Gravel racing has exploded in popularity, but a burning question remains: Is the UCI Gravel World Championships truly the toughest gravel race out there? Some say it’s a watered-down version, lacking the grit and grind of 'real' gravel events. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if the UCI Gravel Worlds is harder than you think, just in a different way? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the terrain—it’s about the power, the strategy, and the endurance required to conquer it.
In October 2025, Florian Vermeersch silenced his critics by claiming his first rainbow jersey at the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands. The Dutchman, who had previously finished second twice, finally stood atop the podium after a solo victory. But was his win a testament to the race’s difficulty, or was the course too forgiving? The 2025 edition featured minimal rough sections, plenty of pavement, and just under 2,000 meters of climbing over 181km. The longest climb? A mere two minutes. Is this truly gravel racing, or is it just a glorified road race with a few dirt patches?
To answer this, let’s dive into the power data and compare it to other elite events, like the WorldTour Classics and the Life Time Grand Prix. Are these disciplines more alike than we think, or are they entirely different beasts?
Power Breakdown: UCI Gravel Worlds vs. the Rest
While Vermeersch’s power data isn’t available, we can analyze Matej Mohorič, who finished third. Mohorič’s ride was a masterclass in sustained effort, with a normalized power of 350w (4.9w/kg) over 4:39:33. His strategy? Short, sharp surges to position himself, followed by steady efforts to maintain his lead. His decisive move with 15km to go saw him hit 511w (7.1w/kg), but it wasn’t about explosive power—it was about timing. When others faltered, Mohorič kept churning out 400-450w, securing his bronze medal.
Contrast this with the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, where Mohorič finished 5th just weeks earlier. In Québec, the race was faster, with more explosive efforts. Pavel Sivakov, who finished second, pushed 586w (8.3w/kg) for two minutes to split the peloton—a far cry from Mohorič’s gravel efforts. Road racing allows for recovery on smooth descents, while gravel racing demands constant focus and tension, even on 'easy' sections.
But here’s the kicker: Is gravel racing truly harder, or just different? Gravel favors riders like Mohorič—diesel engines who can sustain high power outputs for hours. Road racing, on the other hand, rewards explosive sprinters who recover quickly. So, which is tougher? It’s a question that sparks debate.
Now, let’s compare UCI Gravel Worlds to the Life Time Grand Prix, often hailed as the pinnacle of 'true' gravel racing. The Sea Otter Classic, the opening round of the 2025 Life Time GP, featured brutal starts and technical terrain. Simon Pellaud, who finished 10th, averaged 283w (4w/kg) and hit 543w (7.8w/kg) off the start line. His heart rate averaged 89% of his max for over four hours—a testament to the relentless nature of gravel racing.
So, is UCI Gravel Worlds harder than American gravel? It’s not about the terrain alone. It’s about the power profile, the recovery (or lack thereof), and the mental grind. Gravel racing may lack the explosive efforts of road racing, but it demands unwavering endurance. And that’s where the controversy lies.
What do you think? Is UCI Gravel Worlds a true test of gravel prowess, or does it fall short? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
