The Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series continues at full speed this weekend with two major races on Saturday, stretching from Western Australia to Scotland, each bringing record participation, strong international depth, and demanding courses that promise hard and selective racing.
SEVEN in Nannup (AUS): record numbers on World Championships terrain
In Nannup, Western Australia, the SEVEN Gravel Race reaches new heights with over 2,000 registered riders from 29 nations, making it one of the largest events in the series to date. The race takes place in the iconic Blackwood Valley, where riders will tackle rugged terrain that will also feature prominently at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships later this year.
The Men Elite face a 140.7 km course with 3,625 metres of elevation, while the Women Elite will cover 123 km with more than 3,100 metres of climbing. Older categories take on a still-demanding 89 km route with over 2,000 metres, all set within the unique Australian bush landscape and wildlife environment.
The start list is stacked with local firepower. Defending champions Tiffany Cromwell and Mark O’Brien return to defend their titles, but they will face strong opposition. Former winners Brendan Johnston, Tasman Nankervis and Adam Blazevic all line up, alongside contenders such as Cassia Boglio, Rob Power and Brent Rees.
With sections of the World Championships course already in use, Saturday’s race offers a clear first benchmark ahead of October, where riders will not only fight for victory but also for the conveted rainbow jerseys.
The Gralloch (GBR): international depth in the Scottish wilderness
A few hours later in the United Kingdom, The Gralloch in Gatehouse of Fleet (Scotland) continues to grow its international appeal, welcoming 2,025 riders from 41 countries for its UCI races.
The event unfolds over a 111 km course with 1,761 metres of climbing, set in the stunning but unforgiving terrain of the Galloway Forest Park. Riders will face an early test as the route climbs to the highest point, Fuffock Hill (281 m), within the first 30 kilometres. From there, the course continues with demanding ascents such as Kenick Hill and Slaughter Hill, interspersed with scenic sections along the River Dee and above Loch Grannoch.
The Men Elite field features a mix of WorldTour experience and gravel specialists. Names like Michael Woods, Jonathan Brownlee, Lukas Pöstlberger and Anton Palzer are set to clash with gravel-focused riders such as Niels Vandeputte, Cameron Mason, Matthew Holmes, Freddy Ovett and Mattia De Marchi.
In the Women Elite, defending champion Tessa Neefjes returns to lead a highly competitive field including Alison Jackson, Lizzie Hermolle, Sophie Wright, Danielle Shrosbree, Geerike Schreurs, Wendy Oosterwoud and Karolina Migon.
