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It was a rare autumn Sunday in Leuven, Belgium. The sun was out. The vibe was right. And the UCI Gravel World Championships did not disappoint. After an impressive win on Saturday by Marianne Vos, the Men Elites followed with a complete Shimano-equipped podium. Let’s check out the action!

Cyclists racing on a dirt path surrounded by spectators.
Cyclists racing on a dirt path surrounded by spectators.

Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands—and team Alpecin-Deceuninck—showcased his dominance by clinching the Men Elites title. He decisively dropped his breakaway companion, Florian Vermeersch of Belgium, on the final lap in Leuven. Van der Poel seized his moment on a short climb, unleashing a powerful acceleration with 13 km to go, leaving Vermeersch behind and riding solo to secure his eighth elite rainbow jersey.

Vermeersch finished 1:03 behind, earning the silver medal for the second consecutive year. The 182 km race evolved into a tactical battle, with Van der Poel facing the Belgian team's numerical advantage. After 60 km, Van der Poel launched a significant attack, forming a lead group of 16 riders. A subsequent acceleration reduced this group to seven, cutting the Belgian presence from seven riders to four.

Cyclists riding by a colorful mural featuring animals and nature.
Cyclists riding by a colorful mural featuring animals and nature.
Cyclists compete on a forest path, surrounded by trees, with a support motorcycle in the background.
Cyclists compete on a forest path, surrounded by trees, with a support motorcycle in the background.
Cyclist crossing finish line with arms raised, crowd cheering in background.
Cyclist crossing finish line with arms raised, crowd cheering in background.
Three cyclists wearing medals on a podium
Three cyclists wearing medals on a podium

Want to get started with gravel riding?

The joy of gravel is riding wherever nature takes you. Whether you’re out with your best friends for a post-work grind or going beast-mode bikepacking a far-off trail, you’re out there, renewing your smile with every mile you ride. Riding gravel is about creating unique stories to share, building toward a healthier, more sustainable community empowered by individuality.

In the gravel world, anyone can make it to the top. By joining UCI Gravel World Series events, you work yourself towards the top 25% of male and female riders from each age group at each event, thereby qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships! These championships will crown the UCI World Champions for each age group, adding a competitive edge to the sport.

It all starts with a gravel groupset you can rely on.