Tomorrow, the Marly Grav Race returns to Valkenburg as one of the standout rounds of the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series, combining a top-class elite field with a demanding course through the iconic South Limburg hills. For the first time, the race will also be broadcast live internationally on Eurosport, HBO Max and TNT Sports.
Two World Champions at the start
The reigning UCI Gravel World Champions Lorena Wiebes and Florian Vermeersch are both lining up in their rainbow jerseys.
Both riders claimed their world titles in the same region last October, and parts of that championship course are included again in this year’s Marly Grav route. Next to the two champions and van Aert, we see other big names like series’ leader Nicole Frain, Wendy Oosterwoud, Tessa Neefjes, Caroline Schiff, Romy Kasper and Ilse Pluimers. In the men elite, Vermeersch will be challenged by Joris Nieuwenhuis, Greg Van Avermaet, Daan Soete, Niels Vandeputte, Jasper Ockeloen, Mathijs Loman and Michael Vanthourenhout.
A total of 1648 riders have registered, representing 28 different nationalities.
The demanding course of 150 km starts with the Cauberg climb to enter a 46km lap which will be done three times for the elites and younger categories while men over 60 and women over 50 finish after two laps. Finish is back at the Shimano Experience center.
