The GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series heads into one of its most diverse and visually striking weekends of the season, with back-to-back events that perfectly showcase the global reach of gravel racing. From the dramatic landscapes of Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park on Saturday to the iconic limestone plateaus of southern France on Sunday, riders will face two completely different but equally demanding challenges on their quest for UCI Gravel World Championships qualification.
Saturday: Racing Among Wildlife in Hell’s Gate, Kenya
The opening act takes place in what is arguably the most exotic setting on the calendar. Hell’s Gate National Park, located at altitude in Kenya’s Rift Valley, provides a breathtaking and raw backdrop where riders will race through wide open plains, volcanic formations and lush valleys — all in close proximity to roaming wildlife.
The main event features a demanding 110km loop with 2,500 metres of elevation gain, For the older age categories, a shorter 60km course with over 1,000 metres of elevation offers a shorer route towards qualification.
Sunday: French Classics Feel at Wish One Gravel Grands Causses
Less than 24 hours later, the focus shifts to Europe for one of the most established and popular races in the series: Wish One Gravel Grands Causses. Set in the spectacular landscape of southern France, the race finishes beneath the towering arches of the Millau Viaduct, one of the most iconic landmarks in cycling.
Between start and finish, riders take on a 130km course with over 2,030 metres of climbing, traversing the rugged Causses plateaus, fast gravel sectors and technical descents. The older categories will compete on a shorter 87km course with 1,520 metres of elevatio.
Amongst the 1000 riders from 20 different countries, all eyes will be on Romain Bardet, the French WorldTour star who lines up as the big favourite on home soil. In the women’s race, defending champion Axelle Dubau-Prévot returns to defend her title.
