Strongest UCI Gravel World Series pro field ever at the Wörthersee Gravel Race
1200 starters from 36 nations and already sold out in the first year – these are the facts about the Wörthersee Gravel Race 2024, which will celebrate its debut in Velden am Wörthersee on 6 and 7 April 2024.
The Wörthersee Gravel Race 2024 promises to be an unrivalled spectacle as it brings together the strongest gravel pro field of all time. Race director Julius Rupitsch is enthusiastic: ‘It is probably the strongest gravel pro field that has ever competed in a World Championship qualifying race.’ This enthusiasm is quite understandable, as the Trek UCI Gravel World Series is coming to Austria for the first time. The elite of gravel bikers will take part in the main race at Lake Wörthersee on 7 April.
Among the prominent participants are greats such as Paris-Roubaix winner Niki Terpstra, Olympic mountain bike champion Jaroslav Kulhavy, Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey wearer Jan Bakelants, MTB world champion Alban Lakata and Jan Bakelants, as well as multiple UCI World Gravel Series winner Tessa Neefjes. Three-time mountain bike marathon world champion Alban Lakata will be at the start from Austria. The course designer and reigning age group gravel world champion Johnny Hoogerland, who lives in Velden and runs a guesthouse there, will also be taking part in the competition and will start the race with bib number 1.
Roland Sint, Managing Director of the Wörthersee-Rosental region, adds how unique it is that anyone can take part in a race: ‘The Wörthersee Gravel Race offers a unique opportunity for professionals and amateurs alike to compete on challenging terrain and experience the breathtaking scenery around Lake Wörthersee and the Rosental valley. It is an event that redefines the boundaries of gravel biking and is a challenge for every rider.’
The Wörthersee Gravel Race also marks the first race on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar this year. It is therefore also the first opportunity for participants to qualify for the current world championship.
The race course offers some exciting hotspots, including the start and finish area in front of the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden with a large expo where over 25 exhibitors from the cycling scene will be presenting the latest trends and innovations. Many spectators are also expected to come and cheer on the athletes along the route. There are great opportunities for this at the refreshment stations at Lake Faak at Arneitz and in Aich at Streklhof.
