2026 Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series Expands to Record 45 Qualifying Events
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The UCI Gravel World Series, now sponsored by Gravelking, is significantly expanding its reach for 2026, offering a record 45 qualifying events for the UCI Gravel World Championships. This substantial increase from 33 events in 2025 and just 12 in its inaugural 2022 season underscores the rapidly growing popularity of gravel racing and provides more opportunities for riders to compete for a coveted spot at the world championships.
A Surge in Qualifying Opportunities
The expansion is designed to increase the number of UCI points available to gravel specialists, effectively leveling the playing field and providing more avenues for riders to climb the ranks. According to a series official, the goal is to ensure that the front rows of the elite races aren’t solely occupied by riders from the WorldTour, but also by dedicated gravel competitors. The series now spans 32 countries, demonstrating its global appeal.
Key Events and New Additions
Four qualifying events have already taken place: Flanders Legacy Gravel in Belgium, Gravelista in Australia, Dustman in Thailand, and Alentejo Gravel in Portugal. The 2026 series will officially kick off with The Ceder in South Africa on February 14.
While a small number of events from the 2025 calendar have been removed, a noteworthy 14 new races have been added to the mix. These include:
- Vuelta Altas Cumbres Gravel in Argentina (March 29), which will incorporate a gravel category into an existing mountain bike race.
- OG Classique in Canada (June 21).
- Latvia’s Gravel Weekend in Tukums (August 8).
- Gravel Chile (September 6).
Championship Preview and Legacy Events
The Seven event, held in Nannup, Western Australia on May 16, is poised to be a key highlight. This race will offer riders a crucial preview of the course that will host the UCI Gravel World Championships approximately five months later.
Looking back as well as forward, organizers of the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy are contributing a new event to the 2026 calendar: Grand Tour 3 Cime Lavaredo in Auronzo di Cadore on June 20.
New Sponsorship and Continued Growth
The series’ expansion coincides with the announcement of Gravelking as the title sponsor for the years 2026 through 2028, signaling a strong commitment to the future of gravel racing.
For a complete listing of the 2026 events, visit the Cyclingnews UCI Gravel World Series home page.
