The UCI Gravel World Series continues this weekend with two very different challenges on opposite sides of the world. While riders head to Japan for a rolling gravel race through the foothills around Mount Yakurai, Africa’s best gravel racers will battle for continental honours at the Khomas100 in Namibia.
International Field in Japan
The Japanese round has attracted 226 riders from 15 nationalities, including participants from across Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America.
The course features undulating gravel roads with 2610 metres of elevation over 107km.
In the elite men’s race, Dutch riders Lars Boven and Rick Nobel start among the favourites, while local hopes will be led by Sawada Toki, Nagata Junya and Hirabayashi Ari. In the women’s elite race, Hsu Shuwei (Chinese Taipei) appears the rider to beat, with Japanese contenders Ukai Chiharu and Kataoka Yuki expected to challenge for victory.
Africa’s Best Gather for Khomas100
In Namibia, the Khomas100 hosts both a UCI Gravel World Series round and the CAC African Continental Gravel Championships. More than 400 riders from 14 countries are expected on the start line.
The long-distance race takes riders across Namibia’s spectacular gravel terrain on a route combining fast open roads, rugged gravel sectors and demanding climbs before finishing at Gross Barmen Resort.
The women’s race is headlined by defending African champion Hayley Preen (South Africa), who faces strong competition from Namibian champion Anri Greeff, former Olympian Vera Looser and Catherine Kruger.
In the men’s field, defending African Gravel Champion Alex Miller (Namibia) returns as the favourite after his victory last year. South Africans Marco Joubert, Travis Stedman, Rogan Smart and Daniel van der Watt are expected to be among his main challengers.
