Explainer | What is the UCI Gravel World Series? All you need to know about cycling’s latest tour ahead of first race in Philippines
- The Bongabon Gravel Philippines race takes place on Sunday as the first stop on a 12-stage tour
- Gravel racing is known for its laid-back approach and relaxed attitude to rules, so how will it fair under official guidance
The first weekend of April is always a big one for cycling fans, with the Tour of Flanders, one cycling’s oldest and toughest single day classic races, dominating proceedings.
And because of its historical significance and difficulty, this is one of only five World Tour road races to hold “monument” status.
For more than a century the race has been at the heart of Belgian sporting culture, and the cycling-mad region is widely accepted as the home of global road bike racing.
But on Sunday, the sport’s eyes will also turn to the other side of the world, where the Trek UCI Gravel World Series begins with the Bongabon Gravel Philippines race.
What is the new world series?
For several years the UCI has stated its intention to take a stake in the gravel scene, and right up until last weekend how intended to do so was still something of a mystery.
