The Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series heads to Tukums, Latvia this weekend for the first edition of Gravel Weekend on the series calendar. The event has already set a new participation record, attracting 500 riders from 24 countries, making it the largest Gravel Weekend since the event was launched three years ago.
The 140 km qualifier, featuring fast gravel roads and rolling terrain, has drawn the biggest share of the field with 295 starters, while 71 elite riders will battle for victory and qualification spots for the UCI Gravel World Championships.
A shorter 76km race is the official qualifier distance for the older categories hosting 162 starters. A minority also starts in the non qualifier 34km event.
In the men’s race, attention will focus on a clash between the previous two winners, Piotr Havik (Netherlands) and Tobias Mørch Kongstad (Denmark), joined by gravel stars Mattia De Marchi (Italy) and Magnus Bak Klaris (Denmark). In the women’s field, Axelle Dubau-Prévot (France), Wendy Oosterwoud (Netherlands), Marjolein Van ‘t Geloof (Netherlands) and Hanna Nilsson (Sweden) headline a strong international line-up.
