UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 route

The route for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships has been unveiled, marking the first time the event will be held outside Europe. Set in the small town of Nannup in Western Australia, the championships will feature a demanding course with elite men covering 140.7km and elite women 123.1km. The terrain is predominantly gravel, with at least 80% of the route on unpaved roads, offering a distinctive challenge compared to previous editions held in Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The course design draws heavily from the established SEVEN Gravel Race, a fixture of the UCI Gravel World Series since 2022, and incorporates the rugged landscape of the Blackwood Valley. Riders will face a cumulative elevation gain of 3,625m for men and 3,100m for women, navigating a series of continuous climbs ranging from 5% to 8% gradients. These climbs are relatively short but relentless, creating a race profile that demands sustained effort and tactical acumen over the entire distance. Stephen Gallagher, the event and race director, highlighted the tactical opportunities presented by the wide gravel roads and the consistent climbing. He emphasised that the course’s structure, with three distinct sections separated by flatter stretches, allows for brief recovery periods but maintains an overall punishing rhythm. The final stages include a new 27km spectator-friendly loop around Nannup, adding extra climbing before a flat paved sprint to the finish. The elite women’s race is scheduled for 10 October, followed by the men’s event on 11 October, with the men’s course featuring an additional loop that includes the Arcadia climb. This layout promises a thrilling contest that combines endurance, strategy, and technical skill, further establishing gravel racing’s growing prominence on the international cycling calendar. The 2026 championships in Nannup are set to deliver a unique and memorable world title showdown in a stunning Australian setting.