Panaracer Corporation and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) are proud to announce a landmark partnership that will see Gravelking become the Title Sponsor of the UCI Gravel World Series for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.
This multi-year agreement unites one of cycling’s most storied tire manufacturers with the fastest-growing discipline in the sport, reflecting a shared commitment to competition, adventure, innovation, and exploration—the defining elements of modern gravel racing.
A Global Partnership for a Global Movement
The Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series brings together the world’s best gravel events across multiple continents, where riders compete for qualification to the UCI Gravel World Championships.
Gravel racing represents a unique fusion of endurance, strategy, and technical skill, blending the spirit of road racing with the unpredictability of off-road terrain. The discipline celebrates not only the challenge of competition but also the camaraderie and shared experience that define gravel’s culture.
For Panaracer, whose GRAVELKING line has become synonymous with speed, reliability, and craftsmanship, this partnership represents a natural evolution of its long-standing dedication to the global gravel community.
“Gravel is at the heart of who we are,” said Ryoichi Yamato, President of Panaracer Corporation. “This partnership allows us to deepen our connection with the riders, events, and landscapes that have inspired our products for over a decade. We’re honored to support both the spirit of competition and the pure enjoyment that gravel riding embodies.”
Three Years of Shared Vision
The partnership spans the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons and will feature Gravelking’s presence across all UCI Gravel World Series events, digital platforms, and championship activations.
The collaboration will highlight Panaracer’s ongoing commitment to elite competition, rider engagement, and product innovation through on-site support, athlete interactions, and exclusive showcases of the next generation of performance tires designed for the world’s toughest gravel races.
“We are delighted to welcome Gravelking as the title sponsor of the UCI Gravel World Series,” said Erwin Vervecken, UCI Gravel World Series Manager. “Their reputation for quality and innovation fits perfectly with the competitive yet welcoming nature of gravel. Together, we will continue to elevate the series and the sport itself.”
Crafted in Japan. Ridden Worldwide.
Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Hyogo, Japan, Panaracer has built a reputation for crafting high-quality bicycle tires by hand at its Tamba factory. From pioneering road racing tires to leading the modern gravel movement, Panaracer’s dedication to performance, craftsmanship, and competition has made it a trusted brand among cyclists around the world.
The Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series celebrates not only competition, but also the global community of riders who embrace discovery, endurance, and the joy of the ride.
About Panaracer
Panaracer Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of premium bicycle tires and tubes, proudly handcrafting products in Japan for over 70 years. Known globally for its GRAVELKING, Panaracer AGILEST, and FireXCPro series, Panaracer continues to combine innovation with traditional craftsmanship to deliver performance and reliability across road, gravel, and mountain biking disciplines. www.panaracer.com
