Europe (3)
North America (8)
Past editions
This is the sanctioned route to a gravel world championship, and that is the only reason to treat it differently from any other gravel race. Finish high enough in your age group at a qualifier and you earn a start at the World Championships; the rainbow jersey awarded there is the real one, unlike the several events that use the word "worlds" as a name.
The qualifiers themselves are ordinary gravel races in every other respect, run by their existing organisers on their existing courses. Big Sugar in Bentonville is on the calendar, as is the Torino Nice Rally.
Because qualification is by age group, the field you are actually racing is much smaller than the field on the start line, and the people chasing a place ride the opening hour very differently from everyone else.
Only four rounds remain on our calendar this season, so if qualification is the goal, the date rather than the course will probably choose your race.
Frequently asked questions
What makes these different from other gravel races?
They are the sanctioned route to a gravel world championship. Finish high enough in your age group and you earn a start at the Worlds, where the rainbow jersey is the real one, unlike several events that use the word as a name.
How does qualification work?
By age group, which means the field you are actually racing is much smaller than the field on the start line. The people chasing a place ride the opening hour very differently.
How many qualifiers are left?
4 of the 20 on our calendar are still upcoming, so if qualification is the goal the date will probably choose your race.