If ‘faster, higher, stronger’ is the motto for the Olympic Games, then ‘faster, richer, louder’ could be the new mantra for gravel racing after the 2024 season. The trajectory of gravel engagement continues to soar, with professional riders sprinting to the finish line after 200 miles and more amateurs joining in from all ages. Opportunities for bragging rights are sprouting globally, offering gender equity in prize money and race categories.

Uncover the Exciting World of Gravel Racing

Trajectory of Gravel Engagement

The trajectory of gravel engagement is on an upward swing. Professional riders are seen sprinting to the finish line after covering 200 miles, while amateurs of all ages are also getting more involved. Stand-alone events and multi-race series are popping up around the world, providing a platform for riders to showcase their skills and earn recognition.

Gravel racing is no longer limited to a specific group of riders. It has become a global phenomenon, with riders from different backgrounds coming together to compete. The growth of gravel racing is a testament to its appeal and the excitement it brings to the cycling world.

Defining Gravel

There is still no one standard definition of ‘gravel’. The question of how much or what type of terrain should be on an elite-level course remains unanswered. The Worlds course in Belgium was unique, and the next one in Nice, France next October is likely to be very different.

Gravel refuses to be confined to one set of standards. It stays true to its US roots and finds its place in wide open spaces, hidden valleys, and dirt paths around the world. This diversity makes gravel racing a challenging and exciting sport.

Tech Front in Gravel Racing

On the tech front, gravel race bike technology has been evolving rapidly in 2024. It is more varied and dynamic than road tech, with aerodynamics, efficiency, and rolling resistance playing key roles in equipment development.

A slew of interesting gravel tech was released this year. Castelli released a gravel jersey with a built-in hydration bladder to save weight and aid aerodynamics. SRAM also invested further in gravel tech with their new Red XPLR AXS 13-speed gravel groupset. Ridley quietly released an aero gravel race bike that was ridden to fourth place at Unbound.

Speeds in Gravel Racing

When the weather conditions cooperate, record times continue to fall in gravel racing. Factors such as stronger all-around riders, better equipment, and swifter transitions are contributing to shorter times on long-distance courses.

At Unbound Gravel 200, the average speed for men increased from 15.44 mph in 2015 to 22 mph in 2023. Similarly, at the Traka 360, speeds are also on the rise. Mattia de Marchi was the first rider to finish in under 13 hours in 2023, and winners at the 2024 Traka 360 raised the bar on speeds.

UCI Gravel World Series

The UCI Gravel World Series has changed the landscape of gravel racing. It has grown from 10 races in 2022 to 25 this season, with an increasingly impressive geographic spread and stronger fields of riders.

Riders now have more incentive than ever to participate in the series and qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships. Organisers also recognise the appeal of making local events part of a globally recognised series, with many lining up to be added to the calendar.

Elite Women-Only Starts

Unbound Gravel 200 was a game-changer for elite women. For the first time, they received significant separation from the men at the start. The start times for elite women and men vary at different events, but guidelines specify a minimum one-minute interval.

US organisers Life Time adjusted starts for all their off-road series to allow women a separate send-off. This new dynamic has allowed women to showcase their talents and has been a rewarding experience for both racers and spectators.

Cyclocross Stars in Gravel Racing

The 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships course in Belgium was described as a ‘Classics’ course. Many pro riders from other disciplines joined the party, attracted by the technical challenges.

Belgium gave gravel its own flavour, and riders with technical skills on varying terrain gained the glory. Cyclocross world champions Marianne Vos and Mathieu van der Poel represented the Netherlands and earned more in another discipline.

Pay Days in Gravel Racing

Although prize money is not the main motivation for gravel racing, it does help defray costs. In 2024, there were several boosts in earning opportunities based on podiums.

Races and series offered cash payouts, cool prizes, and unique experiences. Riders could choose from a variety of events that suited their sponsor objectives. The growing trend of cash payouts is a positive development for gravel racing.