in 23 countries, attracting 40,000 participants from 81 nationalities. In 2026, it will expand to 48 races in 33 countries, while the UCI Gravel World Championships will be held for the first time outside Europe, in Nannup, Australia.

These are some key insights into gravel cycling. With great anticipation and excitement, we now look forward to the start of the fifth edition of the UCI Gravel World Series, which will conclude with Greece’s first-ever appearance in the history of the series: The Gravel of Marathon, taking place on November 15, 2026, in Marathon. Together with Golazo Sports and official partners GravelKing, Shimano and Santini, the UCI promises an even more exciting and successful season. We invite you to be part of this unique gravel cycling experience.