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UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 elite men LIVE - Florian Vermeersch attempts title defence in Western Australia

The UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 elite men’s race will kick off on October 11 in Nannup, Western Australia, with defending champion Florian Vermeersch aiming to retain his title. The event follows the grueling women’s race from the previous day, which saw Marianne Vos secure her 15th world championship in a chaotic finale marked by muddy conditions and a dramatic crash involving Rosa Klöser.

Unlike yesterday’s slippery terrain, the men’s race is expected to unfold under drier conditions, though organizers warn that lingering patches of mud could still challenge riders. The race will begin at 10:10 local time, with temperatures hovering around 16°C and minimal rain forecasted.

The unique pea gravel surface, which becomes treacherous when dry, adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the competition.

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