Livesey and Sawada Claim Victory as Thailand Hosts First UCI Gravel World Championship Qualifier

Thailand staged its first-ever UCI gravel world championship qualifying race on Saturday as UCI Dustman in Kanchanaburi sent top finishers through to the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia.

Riders placing in the top 25% of their UCI age and gender categories earned automatic qualification after tackling challenging courses that tested endurance, bike handling and strategy.

On a demanding 130-kilometer course, 11-time Japanese mountain bike national champion Toki Sawada (Utsunomiya Blitzen) produced a solo ride to take the men’s title in 4:07:52. Danish rider Tobias Moerch Kongstad chased home in 4:11:10, while Rick Nobel of the Netherlands completed the podium in 4:18:35. The race featured mixed surfaces and heat that played into Sawada’s technical skills and long-distance strength, allowing him to break free and sustain a decisive advantage.

In the women’s elite event, British professional triathlete Caroline Livesey emerged victorious in 4:50:32 after a controlled, steady ride that outlasted the field. Australians Dimityle Duke (5:08:52) and Sofia Erhard (5:46:24) rounded out the podium, securing both top finishes and qualification slots for the upcoming world championships. Race organizers reported strong local support and a competitive international field, highlighting the rapid growth of gravel racing in Southeast Asia.

Caroline said afterwards, "I’m so glad I came, it’s been a special week. The race itself was a full on mud fest adventure. Wading through rivers, sliding about on mud, hitting huge floods hoping they had a bottom, failing to stay upright a couple of times, being pelted by heavy rain and soaked to the bone with grit in every pore - this was not a race for the feint hearted. Two years ago I wouldn’t have had the skills to ride well in those conditions, I’d probably have hated it. But I found myself grinning and genuinely loving it, embracing it for the unique day it was."

The day also featured a 90-kilometer medio course aimed at older age groups and riders seeking shorter-distance qualification. Germany’s Alexander Schneider took the men’s medio win in 3:30:35, followed by Great Britain’s Russ Allen (3:37:43) and Australia’s Timothy Armstrong (3:42:26). On the women’s medio circuit, Australia’s Claudia Dohr crossed first in 4:04:21, with Thailand’s Cherry Nimitporntrakul (4:26:56) and Angela Kohl (4:33:35) completing the podium. Top-25% finishers in their respective categories secured automatic berths for Nannup 2026, adding high stakes and intensity across all starts.

“Tackling a new gravel course in tropical conditions was a real test for everyone,” said event director Narin Chaiyachot, “We’re proud to host Thailand’s first UCI qualifying event and to see riders from around the globe perform at such a high level. This race proves the region can deliver world-class gravel competition and helps build momentum toward the 2026 Gravel World Championships.”

UCI Dustman is an international gravel racing event promoting competitive, accessible gravel cycling across diverse terrain. The event brings together elite and amateur riders, supports grassroots growth in the sport, and serves as a qualifying stop for the UCI Gravel World Series. This year’s Kanchanaburi edition marked Thailand’s debut as a UCI gravel qualifier, further expanding global reach and participation.

Link to 2025 UCI Gravel World Series Dustman: https://sportstats.one/event/uci-gravel-world-series-dustman