Florian Vermeersch wins 2025 UCI Gravel Worlds Championships

Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) captured the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championship crown today after a bold, long-range move that began in a four-man breakaway 120 kilometers from the finish. The Belgian, who had finished runner-up in the past two editions, rode away from his companions with 18 kilometers remaining and soloed to a memorable victory on the 180-kilometer course.

Vermeersch’s triumph was the result of seamless timing, power and race intelligence. The breakaway formed early and proved decisive; while two riders eventually fell off the group, Vermeersch and Netherlands’ Frits Biesterbos worked together to stay clear of the peloton despite sustained attacks from top contenders including Tom Pidcock, Tim Wellens and Matej Mohoric. With a wall of Belgian riders in the chase unwilling to fully commit, Vermeersch seized the moment, dropped Biesterbos with 18 km to go and rode solo into glory to claim the coveted rainbow jersey.

“This is everything I wanted and more,” said Florian Vermeersch. “I felt strong all day, trusted the move and knew the timing had to be perfect. The team gave me great confidence, and once I saw the hesitation behind I pushed hard. To finally stand on top after two close calls feels incredible.”

Frits Biesterbos delivered a gutsy ride to take second, while Matej Mohoric rounded out the podium in third. Tom Pidcock and Tim Wellens finished inside the top 10, underscoring the high quality of the field.

Vermeersch’s win adds another headline to his growing palmarès — highlighted earlier this season by a top-five result at Paris–Roubaix — and cements his reputation as one of the sport’s best modern classics riders and bike handlers.

VIDEO: 2025 UCI Gravel Worlds Championships Highlights

2025 UCI Gravel Worlds Championships Elite Mens Top 10