What it was like at the 2024 Gravel World Championships

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I hope you have already watched the first video of this year’s Gravel Worlds. It’s full of color from Saturday’s busy race day. As for the article, I’ll go into more detail about what made the event a big step forward compared to the previous two years. Even though it’s now in its third year, it still struggles to get the praise of hardcore gravel fans, but as far as casual cycling fans in Belgium are concerned (if there is such a thing), it certainly has it done.

On the second day of the UCI Gravel World Championships, not only did the elite men roll out, or more precisely, they stormed out of the city of Halle towards a rainbow-striped jersey, but so did thousands of age group riders. It was overwhelmingly large and, unlike a “pro” race, an eclectic mix of talent was on display. Not everyone was equipped with the best equipment and the best form, but it was an aspect that I loved. Everyone was keen to take on what some (especially those who weren’t there) described as a track that wasn’t true gravel, but those who have raced will certainly disagree.

We don’t need to go into detail about who did what in the elite men’s race. The result was what many had predicted, a common theme throughout the weekend. MvdP did what MvdP does best: He crossed the finish line first. It angered a section of those present and those sitting at home watching from the comfort of their sofas. Was the Dutch wonder a real gravel champion or just a guy who happens to be very good on two wheels and can turn his hands, or in this case his legs, into any discipline on two wheels? It’s a dispute that will continue until the UCI runs the race on surfaces that ALL gravel members agree are “gravel.” Whatever the case, it was once again a good demonstration of form and a day that I know everyone in attendance will not forget.

So here we have it: video two from the race weekend. This time it comes from the elite men’s race on Sunday. Please click play and hopefully you can see that the “gravel” atmosphere was indeed very fluid for the World Champions.

Cheers,
Dave