The agreement was signed today between the UEC, the municipality of Oud-Heverlee and the technical organizers Golazo. The program and all the details on the event for the Elite and Masters men's and women's categories will be revealed in the next few days.
Source: press release
Enrico Della Casa, President of the European Cycling Union: “Gravel is a discipline that has grown considerably in recent years both in terms of the number of practitioners and media coverage. It attracts all ages and types of cyclists, from professionals to enthusiasts. Today cycling in all its forms is becoming even more varied and this is very positive because it brings people with different skills and passions closer to the bike. The UEC has always been very attentive and open to new forms, which is why we wanted this specialty to have its own European Championships, and for this great premiere there could be no better place than Oud-Heverlee, despite the different offers from various countries. This also makes us look to the future of this event with great optimism, especially for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions,
Sport in Belgium is synonymous with cycling not only because of its history and tradition, but also because of the warmth and enthusiasm of the public and the quality organizational standards that are part of all events.
I would like to thank the municipality of Oud-Heverlee and the burgomaster Bart Clerck, the government of Flanders and its minister for sport Ben Weyte, the province of Flemish Brabant and its deputy Gunther Coppens, for the welcome they will give to all the competitors, the Belgian Cycling Federation and its President Tom van Damme, which in addition to having a strong cycling tradition, thanks to its careful and scrupulous policy of promoting cycling, is one of the most active federations in Europe and in the world. A special thanks also to the organizers Golazo, a guarantee of excellent organization, which will make these championships unique and unforgettable”.
Tom Van Damme, President of the Belgian Cycling Federation: “As a new discipline, Gravel has become a cycling discipline in its own right, in a short space of time both as a top-level sport and as a recreational activity.
There is no doubt that gravel brings a new impetus to cycling and thanks to Gianni Vermeersch, Belgium will crown the first world champion in the discipline, which is even more motivating for us responsible for organizing a European championship.
Belgian cycling, as the leading cycling federation, is very optimistic about the promising future of Gravel."
