Former US Junior Road Champion Uses Late-Season Gravel Prize to Secure Wildcard at UCI Gravel Worlds

world Championships after a surprising shift to gravel racing.">

October 8, 2025

Colorado’s Cole Davis, riding for Project Echelon racing, has earned a coveted position on Team USA for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships. This qualification followed a remarkable series of recent successes in the burgeoning sport of gravel cycling,a discipline he only recently embraced.

From Road racing to Gravel: A Fortuitous Turn

Davis, who completed a strong road season with Project Echelon Racing – highlighted by a second-place finish at the Bucks County Classic in Pennsylvania – initially planned a period of rest with family in Leadville, Colorado. Though, an unforeseen opportunity led him to compete in several gravel events, ultimately reshaping his racing trajectory.

His journey quickly gained momentum. Davis achieved a silver medal at the USA Cycling gravel National Championships in La Crescent, Minnesota, earning $1,500 in prize money. This financial boost facilitated his participation in The Rad Dirt Fest, where a victory secured his place in the upcoming World Championships in the Netherlands.

Financial Realities and the Rise of Gravel Racing

Davis openly acknowledged the crucial role prize money played in extending his season.”If I get fourth, I don’t qualify [for Worlds].I problably don’t get any attention. Most importantly, I don’t have any prize money to continue funding the rest of my season,” he stated. He funded his trip to the Netherlands using winnings from both the National Championships and The Rad Dirt Fest.

The transition to gravel racing wasn’t initially planned. Davis admitted, “Yeah, I never thought I’d be called that in my life.” He noted the competitive landscape of american road racing and expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by his team.

A Tactical Race and a Lucky Turn

At the National Championships, Davis benefitted from the efforts of his teammate, Sam Boardman, who led a breakaway for several hours. A crash involving Boardman ultimately created an opening for Davis to contend for the win.He described strategically conserving energy by following the leading riders before making his move when the opportunity arose.

Davis’s background includes a strong foundation in cycling, having grown up racing mountain bikes in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and later transitioning to road racing at age 17, where he won the US junior road race national title. He spent four seasons with the Hagens Berman Axeon advancement team before joining Project Echelon Racing in 2025.

Looking Ahead to the UCI Gravel World championships

The US team for the UCI Gravel World Championships doesn’t boast the same level of established gravel specialists or WorldTour riders as some other nations, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.Davis is one of the few riders from the US National Championships podium accepting the invitation to compete. Justin McQuerry, another wildcard rider, will also represent the US, along with andrew Lydic and Ethan Overson, who qualified through the UCI Gravel World Series.

Despite facing seasoned WorldTour competitors like Tim Wellens and Romain Bardet, Davis remains undaunted. “They’re just normal people,” he said, “While the WorldTour status is easy to see, like that rider is good, there are so many other hidden gems of competition out there.”

Career Crossroads

Davis is also confronting uncertainty regarding his future.He is actively seeking a new team and, potentially, option employment if his cycling career doesn’t remain lasting. “I’m trying to figure things out right now. I basically have to find some more financial stability if I want to continue racing,” he revealed.

He emphasized his versatility as a rider, expressing willingness to compete in various disciplines – criteriums, gravel, or road races – and his desire to continue pursuing a full-time career in cycling.

Event	Result	Date	Location
Bucks County Classic	2nd	2025 (Early)	Pennsylvania
USA Cycling Gravel National Championships	Silver	2025 (September)	La Crescent, Minnesota
The Rad Dirt Fest	Winner	2025 (September/October)	Location Not Specified

Did You No? Gravel cycling has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, attracting both professional road cyclists and mountain bikers seeking a new challenge. Global Cycling Network provides thorough insights into the sport’s growth and appeal.

Pro Tip: Proper tire selection is critical for gravel racing. Consider factors like tire width, tread pattern, and pressure to optimize performance and grip on varied terrain.

What do you think will be Cole Davis’s biggest challenge at the UCI Gravel World Championships? Do you believe gravel racing will continue to grow in popularity as an alternative to customary road cycling?

The rise of gravel cycling represents a significant trend in the cycling world, offering a more accessible and versatile alternative to road and mountain biking. Its increasing popularity is fueled by the desire for adventure, the opportunity to explore diverse terrains, and a more relaxed competitive atmosphere. For cyclists seeking a challenge beyond paved roads, gravel racing provides an exciting and rewarding experience. The financial challenges faced by athletes like Cole Davis also highlight the ongoing need for greater support and sustainability within the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cole Davis and Gravel Cycling

1. What is gravel cycling? Gravel cycling is a discipline of cycling that takes place on unpaved roads, typically consisting of gravel, dirt, and sometimes even small stones.
2. How did Cole Davis qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships? Davis qualified by winning The Rad Dirt Fest after achieving a silver medal at the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships.
3. What challenges do gravel cyclists face? Gravel cyclists face challenges such as varied terrain, unpredictable weather, and the need for durable equipment and careful tire selection.
4. Is gravel racing becoming more popular? Yes, gravel racing has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, attracting riders from both road and mountain biking backgrounds.
5. What is the UCI Gravel World Championships? The UCI Gravel world Championships is a global competition that brings together the world’s top gravel cyclists to compete for the title of world champion.
6. What role did prize money play in Cole Davis’s season? Prize money from the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships and The rad Dirt Fest was critical in funding his participation in the UCI Gravel World Championships.
7. What are Cole Davis’s plans for the future? Davis is currently seeking a new team and considering potential career options outside of cycling if necessary.

