The 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships in Maastricht, Netherlands, delivered more than just new world champions. Lorena Wiebes and Florian Vermeersch emerged victorious, but the event also sparked discussions about national teams, rider qualifications, and the unique nature of gravel racing.
The elite races saw a dominant display from the Dutch, with Lorena Wiebes claiming gold, Marianne Vos silver, and Yara Kastelijn finishing fourth. However, the tactics employed by the Dutch team left some riders upset, as they shut down a teammate’s breakaway.
The course, described as a ‘Classic’ by many, featured rolling hills and a mix of dirt, gravel, and pavement. Riders like Abi Smith and Matej Mohorič praised the course for its challenges and beauty.
The absence of top gravel contenders like Keegan Swenson and Lauren Stephens due to conflicting race schedules raised questions about the event’s timing. Additionally, the lack of restrictions on rider numbers for national federations and the presence of wildcards sparked debates about the qualification process.
Despite these discussions, the UCI Gravel Championships offered a unique opportunity for amateurs to compete alongside professionals, creating a special atmosphere. World champion Vermeersch emphasized the importance of keeping gravel racing low-key and maintaining the combination of amateur and elite races.
Join us as we dive deeper into the strategies, surprises, and the future of gravel racing at the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.
The 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships in Mastri have left us with a whirlwind of emotions, controversies, and unforgettable moments. But here’s where it gets controversial. Was this event a celebration of the sport’s growth, or did it expose the cracks in gravel racing’s identity? Let’s dive into the drama, the triumphs, and the questions that have everyone talking. The dust has finally settled in Mastri, both literally and metaphorically. After thousands of riders tackled the challenging courses of the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, emerging victorious from the picturesque hills of South Limmberg were the Netherlands Lena Weebas and Belgium’s Florian Vime, who claimed the coveted rainbow jerseys in the elite women’s and men’s races, respectively. Their wins were not just personal triumphs, but also symbolic of the evolving landscape of gravel racing. And this is the part most people miss. Beyond the podium celebrations, the event sparked ongoing debates about the sport’s direction. From the blending of world tour level riders with off-road specialists to the very definition of gravel as a racing surface, the championships raised more questions than they answered. Is gravel racing a distinct discipline, or is it becoming a hybrid of road and off-road cycling? All for one or one for all. The Dutch dominance was undeniable, particularly in the women’s race where 21% of the 103 finishers represented the Netherlands, double the size of any other national team. When 23-year-old Shirin van Anroy broke away with 15 km to go in the 131 km race, it seemed like a hometown victory was assured. However, the chase group led by the lone Czech rider Julia Capeki closed the gap with just 2 km remaining. In a stunning turn of events, Vanmoy’s dream of gold vanished as her orangeclad teammates Lorenna Weebiz, Marannne Voss, and Yara Castelline surged past her in the final 500 meters. Weavers took gold, Voss silver, and Italy Sylvia Persico bronze, leaving Castelline just off the podium in fourth. The tactics were baffling. Why would the Dutch team chase down their own breakaway? This privateeer mindset where every rider prioritizes personal success over team strategy left many scratching their heads. Vanroy was understandably upset and Castelline later apologized, but the incident highlighted the complexities of national team dynamics in gravel racing. Is this the future of the sport or a growing pain that needs addressing? A classic course with a twist. Riders universally described the course as a classic style road race, emphasizing the importance of positioning, quick cornering, and physical strength on short climbs. Great Britain’s Abby Smith, who finished 15th, praised the course for its relentless nature and constant action. It was very much geared towards road riders, she noted, while also acknowledging that the long hard day favored pure gravel specialists like herself. Elite men’s bronze medalist Mate Mohoric Slovenia contrasted this year’s course with previous editions. It’s much smoother, faster, and more about positioning and strategy. He said the climb with 15 km to go was the only place where it was every man for himself. Australia’s Tiffany Cromwell, a pre-race favorite who finished 22nd, dubbed it a classic with a rubber band effect that punished riders outside the top 10. But is this blending of road and gravel racing a good thing? Or is it diluting the unique identity of the sport? Questionable qualifications and wild cards. Unlike other UCI disciplines, Growl Racing imposes no limits on the number of riders per national federation. A decision likely influenced by the sport’s short history and lack of world rankings. This openness has its pros and cons. On one hand, it allows fresh faces like Fritz Beast Boss Netherlands and Paola Blazy Spain to shine on the world stage. Beast Boss, a continental level rider, stunned everyone by winning silver in the elite men’s race. While Blazy, a rising road talent, recovered from an early crash to finish in the top 15. On the other hand, the lack of qualification criteria has led to questionable wild cards. Heidi France USA, who finished 13th, criticized the system. I think it should be a requirement to start at a UCI gravel world series event. The wildcard system is too lenient. Should gravity racing adopt stricter qualification standards or is its accessibility part of its charm? The absence of gravel stars, one of the most talked about aspects of the championships was who wasn’t there? Off-road superstar Keegan Swenson, USA, South African Matt Beers, and road stars like Tom Pitcock, Great Britain, and Roma Bardday, France were notably absent. On the women’s side, Lauren Stevens, USA, Sophia Gomez Villa, Argentina, and Sarah Sturm, USA, also skipped the event. The reason? The UCI Gravel World Championships clashed with the Lifetime Grand Prix LTGP series, which offers substantial prize money. Lauren Deenzo, a top LTGP contender, explained her decision to skip Worlds. The timing is incredibly inconvenient. It’s not just a schedule conflict, but a conflict for earning opportunities. Is this a sign that gravel racing needs to consolidate its calendar? Or is the sports fragmented nature part of its appeal? Keeping gravel low profile, one of the unique aspects of the UCI Gravel Championships is the inclusion of amateurs competing on the same courses as elites. This year, 2,954 riders from 53 countries participated across 18 categories, creating a festival-like atmosphere. World champion Florian Vermesh hopes this continues. I hope they maintain this so amateurs can start here in the age groups. That would be really nice to keep gravel a bit low profile, but as the sport grows, can it maintain this grassroots feel or is professionalization inevitable? Final thoughts. The 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships were a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and controversy. They celebrated the sport’s growth while exposing its growing pains as gravel racing continues to evolve the questions raised in Mastri will shape its future. What do you think? Is gravel racing on the right track or does it need a course correction? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation rolling.