With just over a month to go before the second edition of the Gravel World Championship, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has decided to change the organizer and venue, according to Italian media reports, creating uncertainty about the celebration of this competition.
On October 7 and 8, the second edition of the Gravel World Championship was to be held, just like last year, in the Veneto region between the cities of Vicenza and Cittadella.
However, barely a month after the event, the routes have not yet been presented, nor do we have official details about the event that the UCI awarded to this Italian region for its first two editions, which is why it could not be integrated into the super world championship. cycling that was held a few weeks ago in Glasgow.
The uncertainty increased after the information published by the Italian media specialized in cycling Tuttobici, in which it is stated that the UCI would have dispensed with the event’s organizing company, PP Sports and that the dispute of the test, although it would remain in the Veneto region , would move from the Vicenza area north to the Prosecco hills.
Already after last year’s edition, the organization of PP Sports was criticized for aspects such as the distribution of positions on the starting grids, where the presence of invited runners prevailed, such as many road professionals compared to the specialists who had achieved their place during the UCI Gravel Series; or the smooth, bumpy ride where most riders opted for road bikes fitted with cyclocross tyres.
Despite the fact that there is no official communication from the UCI of these changes, the Italian cycling federation did issue a statement indicating that the highest body was withdrawing the organization of the event from PP Sports, but without giving further information about what would happen to continuation.
This fact, although it may not be worrisome for Elite cyclists, does pose a complication for the hundreds of competitors from the different Master categories who have won their place during the UCI Gravel Series and who must prepare their trip to Italian soil for this proof.
In any case, while the dispute over this 2023 Gravel World Championship is being clarified, some big names are already confirming their presence in the event, such as Wout van Aert, who announced his calendar for this last stretch of the season, which included the Italian quote; or the Spanish Alejandro Valverde who, months ago, qualified for him to participate in this event.
Source: www.brujulabike.com