Tom Pidcock Plans to Compete at UCI Gravel World Championships This October

Rising cycling star Tom Pidcock has confirmed his intention to race at the UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for October this year. The 25-year-old athlete, who recently showcased his resilience by finishing 16th at the Giro d'Italia, shared his plans during an interview at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre near Salzburg last week

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Pidcock, known for his versatility and grit, aims to make a significant impact in the gravel racing scene, building on his previous successes. “The idea is I'll do the Vuelta, the Worlds, the Italian races and then Gravel Worlds,” Pidcock stated when discussing his end-of-season strategy. “I'll be going into all of the one-day races to win; I think the Vuelta will massively help with that.”

The young cyclist has demonstrated his prowess in mixed-terrain events, having triumphed in the prestigious Strade Bianche last year and finishing as the runner-up to Tadej Pogacar this year. Last season, he narrowly missed victory on a gravel stage of the Tour de France, finishing second to Anthony Turgis in a thrilling sprint finish in Troyes.

The UCI Gravel World Championships have gained traction since their inception in 2022, attracting elite riders from both men's and women's WorldTour teams. Previous champions include Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos, who claimed the elite men's and women's titles in 2024, while Matej Mohoric and Kasia Niewiadoma secured the elite rainbow jerseys the year before.

Pidcock’s commitment to racing in the Gravel World Championships comes after a busy schedule and a recent honor. Following his interview at the Red Bull Centre, Pidcock returned to the UK to receive his OBE at Buckingham Palace, a testament to his contributions to the sport. “I'm going to Paul Smith; he's going to sort me out a suit for it,” Pidcock remarked. “I'll also go for a curry in London; I'll be making sure that's on the agenda. It’s about just doing normal stuff during this period and making the most of it.”

Pidcock returned to the UK to receive his OBE at Buckingham Palace, a testament to his contributions to the sport

Despite the sacrifices that come with being a professional athlete, Pidcock remains focused and motivated. “We make big sacrifices. You do end up missing things, but that all helps me work hard, as I can then look forward to these times and just enjoy them when they come,” he added.

As the cycling community anticipates the UCI Gravel World Championships, Pidcock’s involvement is sure to excite fans and fellow competitors alike. His combination of talent, determination, and experience positions him as a formidable contender in the upcoming event.

On 11 and 12 October 2025, South Limburg will be the scene of the 2025 Bolero UCI Gravel World Championships. The best gravel riders in the world gather for this unique event, which takes place on Dutch soil for the first time. With a start in Beek, a beautiful gravel route through Beekdaelen and a spectacular finish on the Green Carpet in Maastricht, the Province of Limburg is once again putting itself on the international map as a leading cycling region.

The course takes the riders over a mix of gravel strips, forest paths, country roads and climbs in connection with the hilly landscape of South Limburg.