UCI Gravel World Championships LIVE: Pidcock, Wellens, Würtz Schmidt, and Vakoč among the stars in action
The UCI Gravel World Championships 2025 are underway, and the race is set to be a thrilling spectacle. With a strong Belgian contingent and some of the world's best gravel specialists on the start line, the men's race is shaping up to be a fierce competition. Here's a breakdown of the key moments and riders so far:
The Early Breakaway: A trio of riders, Quinten Hermans, Connor Swift, and Pepijn Reinderink, managed to break away from the peloton early on. This move set the tone for a dynamic race, with the peloton responding quickly to keep the gap in check.
See AlsoIneos Grenadiers Under Fire: Controversial CO Rebreathing Tests ExplainedTadej Pogacar Makes History: 5th Straight Il Lombardia Win! | Cycling Dominance 2025Tadej Pogacar's Dominance: Is the Peloton Losing Hope?Louis Meintjes Retires: African Cycling Legend Ends Grand Tour Career with Historic AchievementsRomain Bardet's Absence: One of the notable absences from the peloton is Romain Bardet, who impressed on the gravel circuit since his retirement from road racing earlier this year. Despite his recent success, Bardet won't be competing for a high finish at his Worlds debut, leaving a gap in the field.
Belgian Strength: The Belgian contingent is making its presence felt, with Tim Wellens among the front-runners. Wellens, along with other Belgian riders, is utilizing their strength in numbers to set the pace and challenge for the lead.
The Punchy Course: The course is proving to be a challenging one, with the peloton already reduced to about 100 riders after just 150km. This indicates the race's intensity and the need for endurance and tactical decision-making.
The Favorites: The favorites, including Tom Pidcock, are towards the front of the peloton. Pidcock, despite being a novice to the gravel format, has the talent and potential to excel. However, his lack of experience in gravel races is a factor to consider.
The Startlist: The startlist features a number of retired veterans of road cycling, such as Greg van Avermaet, who has been active in the gravel scene for the past two years. This adds depth to the race, bringing a wealth of experience and strategy to the competition.
The Missing Stars: Interestingly, some key figures in gravel, like Keegan Swenson and Lachlan Morton, are notably absent from the startlist. This has sparked discussions about the level of competition and the potential impact on the race's outcome.
The Race Begins: As the race gets underway, the excitement is palpable. With the men's race starting in Beek in just under 45 minutes, the stage is set for a thrilling competition. The women's race, which took place yesterday, added to the drama and anticipation of the event.
Stay tuned for more updates as the UCI Gravel World Championships 2025 unfold, with the race promising to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the thrill of gravel racing at its finest.
