This weekend, the gravel cycling world will descend upon the picturesque Italian town of Asiago (Veneto) as it hosts the 2024 UEC European Gravel Championships. This prestigious event has been added last minute to the UCI Gravel World Series, serving as the first qualifier for the World Championships in Nice next year.
With over 630 riders from 29 countries registered, the competition promises to be intense. Some of the biggest names in the sport will be battling for European titles. In the men’s race, former World Champion Gianni Vermeersch will face stiff competition from the likes of Vakoc, Van Avermaet, Oss, Naesen, Voss, Perry, Bak, Terpstra, and Hoogerland. Meanwhile, the women’s race will feature Tour de France podium rider Pauline Rooijakkers battling against gravel specialists Schiff, Kloser, Neefjes, Fisher, and Axelle Dubau-Prevot while also multi-talents Kastelijn, Paladin, Persico, Cecchini and Arzuffi try to grab the gold.
The course in Asiago offers a unique blend of flat terrain and early mountain ranges. The 51km loop will be completed three times for men elite and twice for women elite, with different distances for age groups.