Bolero Turnhout Gravel Attracts Elite Field, Serves as Key Qualifier

Turnhout, Belgium – The Bolero Turnhout Gravel race this Sunday marks a significant event on the gravel cycling calendar, serving as the first Benelux qualifying race for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Australia. The event, now in its second year, has once again sold out, attracting 2500 riders from 36 nations to tackle the challenging 144km course over the Kempische gravel roads. Beyond the World Championships qualification, the race too functions as a qualifier for the European Championships in Houffalize.

Elite Competition Expected

A stellar field of cyclists is expected to compete, including several prominent names in the sport. Greg Van Avermaet, a veteran of numerous Tour de France stages and Olympic competition, will be among those vying for the top spot. Joining him will be Jan Bakelants, known for his aggressive racing style, and Thomas De Gendt, a specialist in long breakaways and challenging terrain. Daan Soete also features in the starting lineup, adding further depth to the competition.

The race isn’t limited to road cycling veterans. The field also includes several riders with strong backgrounds in other disciplines. According to the UCI Gravel World Series website, Czech Petr Vakoc, last year’s ranking leader Mathijs Loman (NED), last year’s runner-up Magnus Bak Klaris (DEN), and Paul Voss (GER) are also considered main favorites.

Women’s Race Promises Excitement

The women’s race is equally competitive, with a strong lineup of contenders. Last year’s ranking winner, Nicole Frain (AUS), will return to defend her title, facing challenges from Wendy Oosterwoud (NED), her runner-up from the previous year. Romy Kasper (GER), Jade Treffeisen (GER), Klara Sofie Skovgard Hansen (DEN), and Hanna Nilsson (SWE) are also expected to be in contention for a podium finish.

Course Details and Race Format

Riders will navigate a 144km course, designed to test their endurance and technical skills on the varied gravel terrain. Organizers have made a minor update to the course from last year, splitting a long canal section into two parts, requiring riders to make multiple transitions on and off the canal path. Most categories will complete two laps of the course, while older age groups (men over 60 and women over 50) will race a shorter 72km distance.

Bolero Turnhout Gravel is part of a four-race series in Belgium, with subsequent events scheduled for La Roche-en-Ardenne in June and Leuven in October. This series provides cyclists with multiple opportunities to qualify for both the UCI Gravel World Championships and the European Championships.

Gravel Cycling’s Growing Popularity

The increasing popularity of gravel cycling is reflected in the sold-out status of the Turnhout event. The discipline combines elements of road cycling and mountain biking, offering a challenging and versatile riding experience. The UCI Gravel World Series, launched in 2022, has played a key role in elevating the sport’s profile and attracting a wider range of cyclists. For those unfamiliar, gravel cycling typically takes place on unpaved roads – a mix of gravel, dirt, and sometimes even slight sections of pavement – requiring bikes with wider tires and a more robust frame than traditional road bikes.

The Bolero Turnhout Gravel race is not only a competition but also a celebration of this growing cycling community. The event provides a platform for both professional and amateur riders to test their limits and experience the thrill of gravel racing.

What’s Next

Following the Bolero Turnhout Gravel, the Bolero Gravel Series moves to La Roche-en-Ardenne in June. Cyclists will then have the opportunity to further refine their form and secure qualification points for the UCI Gravel World Championships and the European Championships. The series will conclude in Leuven in October, bringing the Belgian gravel season to a close.

Keep an eye on the UCI Gravel World Series website for official updates, results, and further information on the upcoming events.