The GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series heads to three continents this weekend with new qualification opportunities in Czechia, South Africa and Colombia.
On Saturday, Gravel Tour Hlinsko makes history as the first Czech event in the series. The 129 km elite race combines an 84 km and 43 km loop, while older age groups qualify over the opening loop only. Home favourites Petr Vakoč, 2024 European Champion Martin Stošek, Filip Adel and Joel Suter headline a field of 322 riders from 23 nations. In the women’s race, Tiffany Cromwell and Maaike Coljé lead the contenders, while Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas adds extra star power.
At the same time, South Africa hosts Around the Pot in Swellendam. Organised by the team behind the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the event features a demanding 100-mile route with 1,760 metres of climbing. Nearly 500 riders are expected, with Matt Beers, Alex Miller and Catheryn Colyn among the top names chasing qualification.
The action concludes on Sunday with UCI Gravel Bogotá, the first-ever UCI gravel race in Colombia. Originally scheduled for May, the event now joins the Series with a 128 km elite course and a 70 km route for the older categories, bringing World Championship qualification opportunities to the country for the first time. 250 riders from 10 different countries have signed up!
