The constant emergence of new gravel events around the world is a reality. We’ve been seeing exponential growth in this discipline for years, and more and more people are willing to try it and, why not, take it seriously.
In addition to the motivation, excitement, and challenge of taking on a gravel race, wherever it may be, this modality will likely be one of the few that will offer you the opportunity to participate in a world championship without having to be a professional cyclist.
Gravel’s recognition by the International Cycling Union (UCI) is still very recent. Although most WorldTour teams are already paying attention to this discipline, there’s still room for high-performing amateurs in their category to secure a spot at the world championships. Needless to say, this factor, for those who closely follow the competition, is an added value for participating in as many UCI qualifiers as needed to achieve that goal.
Several gravel events have already taken place in the Asian continent, but none have been part of the UCI Gravel World Series. However, Dustman Gravel, created in Thailand in 2022, will this year become the unique qualifying race in Asia for the World Championships in 2025.
Unique UCI Gravel World Series event in Asia in 2025
With international participation from more than 35 countries, the Dustman UCI Gravel World Series has put all its effort into delivering a top-level event. When Bike Zone Events (organizer) created the first edition in 2022, it already became the first gravel race in Thailand, and now, three years later, they are taking a step forward to continue positioning Dustman where it deserves to be.
The race will be held on November 1st in Kanchanaburi, the largest province in western Thailand and one of the country’s three main tourist destinations. In addition to being the unique UCI event in Asia in 2025, it will also be one of the first qualifying races on the calendar for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships.
Dustman Gravel, in detail
The start and finish point will be the impressive Mueang Sing Historical Park, a place steeped in history dating back to the years 857 and 1157, during the golden age of the Khmer Empire. Once a fortified city during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809), this year it will be the chosen site to host this event.
The Dustman organizers have prepared two courses: a 130-km track for the main categories and a shorter 90-km version designed for the men’s +60 and women’s +50 races. Both courses are demanding and feature 80% unpaved terrain. According to locals, it will be a mix of fast gravel and constant ups and downs with short hills. The race takes place in relevant Thai locations, such as the Hua Hin coast and the picturesque mountainous area of Chiang Rai. Without a doubt, an exotic race for anyone coming from outside the continent.
Also, we’d like to highlight the after-party organized by the Bike Zone Events team next to the Kwai Noi River, which includes a buffet dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, and live music—a perfect combination to round off the day.
More than a gravel race, a life experience
Dustman Gravel hasn’t invented anything new, and if you’re a resident, it’s sure to be a great gravel race with international participation. But if you’re European or a citizen of another country in the world, this could be an excellent opportunity to travel to an incredible country like Thailand, participate in a great gravel race, and, most importantly, have the chance to qualify for the Gravel World Championships.
Would it be insane to travel all the way to Asia for a one-day gravel race? Some might think so, but there may not be another opportunity like this in the coming years. We were persuaded by it, and we hope to see you there in November.
Last but not least, we’d like to highlight that Thai Airways is involved in the project and is offering all participants a special discount on flight tickets and their corresponding checked baggage—yet another reason to seriously consider attending Dustman Gravel in 2025.
