The courses for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, held 10-11 October 2026 in Nannup, Western Australia have been announced by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone for gravel cycling, with Nannup and Western Australia the first location outside of Europe to host the UCI Gravel World Championships.
Now in its fifth edition, the World Championships have previously been held in Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
This move reflects the global growth of gravel racing worldwide and Australia and Western Australia’s leading role in that growth.
Starting and finishing in the picturesque off-road cycling hub of Nannup, the Championships will welcome the world’s best cyclists and age group participants to Western Australia’s South West Region.
Running through the Blackwood Valley, the Championship courses offer world-class gravel racing characterised by wide gravel roads, breathtaking climbs and encounters with iconic Australian wildlife.
The challenging terrain with at least 80% gravel roads, across rolling hills and forest landscapes, will showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Riders race across distances of 140.7km for elite men, 123.1km elite women and 123.1-89km for age group riders.
2026 is also the first time the World Championships are held on the same course as a UCI Gravel World Series qualifier. Riders looking to qualify for the World Championships, have the opportunity to experience the championship terrain at the SEVEN Gravel Race on 16 May.
Event & Race Director Stephen Gallagher said, “We are delighted with the courses we have curated for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships. Nannup has built a reputation as one of the best locations in the world for gravel racing and will welcome thousands of participants in October.”
“With a minimum of 80% gravel on every route, and wide roads that open the race up for genuine bunch racing, these courses offer a tactical dimension rarely seen at this level and a gravel experience unlike any previous World Championships.”
“From the elite competition to the age group events riders will experience the best of South West Region of Western Australia and the unique vibe of Nannup.”
The 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships is supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, funded by Royalties for Regions.
Read the full UCI press release here.
Find out more about the courses here.
Want an early taste? The medium course can be previewed at the SEVEN Gravel Race on 16 May, ahead of the World Championships in October.
