The 2024 Gravel World Championships are happening this weekend in Belgium, and all eyes are on one rider—Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutch star is back after his incredible victory at last year’s Road World Championships, and now he’s targeting the gravel rainbow stripes. The 182km course, packed with punchy climbs and fast, flat sections, is perfectly suited to van der Poel’s aggressive style. It’s no surprise that many are calling this race his to lose.

No Tadej Pogacar In The Mix At Gravel Worlds

Sadly for his fans, Tadej Pogacar won’t be racing this weekend. The new road world champion has decided to sit this one out, so we won’t get to see him tackle the dirt. But don’t worry—there’s still a stacked field, ready to take on van der Poel.

The Men’s Contenders For Gravel Worlds 2024

Defending gravel world champion Matej Mohoric is back, and he’s determined to hold onto his title. Mohoric thrives in these one-day races, and his versatility across different terrains makes him a serious threat. He’ll be one of van der Poel’s biggest challengers.

Belgium’s Gianni Vermeersch is another rider to watch. With the added advantage of racing on home soil, Vermeersch could pull off a surprise win. Also in the mix is Alessandro De Marchi, who has been in excellent form this season and could be poised for a standout performance.

The Women’s Gravel Worlds 2024 Battle

On the women’s side, Kasia Niewiadoma is ready to defend her gravel world title. The Polish rider is coming off a stellar season, including wins at La Flèche Wallonne and the Tour de France Femmes. Her ability to handle technical courses and punchy climbs makes her a strong favorite to repeat her success from last year.

However, she’ll face stiff competition from Lotte Kopecky. The Belgian superstar just won her second consecutive road race world title last weekend and, despite never racing gravel before, she’s a top contender. Kopecky’s experience in tough, one-day races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix means she’s more than capable of excelling on this mixed-terrain course.

Also worth mentioning are Tiffany Cromwell and Lauren Stephens. Cromwell has extensive gravel experience and recently won a European gravel race, while Stephens has dominated the U.S. gravel scene and will be hungry for a podium finish in Belgium.

With big names like van der Poel, Mohoric, and Vermeersch battling it out in the men’s race, and Niewiadoma and Kopecky leading the women’s charge, the 2024 Gravel World Championships promise an exciting weekend of racing. The technical, fast-paced course could lead to dramatic finishes, and with so much talent on the start line, anything can happen.