Among the innovations in cycling this year was the staging of the first-ever UCI Gravel World Championships after a season of qualifier events held throughout the world.
The Italian region of Veneto was the first host of this event which saw the participation of some of the world’s best Elite riders alongside hundreds of amateur riders. It all took place on the weekend of 8-9 October and saw 458 riders cross the finish line.
While the first-ever Elite gravel UCI World Champions Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (FRA) and Gianni Vermeersch (BEL) made headlines, the Union Cycliste Internationale awarded another 17 UCI World titles to the planet’s finest amateur gravellers in their respective age groups.
On the women’s side, Italy won four categories in the form of Sara Mazzorana (19-34, 4:30:57), Chiara Ciuffini (35-39, 4:31:24), Cinzia Sartori (45-49, 4:40:00) and Antonella Incristi (50-54, 4:33:34). Australia headed back Down Under with two winners – Dale Maizels (55-59, 4:33:34) and Debra Kempe (60-64, 5:53:18) – while the Netherlands enjoyed success via Janitta Van Den Brink-Spigt (40-44, 4:33:03).
On the men’s side, Belgium (Dirk Claes, 60-64, 4:19:34 and Kevin Panhuyzen, 19-34, 4:40:13) and Spain (Ibon Zugasti-Arrese, 50-54, 4:10:54 and Joan Sepastian Horrach Ripoll, 45-49, 4:59:32) won two apiece. The remaining six rainbow jerseys on offer were split over six countries: Germany (Bommel Henning, 35-39, 4:41:44), Italy (Igor Zanetti, 40-44, 4:55:19), Norway (Jan Olav Beitmyren, 55-59, 4:15:46), Sweden (Bo Dertell, 65-69, 4:32:10), France (Regis Pinson, 70-74, 4:39:13) and Australia (Robert Braszell, 75-79, 6:32:20).
One-on-one with Pippo
Truly wonderful efforts by all involved. But how successful was the event? Now the (gravel) dust has settled, we briefly caught up with general manager of organisers PP Sport Events and former pro cyclist Filippo ‘Pippo’ Pozzzato to find out, as well as discovering what the future holds…
Pippo, with hindsight, how do you reflect on the UCI Gravel World Championships?
There were many logistical hurdles before the race as this was the first one, but everything went really well for us and for the riders. We particularly enjoyed the finish in Citadella. It was packed with supporters and really heightened the atmosphere of the race.
What impact do you feel the road riders had on the event?
They were a huge draw for lots of people. Many people were asking, can we see [Mathieu] Van der Poel? Can we see Peter Sagan? I think they really helped capture the imagination of the event.
What was your greatest highlight of the weekend?
It’s hard to look beyond Pauline [Ferrand-Prévot] winning her fourth rainbow jersey of the year, which was just incredible. She is such a fantastic rider and very popular. And she exemplifies what it means to wear the rainbow jersey. Whether it’s gravel, road, mountain bike or cyclo-cross, the rainbow jersey is worn with pride. And even though you only wear it for a year, the memory of winning a UCI World Championships will remain forever.
Finally, what of the future of the UCI Gravel World Championships?
Well, we know it will be held in Italy again in 2023 but the exact course and location is still to be confirmed. We are speaking with different people. All we do know is that the event was very successful and we feel it will grow very fast. It’s a new discipline and people love it.