WebreaderShopNewsletterTop dealers & workshops

Gravel eventsLicence/racing with the gravel bike - fast races, high level

Sandra Schuberth

 · 08.11.2024

Gravel events: Licence/racing with the gravel bike - fast races, high levelPhoto: Jill Delsaux
Gravel races are often easy in terms of riding technique, but fast and challenging.
This is where it gets serious: Licence and racing gravel events are for race-oriented drivers. The tracks are often easy in terms of driving technique, but fast and challenging. But not every self-proclaimed professional is always allowed to take part in such events. There are rules.
Topics in this article

Licensed or racing gravel events are usually highly regulated and are aimed at ambitious riders who want to compete with others - basically classic racing, only on new terrain. There are various courses to choose from.

Licence and racing gravel events: competitive races for the ambitious

At international level, the UCI Gravel Series offers courses with varying technical demands and more or less metres in altitude. The UCI gravel races are also a favourite playground for former road professionals. Race gravel bikes are best suited to the mostly fast courses.

Typical procedure

Start documents are often collected the day before the race. This allows you to attach your race number to your bike and clothing in peace and quiet before the race. The race catering should be prepared and, if permitted, it is advisable to have your own helpers with you who can hand out drinking bottles in the refreshment zones. It often starts early on race day. Warming up or rolling in is advisable to prepare the body for the upcoming exertion. The races are fast and the standard is high.

Licence or racing gravel events: Requirements

  • (Race-)Gravelbike
  • UCI licence if applicable (depending on the event)
  • Basic mechanical skills (repairing panels)

Gravel events 2025 Licence/racing

  • UCI Gravel World Series (partial licence required), such as Wörthersee Gravel on 6.4.2025
  • Gravel-Race Rad am Ring (18-20 July 2025)
  • HeideGravel (Dahlener Heide, near Torgau, 30 August 2025)

How do you like this article?
Sandra Schuberth

Sandra Schuberth, sometimes an after-work ride, sometimes a training ride, sometimes an unsupported bikepacking challenge. The main thing is her and her gravel bike - away from the traffic. Seven Serpents, Badlands or Bright Midnight: she has finished challenging bikepacking races. Gravel and bikepacking are her favourite subjects, and her demands on equipment are high. What she rides, uses and recommends has to stand the test of time: not in marketing, but in real life.

Home

Most read in category Events