17 JULY 2024 | ISSUE 552 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Photographed by Lee Omond.
WICKED CLIMB AT GRAVELISTA 2024 Seymour Set to Host UCI World Championships Qualifier on 26 & 27 October 2024
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Get ready to saddle up for an epic adventure at GRAVELISTA 2024, the first official qualifying event for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Seymour, this thrilling event promises to celebrate some of the finest yet leastknown gravel riding in the country. Hosted at the renowned Seymour Racecourse on 26 & 27 October 2024, GRAVELISTA will cater to riders of all levels, offering both competitive UCI Age Category racing and recreational rides. Whether you're gunning for qualification to the World Championships or simply aiming to enjoy an exhilarating day out on the bike, there's a ride option for you. Age Groups will race the 135km and 95km routes, while a shorter course will be designed
and cater to participants of all ages and abilities. The recreational short course option warmly welcomes riders with a variety of bike types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes, cross bikes, and even E-Bikes. This inclusive approach ensures that all cycling enthusiasts can take part in this exhilarating experience. Beyond a breathtaking race, GRAVELISTA offers a weekend filled with celebration, camaraderie, and top-notch amenities against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria's countryside. Complete with an event village, delectable food and drink options, and activities for both riders and supporters, GRAVELISTA will be an unforgettable experience for all. The course itself, commencing and culminating at the Seymour Racecourse, boasts 83% high-quality gravel riding, with intermittent stretches of short paved road sections. Riders can anticipate a challenging yet gratifying course, which, for the competitive riders, includes the notorious Wicket Road Hill, known as 'Wicked Hill Climb’ to locals — a 1km stretch with an average 11% gradient. With elevations ranging from 155m to 520m above sea level, participants are in for a truly diverse and exhilarating riding experience.
What makes the gravel in Seymour so special? The unique and punchy terrain features gravel that’s reasonably compact, obstaclefree and fast-flowing; a perfect balance of stability and challenge. Riders will navigate through scenic countryside, enjoying a variety of textures under their tyres that demand skill and provide a rewarding experience. By participating in GRAVELISTA and finishing in the top 25% of their age group, riders can secure qualification for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nice, France. And for those who clinch the top three spots in their official age category, direct qualification to the World Championships awaits, regardless of the number of participants in that age group. So, lock in the dates, prepare your gear, and get ready to embrace the gravel roads in Seymour! Whether you're a seasoned rider striving for championship qualification or a recreational cyclist seeking an unforgettable adventure, GRAVELISTA is an event crafted for everyone. Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary cycling experience and pave your way to the pinnacle of gravel riding—join us at GRAVELISTA 2024! ENTRY OPENS 5PM SUNDAY, 21 JULY 2024.