Gravaa at the UCI Gravel World Championships

When the UCI Gravel World Championships rolled into Zuid-Limburg, riders knew they were in for a special weekend, but maybe underestimated the challenge that was coming. The course was fast, with rolling hills through the Limburg landscape, not too technical, yet far from easy. Chunky gravel sections alternated with smooth tarmac and punchy climbs that demanded both strength and focus.

Thanks to a few rainy days leading up to the race, followed by several dry days and thousands of riders pre-riding the route, the racing line had turned surprisingly smooth, sometimes even dusty. But step off that line, and riders were greeted by loose rocks and freshly pruned hedges, both of which could turn into a flat tire in an instant.

The different surfaces of the parcours, photo: Tornanti

Those who rode with Gravaa had a clear advantage. On the longer asphalt stretches, upping the pressure meant maintaining efficiency and speed. Then, with a quick tap, lowering the pressure provided control and comfort through the rougher, more technical sections. Such as the brake-bump-filled descents and the few muddy corners that still lingered in the shadows of the forests. 

Photo: Tornanti

And when riders brushed against those dreaded hedges? Gravaa’s system detected any loss of pressure, reactivated the pump, and restored the pressure preset, no time lost, no panic, maybe they didn't even notice. 

The Women’s Elite Race: Orange Domination on Home Soil

Saturday was all about the women’s elite race, and it was a Dutch show from start to finish. Both Marianne Vos and Femke de Vries, riding for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, started with Gravaa-equipped bikes and a bold setup: a Vittoria Terreno T70 up front for cornering confidence and a 42mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control at the rear for pure speed.

Photo: Tornanti

The orange army dictated the pace, keeping the front group stacked with home-soil heroes. With 25 kilometers to go, Vos found herself alongside Wiebes, the two strongest riders of the day. Just before the final climb, the chasing group came back together, and from there…

What happened in those final kilometres is something we will be debating for a while, but the result was clear: Wiebes first, Vos second. A great result for Marianne after some difficult weeks!

Photo: Tornanti

Sunday: Gravaa between the age groups

On Sunday, another Gravaa-equipped bike rolled up to the start line, this time ridden by one of our own: Wouter, competing in the 19–34 age group.

Out of 660 starters, he crossed the finish line in 106th place, after holding the front group until 110 kilometers into the race. When we caught up with him after the finish, his reaction said it all:

“The Gravaa system was amazing today. From the start, I ran 3.0 bar, perfect for the first paved 8k, where I easily moved to the front of the peloton and was among the first to hit the gravel.

Throughout the day, I switched between four presets: 3.0 for the start, 2.4 for paved sections, 1.8 for most gravel, and 1.6 for two tricky descents, always with a 0.2 bar offset on the rear. The confidence and control it gave me in the corners, combined with the efficiency on the road, definitely made a difference.”

Smart Pressure, Strong Performance

The UCI Gravel World Championships showed once again that smart tire pressure isn’t just an advantage, it’s a game-changer.
With Gravaa, riders didn’t have to choose between speed and control. No more need to compromise, and ready for whatever the course threw at them.

 

Photo: Tornanti