The 2025 gravel racing calendar offers an unprecedented array of events, from the legendary Unbound Gravel to the grueling Belgian Waffle Ride. Gravel racing has exploded in popularity, drawing riders seeking adventure, endurance challenges, and the unique combination of road and off-road cycling that defines this exciting discipline.
Unbound Gravel
Unbound Gravel, held each June in Emporia, Kansas, has become gravel racing’s signature event. The 200-mile course crosses the Flint Hills region, featuring endless miles of limestone roads, challenging climbs, and the ever-present threat of mechanical issues far from support. The event attracts top professionals alongside thousands of amateur participants seeking to test their limits.
The Flint Hills Challenge
The Kansas terrain presents unique challenges. Loose gravel can suddenly give way to chunky limestone that destroys tires. Weather is unpredictable, with heat, wind, and thunderstorms all possible. The isolation means riders must be self-sufficient, carrying tools, food, and the mental fortitude to continue when everything goes wrong. Finishing Unbound is an achievement regardless of placement.
Belgian Waffle Ride
The Belgian Waffle Ride series brings European-inspired gravel racing to American venues. The flagship California event in May features multiple distance options, all demanding technical skills alongside endurance. The “Waffle” name references Belgian cycling culture, with courses designed to challenge riders as thoroughly as the Flemish classics challenge road professionals.
Course Characteristics
Belgian Waffle Ride courses include steep climbs, technical descents, and varied surfaces from smooth dirt to chunky rocks. The mixed terrain rewards versatility, with pure road riders and pure mountain bikers both facing challenges outside their comfort zones. This variety makes the events exciting to race and to spectate.
Other Major 2025 Events
The gravel calendar extends far beyond these flagship events. The Mid South in Oklahoma kicks off the season with potentially muddy conditions that have produced legendary editions. The Steamboat Gravel in Colorado offers high-altitude challenges. Gravel Worlds in Nebraska crowns champions across multiple distances. Each event brings its own character and challenges.
International Growth
Gravel racing has expanded globally, with events now held across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The Gravel World Championships, sanctioned by the UCI, have added legitimacy to the discipline while potentially changing its grassroots character. This tension between professionalization and adventure defines current gravel racing debates.
Equipment Trends
Gravel racing has driven significant bike industry innovation. Modern gravel bikes feature wider tire clearances, suspension options, and geometry that balances stability with agility. Component choices vary dramatically based on event characteristics – some riders prioritize speed with narrower tires while others choose maximum stability and puncture resistance.
Tire Selection
Tire choice proves critical in gravel racing. Riders must balance rolling resistance against grip and durability, with decisions often made based on expected conditions. Tubeless setups have become standard, allowing lower pressures and self-sealing of minor punctures. Carrying spare tubes and tools remains essential for longer events.
Nutrition and Strategy
Ultra-distance gravel events require careful nutrition planning. Riders may be on course for 10-15 hours or more, requiring thousands of calories consumed while riding. Stopping at checkpoints or aid stations adds time, so many competitors prioritize eating while moving. Pacing strategy matters enormously, with early aggression often leading to late-race collapse.
Getting Started
For riders interested in gravel racing, smaller local events offer excellent entry points. These races typically feature shorter distances and more forgiving terrain while maintaining the adventure spirit of gravel. Many events offer multiple distance options, allowing participants to choose appropriate challenges based on their experience and fitness.
The 2025 gravel racing calendar offers something for every adventurous cyclist, from local rides to legendary endurance tests that push the limits of human performance.
