The UCI Gravel World Series race in Turnhout, Belgium, sold out two months prior to the event, attracting 2534 riders from 27 countries. The participant pool was evenly split between Belgian and international cyclists, making it the largest event in the series’ four-year history.
The course is characterized by flat, fast gravel roads in the city’s greenbelt, reminiscent of American-style gravel racing. Sandy sections pose the primary challenge, as elevation gain is minimal. Younger categories will complete two laps, totaling 144km, while men over 60 and women over 50 will race a single 72km lap for qualification.
Notable riders include Dutch cyclists Geerike Schreurs and Tessa Neefjes, Australian Nicole Frain, and former professional road cyclists Laurens Ten Dam and Thomas De Gendt, who will compete against gravel specialists like Daan Soete and Rick Ottema.
