How Does the UCI Gravel Worlds Compare to the Hardest American Gravel Races?

World Championship title in the Netherlands, prompting analysis of the power dynamics between gravel and road cycling.">
World Championships, Gravel Racing, Power Analysis, Cycling, Matej Mohorič, Pavel Sivakov, Simon pellaud">
October 17, 2025, 1:30 PM

Vermeersch Claims Gravel World Title, Sparks Debate on Power Demands of Cycling Disciplines

Florian Vermeersch achieved a career milestone on October 17, 2025, winning the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands. The Dutch cyclist, previously a two-time runner-up, rode solo to victory, igniting conversations about the evolving nature of gravel racing and how it stacks up against customary road cycling and other off-road disciplines.

A Course Unlike Traditional Gravel

This year’s UCI Gravel World Championship course deviated from the rugged, technically demanding terrain frequently enough associated with gravel events. The route featured a notable amount of paved sections and relatively minimal climbing, with a total elevation gain of under 2,000 meters over 181 kilometers. The longest ascent stretched just over two minutes in duration, prompting discussion on whether this format truly reflects the essence of gravel racing.

Power Output Analysis: gravel worlds vs. The Road

analyzing rider data provides insights into the physical demands of these different disciplines. While complete data for Vermeersch isn’t available, the performance metrics of third-place finisher Matej Mohorič offer a valuable point of comparison. Mohorič, demonstrating a strong surge with 67km remaining, highlighted the strategic use of power throughout the race.

Mohorič’s data reveals an average power output of 308 watts (4.3 watts per kilogram) and a normalized power of 350 watts (4.9 watts per kilogram) over the 4 hours and 39 minutes. Notably, he delivered a peak two-minute power output of 511 watts (7.1 watts per kilogram) during a late-race attack.

Matej Mohorič’s power data from the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.

Comparing this to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, a WorldTour one-day race covering 214km with over 2,600 meters of climbing, reveals captivating differences. Pavel Sivakov,finishing second in Québec,demonstrated a lower average power (280 watts,3.9 watts/kg) but considerably higher peak power outputs (586 watts, 8.3 watts/kg) during a key breakaway attempt.

Metric	Mohorič (Gravel Worlds)	Sivakov (GP Québec)
Time	4:39:33	5:04:09
Average Power	308w (4.3w/kg)	280w (3.9w/kg)
Normalized Power	350w (4.9w/kg)	342w (4.8w/kg)
Peak 2 min Power	511w (7.1w/kg)	586w (8.3w/kg)

The contrast underscores that road racing, with its drafting benefits and smoother surfaces, allows for more explosive power displays. Gravel racing, conversely, demands sustained efforts with limited opportunities for full recovery, favoring riders with exceptional endurance.

Life Time Grand prix: A Different Breed of Gravel

The Life Time Grand Prix series, known for its rugged and challenging courses, presents yet another dimension to the gravel landscape. simon Pellaud’s performance at the Sea Otter Classic, the series opener, provides further insight. Pellaud unleashed a peak two-minute power output of 543 watts (7.8 watts/kg) at the start, but the race demanded consistent effort with minimal recovery opportunities.

Simon Pellaud’s power data from the Sea Otter Classic, a Life Time Grand Prix event.

Pellaud averaged 89% of his maximum heart rate throughout the race, highlighting the sustained intensity required. This contrasts with the GP de Québec, where riders could briefly recover on downhills.

Did You know? The increasing popularity of gravel racing has led to a surge in events catering to both professional and amateur cyclists, fostering a growing community and driving innovation in bike technology.

Pro Tip: When training for gravel racing, focus on building both endurance and sustained power output. Incorporate longer rides with varied terrain and interval training to prepare for the demands of unpredictable courses.

The Evolving landscape of Cycling

The lines between road, gravel, and other cycling disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred.Riders are demonstrating versatility and adaptability, frequently enough competing across multiple formats.This trend points to a future where cycling specialization may become less rigid,with athletes capable of excelling in a broader range of events. The demands on training and equipment are also evolving, reflecting the need for both power and endurance, as well as the ability to handle diverse terrain. Understanding these shifts is becoming crucial for athletes and teams seeking success in the modern cycling world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gravel Racing and Power Output

• What is normalized Power (NP)? NP is a calculation that attempts to represent the physiological stress from a ride, accounting for variations in power output.
• is gravel racing harder then road racing? It depends on the course and rider strengths. Gravel racing often requires more sustained effort and technical skill, while road racing can be more explosive.
• What type of rider excels in gravel racing? Riders with strong endurance, a high tolerance for discomfort, and the ability to handle varied terrain generally perform well.
• How crucial is peak power in gravel racing? Peak power is valuable for short bursts and attacks, but sustained power output is often more critical.
• Are gravel bikes different than road bikes? Yes, gravel bikes typically have wider tires, more relaxed geometry, and disc brakes to handle rougher terrain.
• What role does drafting play in gravel racing? Drafting is less effective in gravel racing due to the constantly changing terrain and fewer opportunities for sustained teamwork.
• How can I improve my power output for gravel cycling? Focus on a training plan that incorporates both endurance rides and interval training, emphasizing sustained power efforts.

