Racing the UCI Gravel World Series

You’ve probably noticed that Gravel is a big thing now. Riders are heading off-road in search of adventure on those roads less travelled. Many are looking for the peace and quiet that comes from riding away from traffic. Once away from the roar of the traffic there’s more time to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. The pace slows and you can breathe…

However, some of us want something a bit more challenging. Put two cyclists together and while most will happily ride along together, some just have to get their wheel in front and from there it isn’t long before you’re racing! Thankfully while there are many sportives and long-distance events that encourage you to enjoy the landscape, culture and companionship, racing is still alive.

Probably the biggest race series is the UCI Gravel World Series. To me this is the most accessible series, with race distances achievable by amateur riders; no two or three hundred kilometre marathons. As with their road fondos the UCI uses age category racing, encouraging older racers back onto their bikes. The races are also spread all over the world, giving everyone a chance to ride locally, or enjoy a cycling holiday!

I’ve been competing in the series for the last three years, each time looking to qualify for the series ending World Championship event. Unfortunately I’ve only managed that once, at the first Houffa, where I managed to finish seventh. Since then however, the quality of the fields has increased as more riders became aware of the series. Now I’m having to fight hard to get into the top forty!

My last event was The Gralloch, a 110 kilometre race in Scotland's Galloway Forest Park, a stunning part of the world. If you haven’t ridden there I can heartily recommend it; just make sure you avoid midge season!

While the Gralloch is a single lap of rolling, wide logging tracks, events like the Houffa take in a mix of road, gravel paths, farm tracks and woodland single-track. Each race has its own flavour depending on the local terrain. This means you will have to look closely at the courses, making decisions on tyre choice, gearing and tactics.

The racing is of a high level, as I said the early races were much easier. Nowadays, trawling through the results in the older categories will reveal many names from road racing’s past. My last race had riders who had ridden the Tour de France, Commonwealth Games and other ex-pros in the top ten.

Don’t let that put you off though! If you’re looking to qualify for the series finale, then you ‘only’ have to finish in the top 25% of your field. While that is a tough ask, it’s not impossible and you will have fun trying!

Most of these races will give you a chance to race in some terrific places against riders from all over the world. And like all bike races you can wander around at the start and rub shoulders with some of the sports greats. At the Gravel Fondo Limburg I stood next to Mathieu Van Der Poel without realising who he was! And being lapped by the pros is always an exciting experience when you see just how skilful they are.

For all my gravel racing I’ve been using the CEXevo. This lightweight off-road race machine has taken everything racing off-road can throw at it in its stride. Designed by Handsling and made from Toray T800 carbon-fibre using their own moulds, they have created a true race machine. It’s only the motor that has been an issue!

When it comes to what equipment I use, I’m running a Shimano 105 Di2, 2X set-up. I find the gearing (50x36, 11-36) is the most adaptable. There’s a low enough gear for the climbs, with a big enough gear to keep up on the tarmac sections.

Tyre choice is very much dependent on the course and weather. Generally a 44mm wide tyre like the Vittoria Mezcal, Schwalbe G-One R Pro, or if it’s smooth, Hutchinson’s Caracal. And if it’s a rough course, like the Gralloch, consider using a tyre insert like Effetto Mariposa or Vittoria’s.

So if you’ve bought a gravel bike and have been enjoying just how adaptable and fun they are, but haven’t tried racing yet, I can fully recommend it. While the UCI’s series may be a bit daunting for your first attempt, there are plenty of local races you could try. Perhaps you could take your CEXevo to the Gravel Rush, sponsored by Handsling.