The UCI Gravel World Championships: Where the Lines Between Road and Dirt Blur!
It's a question that echoes through the gravel racing community: "Is this really gravel?" The 2025 edition, held in Maastricht, Netherlands, certainly stirred up that debate once again. The course, a mix of smooth, fast surfaces, leaned more towards a road race than the rugged, unpredictable terrain many associate with gravel.
On the surface, Maastricht offered 'gravel' sectors, but the reality – hard-packed paths – presented a stark contrast to the chunky, challenging routes of events like Unbound or the Traka. This led to a fascinating array of bike setups, a true testament to the evolving nature of gravel racing.
The Great Setup Debate:
Walking through the pits before the men's and women's races, one thing became abundantly clear: there was no consensus on the 'perfect' bike for this course. The range of choices was astonishing, from sleek 35 mm semi-slick tires to burly 2.2-inch mountain bike tires, and from road-focused gearing to full-blown mountain bike groupsets. This diversity turned the World Championships into a dynamic testing ground for professional riders, a rare opportunity to see innovation unleashed outside the constraints of the WorldTour.
A Glimpse into the Future:
Among the custom builds and prototypes, several stood out. We spotted unreleased tires from industry giants Pirelli and Continental, and what appeared to be a brand-new gravel platform from Merida. This event offered a sneak peek at the future of gravel technology.
Speaking of pushing limits...
Cameron Jones's performance at Unbound 200 was nothing short of extraordinary. He didn't just break the record; he shattered it, demonstrating a level of endurance and speed that redefined what's possible in gravel racing. This is the part most people miss: he maintained an average speed of 24 mph while sustaining a power output of 295 watts for an incredible 8 hours!
Controversy Alert:
This event highlighted the ongoing discussion about what truly defines gravel racing. Is it about conquering rough terrain, or is it about speed and efficiency on a variety of surfaces? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you believe the course in Maastricht was 'true gravel'? Let's discuss!
