Gravel World Championships: Sophie Wright and Andreas Seewald triumph!

Gravel World Championships: Sophie Wright and Andreas Seewald triumph!

On July 1, 2025, the exciting UCI Gravel World Series took place in the picturesque Alpes Vaudoises. This impressive event not only attracted professional and amateur riders, but also once again tested the limits of cycling. The participants mastered five spectacular climbs on a challenging 100-kilometer course that included more than 3,300 meters of elevation gain. The competition ran from Aigle to the Col de la Croix and provided thrills and breathtaking views.

In the elite women's category, it was Ribble Outliers' Sophie Wright who took first place. She finished the race in a time of 4 hours and 25 minutes, which gave her a seven-minute lead over second-place finisher Axelle Dubau-Prévot. Sophie Vitzthum von Eckstädt reached the finish over nine minutes later and completed the podium, excellent performances that thrilled the audience.

Hermetic duel for men

The competition was also incredibly tough among the male drivers. Singer KTM's Andreas Seewald put in an impressive performance, winning the elite men's category in a time of 3 hours, 37 minutes and 47 seconds. He was more than five minutes ahead of second place Mathijs Loman from Swatt Club. Pierre Keup from Team Standert came in third, and he also delivered a strong performance. Such successes are not uncommon at gravel events, which have become a real trend in cycling in recent years.

Gravel races, like the UCI Gravel World Series, not only attract riders looking for new challenges, but also meet a growing audience. According to the UCI Gravel World Series, these long-distance races on unpaved roads and paths are particularly adventurous and often off the beaten track. This makes them equally attractive for elite riders, masters and cycle tourists. This phenomenon originated in the Midwest of the USA around 15 to 20 years ago and has now found a worldwide fan base.

A look into the future

The UCI Gravel World Series typically includes around 30 to 40 qualifying events to qualify the top 25% of riders in each age group for the World Championships. The customer is clear: if you want to realize your sporting ambitions, you have come to the right place. The champions of the World Championships receive the coveted UCI rainbow jersey and are crowned the best cyclists in the world.

In summary, the UCI Gravel World Series in the Alpes Vaudoises was not just a competition, but a celebration of cycling. The achievements of Sophie Wright and Andreas Seewald are a sign of how high the bar has now been set in gravel cycling and that the trend is continuing to gain momentum.