2025 Bolero UCI Gravel World Championships Course Revealed
On the weekend of 11 and 12 October 2025, South Limburg will be the setting for the official UCI gravel racing world championship on a challenging course that is typical of the South Limburg landscape in the Netherlands.
The start is at Sportlandgoed De Haamen in Beek, the finish is at the Koningsplein on the Groene Loper in Maastricht. The course is a 50km local lap to be completed 1.5 or 2.5 times on Saturday for Masters and 3.5 times on Sunday for younger and Elite categories before connecting to the finish loop.
Circuit of 50km serves as base for elite women's 131km event and elite men's 180km races. The elite women will ride two-and-a-half circuits and the elite men making three-and-a-half circuits. After passing through Beek and Beekdaelen multiple times, the final half lap drops riders south after a final pass through Vroenhof and they will then follow an 11km stretch with two climbs to the finish in Maastricht. Each circuit is expected to have approximately 550 metres of elevation gain.
Be aware, the first lap is slightly different and has a 5km wide open paved road with some climbing to hopefully split the race up before the first gravel paths are encountered. This will be a key selection section of the race.
There are four climbs that vary from 500 to 1500 meters, long interspersed with steep parts. The toughest passage on the course is in the final loop towards Maastricht on the Bronsdalweg. Here, for more than a kilometre, an average of 8% is climbed on mostly gravel. The course passes image-defining elements for the region. For example, the visits through Wijnandsrade Castle, past Vaeshartelt country estate and the Sint Hubertusmolen in Beek are highlights to look forward to. Unique to the course is also the arrival on gravel paths on De Groene loper towards the city of Maastricht, which counts as a walking and cycling boulevard. Whoever crosses the finish line here first will go home with the world title.
The start is on Saturday October 11, 2025 at 11:00 am for Masters categopries, on Sunday October 12, 2205 at 12:00 pm for younger and Elite categories.
The Shimano United In Gravel Expo is located at the start in Beek and opens on Friday October 10, 2025, for packet pickup, visitors can get to know leading and local brands, discover and test latest products. From bicycles and accessories to high-tech equipment. Throughout the weekend, the expo offers plenty of opportunity to get in touch with experts and other gravel fans while enjoying snacks, drinks and a live view of the course.
Bram Tankink, co-architect of the route: "For me, gravel is the ultimate form of freedom on the bike. With this route, we want to combine that freedom with sporting challenge and a strong connection with the landscape. The unexplored gravel strips of the Municipalities of Beek and Beekdaelen, supplemented by De Groene Loper in Maastricht, are the special playground for this: the terrain is varied, the environment breathes cycling history and each strip tells its own story. We have designed a course that not only gets the best out of the riders, but also takes them along the most beautiful, raw and characterful gravel sections in the region. It will be a World Cup to remember, for professionals and recreational athletes."
Last year, Marianne Vos and Mathieu Van der Poel won the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships Elite races in Flanders.
International Flights
Maastricht Aachen Airport is the closest international airport to the city of Maastricht, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience and efficiency. Located just a short drive away, this airport allows you to swiftly transition from air travel to exploring the beautiful surroundings.Best vacation packages. Distance to Maastricht, Netherlands: Approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles).
Liège Airport is an efficient choice for visitors heading to Maastricht, especially those traveling from destinations with direct flight connections to this Belgian hub. It serves as a great alternative, situated relatively close to the city.Distance to Maastricht, Netherlands: Approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles).
Düsseldorf Airport is a major German airport option for those traveling to Maastricht. Known for its extensive international connections, it provides travelers with flexible flight options.Best vacation packages. Distance to Maastricht, Netherlands: Approximately 108 kilometers (67 miles).
Accomodation
Please visit: https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/overnachten and https://www.visitmaastricht.com/nl/plan-je-verblijf/overnachten for accomodation in and around the start in Limbourg and finish in Maastricht.
Qualification
If you are qualified but have not received an invitation, please check your spam first. If the invitation email is not there, please mail to: info@ucigravelworldseries.com.
VIP Spectator Packages
The VIP packages at the 2025 Bolero UCI Gravel World Championships offer a great opportunity for networking in a unique sporting environment. With a mix of quality hospitality and races in one of cycling’s most exciting disciplines, it’s an engaging experience for you and your guests. Host your business contacts in VIP Box or in VIP Cafe and enjoy a well-organized day at this international event.
Ground of Gravel Ride
Cyclists can ride along the same route at the Ground of Gravel Ride on Sunday 12 October starting VV Alfa Sports in Oirsbeek on the beautiful gravel roads of South Limburg. A large part of the course is part of the 2025 Bolero UCI Gravel World Championships that will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
After the ladies have ridden here on Saturday and the men compete for the rainbow jersey on Sunday afternoon, you will have the chance to explore the beautiful course. At the end of your ride, cheer enthusiastically for your favorite riders! We start and finish in Oirsbeek at VV Alfa Sport. The route is almost 60 km long enjoyment through the South Limburg landscape.
The costs for participation in the tour are €30. Are you participating with at least 4 people? Then register as a group. Would you like to enjoy a snack board and two drinks per person with your group afterwards? Then register as a group with team package!
A well-deserved medal will be ready for all participants afterwards. This way you can show at home that you have already successfully completed the course, even before the male elite started. You rode on (part of) the same course as the pros of the Gravel World Championships, a unique experience you won't soon forget!
For more informatoin, please visit: https://ucigravel2025.com/nl/renners/ground-of-gravel-ride of click the button below to register now:
