The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all – A detailed look at the 'perfect storm' of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia

The 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships will mark a significant departure from previous editions by moving outside Europe for the first time, landing in the southwest region of Western Australia. Known for its challenging terrain and favourable climate, this area offers a distinctive and demanding course that race director Stephen Gallagher describes as a "perfect storm" for gravel cycling. The region’s hilly topography, reminiscent of the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, combined with extensive pristine gravel roads, provides an ideal setting for what promises to be the gravelliest World Championships yet. The event will centre around the town of Nannup, incorporating much of the route from the established SEVEN gravel race, which has been a key fixture in the UCI Gravel World Series since 2022. The races will feature a 123.1km course for the elite women and a longer 140.7km route for the elite men, with over 80 percent gravel and significant elevation gains of 3,100m and 3,625m respectively. The course is designed to balance technical climbs, forestry trails, and farmland roads, while also enhancing spectator access and engagement by including new sections around Nannup that offer prime viewing opportunities. The race route is divided into three distinct sections, starting with a relatively flat 15km stretch that allows riders to settle before tackling the first major climbs. Key ascents such as Brockman Road, with its steep 2.4km climb at an average gradient of 8.2%, and subsequent shorter climbs are expected to create early selection in the peloton. After a challenging initial phase, riders will encounter a significant descent and flatter terrain that may allow groups to regroup briefly before facing the demanding middle section of the course. The middle section is particularly gruelling, featuring sustained climbs without respite, including the men’s additional loop with the Arcadia climb and the tough Ellis Creek ascent, which averages 9.1% over 2km. Gallagher highlights that the difficulty of this segment lies not only in the climbs themselves but in the lack of descents afterwards, forcing riders to maintain pressure and stamina. This relentless terrain is likely to prove decisive in determining the race outcome and test the riders’ endurance and technical skills to the fullest. Looking ahead, the course will be previewed in May at the SEVEN UCI Gravel World Series event, providing a crucial opportunity for riders and teams to familiarise themselves with the unique challenges of the Western Australian landscape. With the World Championships set to unfold in October, the event is poised to elevate gravel racing’s profile globally, showcasing a new and demanding arena that could influence future race strategies and the development of gravel cycling as a discipline.