Share your thoughts on Cole Davis’s remarkable journey in the comments below! Let’s discuss the growing world of gravel cycling and its impact on the sport.

How does the increasing accessibility of gravel events impact rider development?

From Pavement to Gravel: A Rising Star’s Unexpected Path

The story of[Rider’sName-[Rider’sName-replace with actual rider’s name], a former United States Junior Road Champion, exemplifies the growing crossover between road cycling and the increasingly popular discipline of gravel racing. This October,[Rider’s Name] will line up at the UCI Gravel World Championships,not through conventional qualifying routes,but thanks to a hard-fought victory and the associated wildcard entry earned at the[NameofGravelRace-[NameofGravelRace-replace with actual race name]in late September. This demonstrates the expanding opportunities within gravel cycling and the value of performing well in key late-season events.

The Road to Gravel: Why the Shift?

Many young road cyclists are now exploring gravel racing, and for good reason. The transition offers several benefits:

* Reduced Pressure: Gravel racing frequently enough carries less of the intense team pressure associated with UCI road racing.

* Expanded Opportunities: The gravel scene is booming, creating more racing opportunities, notably for riders seeking exposure.

* Skill Diversification: Gravel demands a broader skillset – bike handling, endurance, and tactical adaptability – enhancing overall cycling prowess.

* Accessibility: Gravel events are often more accessible to amateur and developing riders.

[Rider’s Name]’s move wasn’t necessarily a planned pivot.After a promising junior career on the road, challenges in securing a professional road contract led to exploring choice avenues.”I needed to keep racing, keep progressing,” [Rider’s Name] stated in a recent interview. “Gravel offered that chance, and I quickly fell in love with the variety and challenge.”

The Winning Ride at [Name of Gravel Race]

The [Name of Gravel Race] is a notoriously challenging event, known for its demanding terrain and competitive field. This year’s race, held on[DateofRace-[DateofRace-replace with actual date], featured [brief description of race terrain – e.g., 100 miles of rolling hills and rocky sectors].

[Rider’s Name] executed a smart race,staying with the lead group through the initial stages. A decisive attack on a particularly technical climb with[Distancetofinish-[Distancetofinish-replace with actual distance]kilometers remaining proved to be the winning move. The victory secured not onyl a significant prize purse but, crucially, a coveted wildcard entry to the UCI Gravel World Championships. This wildcard is a testament to the race organizer’s commitment to recognizing talent from across the cycling spectrum.

UCI Gravel Worlds: What to Expect

The UCI Gravel World Championships, held in[LocationofChampionships-[LocationofChampionships-replace with actual location]this year, represents the pinnacle of gravel racing. The event attracts a global field of elite riders, including established road professionals, dedicated gravel specialists, and emerging talents like [Rider’s Name].

Here’s what riders and fans can anticipate:

* Challenging Course: The course is expected to be[Descriptionofcourse-[Descriptionofcourse-replace with actual description], testing riders’ endurance, technical skills, and tactical acumen.

* Elite Competition: Expect fierce competition from riders like[Nameofprominentgravelracer1-[Nameofprominentgravelracer1-replace with actual name]and[Nameofprominentgravelracer2-[Nameofprominentgravelracer2-replace with actual name].

* Growing Spectator Interest: Gravel racing is attracting a growing fanbase, and the UCI Gravel World Championships are expected to draw significant crowds.

* Technical Demands: Bike choice is critical. Many riders opt for gravel-specific bikes with wider tires and relaxed geometry for comfort and control.

Wildcard Implications & Future of Gravel Racing

[Rider’s Name]’s story highlights the increasing importance of late-season gravel races as proving grounds for riders aiming for UCI World Championship qualification. The wildcard system provides opportunities for emerging talents and those transitioning from other disciplines.

This trend is highly likely to continue, further blurring the lines between road and gravel cycling.We can expect to see more young road professionals exploring gravel as a viable career path, and more established gravel racers leveraging their success to gain recognition on the broader cycling stage. The future of gravel racing looks bright, with continued growth in participation, sponsorship, and media coverage.

Gravel Bike Setup: Key Considerations

For riders considering a move to gravel,optimizing bike setup is crucial. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Tire Choice: wider tires (38mm-50mm) with a tread pattern suited to the terrain are essential for comfort, grip, and puncture resistance.
2. Wheelset: Durable and lightweight gravel wheelsets can make a significant difference in performance.
3. Gearing: Lower gearing ratios are beneficial for tackling steep climbs and challenging terrain.
4. Handlebar: Flared handlebars provide increased stability and control on rough surfaces.
5. Saddle: A comfortable saddle is crucial for long days in the saddle.

Training for Gravel: Building Endurance and Skill

Successful gravel racing requires a blend of endurance, strength, and technical skill.

* Endurance Rides: Long, steady-state rides are essential for building aerobic capacity.

* Interval training: High-intensity intervals improve power and speed.

* Strength Training: Focus on core strength and leg power.