What do you think will be the defining characteristic of future gravel world championships? Will the course selection continue to evolve, or will rider adaptations led to a new kind of gravel specialist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does the technical difficulty of BWR courses differentiate them from UCI Gravel Worlds courses, and what type of rider benefits most from this distinction?

The Rise of UCI Gravel Worlds & American gravel Racing

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gravel World Championships, established in 2022, has quickly become a focal point for the burgeoning gravel cycling scene. But how does this internationally sanctioned event stack up against the notoriously challenging American gravel races that helped build the discipline? This article dives deep into a comparison, analyzing course profiles, difficulty factors, and the overall demands placed on riders. We’ll look at key American gravel events like Unbound Gravel, Rebecca’s Private idaho, and Belgian Waffle Ride, assessing where the UCI Gravel Worlds fits within the spectrum of gravel race difficulty. Understanding these differences is crucial for riders planning their race calendars and preparing for the unique challenges each event presents.

UCI gravel Worlds: A Global Benchmark

The UCI Gravel Worlds aims to crown the best gravel cyclists globally. The course selection varies annually, intentionally showcasing different facets of gravel riding.

* Course Characteristics: Typically features a mix of gravel surfaces – ranging from smooth, fast hardpack to chunky, technical sections. Expect significant elevation gain, often exceeding 3,000 meters.

* Technical Difficulty: The UCI prioritizes a course that tests all-around gravel skills. this includes sustained climbing,fast descents,and sections requiring bike handling prowess.

* Competition level: The UCI Gravel Worlds attracts a highly competitive field, including professional road cyclists, mountain bikers, and dedicated gravel specialists. The level of racing is exceptionally high.

* 2024 edition (Gravel Worlds Vicenza): The 2024 edition in Vicenza, italy, showcased a especially challenging course with steep climbs and technical descents, emphasizing power and bike handling skills. https://www.uci.org/gravel/news/uci-gravel-world-championships-2024-vicenza-italy-results

Unbound Gravel: The American epicenter

Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas, is arguably the most iconic American gravel race. It’s often considered the benchmark against which other gravel events are measured.

* Course Characteristics: 203.2 miles of relentlessly rolling Flint Hills terrain. Predominantly gravel roads, but with sections of chunky limestone and even some pavement.

* Technical Difficulty: Unbound’s difficulty lies in its sheer length and the unforgiving terrain. The constant rolling hills, combined with the potential for extreme weather (heat, wind, rain), make it a brutal test of endurance.

* Key Challenges: The “Flint Hills” are known for their sharp, embedded flint rocks, increasing the risk of punctures. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are significant concerns.

* Comparison to UCI Gravel Worlds: Unbound is generally longer than the typical UCI Gravel Worlds course. While the UCI course may have more technical sections, Unbound’s sustained effort and unpredictable conditions present a different kind of challenge.

Rebecca’s Private Idaho: Altitude and Isolation

Rebecca Rusch’s namesake race, Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI), offers a unique gravel experience centered around the rugged landscapes of Idaho.

* Course characteristics: Multiple distance options, with the flagship Queen’s Course covering approximately 206 miles. High-altitude riding (often above 6,000 feet) is a defining feature.

* Technical difficulty: RPI combines significant elevation gain with remote, challenging gravel roads. The isolation adds to the mental and logistical demands.

* Key Challenges: Altitude sickness is a real concern for riders not acclimated to the elevation. Limited cell service and sparse support mean self-sufficiency is crucial.

* Comparison to UCI Gravel Worlds: RPI’s altitude and remoteness differentiate it from the UCI Gravel worlds. The UCI course tends to be more accessible and have more readily available support.

Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR): The “Hell of North America”

the Belgian Waffle Ride series, known for its challenging courses inspired by the European classics, presents a unique blend of gravel, dirt, and even some singletrack.

* Course Characteristics: Varies by location, but consistently features a mix of surfaces and significant climbing. Often includes sections resembling cyclocross courses.

* Technical Difficulty: BWR courses are notoriously technical,demanding strong bike handling skills and the ability to navigate varied terrain.

* Key Challenges: the unpredictable surfaces and frequent transitions between gravel, dirt, and singletrack require constant adaptation.

* Comparison to UCI Gravel Worlds: BWR courses are generally more technically demanding than the UCI Gravel Worlds, focusing heavily on bike handling and short-power efforts. The UCI course prioritizes sustained endurance and all-around gravel skills.

A Comparative Table: Key Metrics

Feature	UCI Gravel Worlds	Unbound gravel	Rebecca’s Private Idaho	Belgian Waffle ride

| Typical Distance | 140-190 km (87-118 miles) | 327 km (203.2 miles) | 206 miles (Queen’s Course) | 130-220 km (80-137 miles