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3 clusters · 20 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

UCI Gravel World Championships in Australia

Overview

The 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, mark the first time the competition has been held outside of Europe. The course, composed of approximately 85% gravel, features continuous climbs and demanding, muddy sections.

In the men’s elite race, Magnus Bak Klaris secured victory following a tense sprint finish on the technical course. However, the event has been marked by administrative controversy. Former Australian champion Peta Mullens accused the UCI of an unfair, last-minute rule change that reclassified riders into the elite field based on points from different disciplines, impacting age-group participation. Additionally, logistical friction arose due to the distance to Nannup and scheduling conflicts with the American Life Time Grand Prix, which impacted the attendance of several WorldTour professionals.

In the women’s elite race, 39-year-old Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos secured her second Gravel World Championship title and her 15th world title across all cycling disciplines. Vos won following a late-race duel with Germany’s Rosa Klöser, who lost control of her bicycle during a descent in the final kilometers after recovering from a puncture. Larissa Hartog finished third. Vos described the victory as particularly emotional following the passing of her father earlier this year.

The event also serves as the professional retirement venue for Tiffany Cromwell and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, both concluding 17-year careers. Cromwell, a former European gravel champion, noted the significant growth and professionalization of women’s cycling during her tenure in the sport.

The men’s field includes notable competitors such as defending champion Florian Vermeersch, Lukas Pöstlberger, Matt Beers, Keegan Swenson, and Petr Vakoč.

Entities

Nannup · UCI · Tiffany Cromwell · Marianne Vos · Florian Vermeersch

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Marianne Vos wins second Gravel World Championship in Australia

    Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos won her second UCI Gravel World Championship title in Nannup, Australia, following a decisive late-race advantage after a crash by competitor Rosa Klöser.

  2. [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Nannup hosts 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships amid rule controversy

    The 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia, saw Magnus Bak Klaris take victory amid controversy over last-minute UCI rule changes and scheduling conflicts affecting professional participation.

  3. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Nannup, Australia hosts UCI Gravel World Championships

    The UCI Gravel World Championships move to Nannup, Western Australia, featuring a course that is over 84% gravel and characterized by continuous, relentless climbing.

Sources

bicyclingaustralia.com.au · bikeaospedacos.com.br · brujulabike.com · ciclismoaldia.es · cyclingnews.com · cyclismactu.net · esmtb.com · indeleiderstrui.nl · oasport.it · omroepbrabant.nl · pcauthority.com.au · ra.nl · redactie24.be · todomountainbike.net · velo.hu · velo.outsideonline.com · veloNews.com · wielerflits.be · wielerverhaal.com · world-today-news.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history