You might not have heard of Graean Cymru, the new gravel race in Wales, but we think it's set to become one of the UK's top gravel cycling events.
Based on the shores of Llyn Brenig in north Wales, Graean Cymru is the UK's second qualifying race for the Gravel World Championships.
It's organised by Glorious Gravel, the experienced team behind the UK's leading series of gravel sportives.
The first edition takes place on Sunday 22 September 2024. And from what we're hearing, it's going to be something quite special.
The 113km course is 99% gravel, with two laps of Llyn Brenig reservoir and then a long and rolling section in Clocaenog Forest. It features over 2000m of climbing which will test even the strongest riders.
Expect wide, fast gravel forest tracks with some sections of twisty singletrack mixed in to spive things up.
The finishing straight is a 1km sprint along the shores of the lake, which Glorious Gravel reckon is one of the most scenic event finishes to be found anywhere.
"We're really proud of this one," says Phil at Glorious Gravel.
"It's a mega route and should be a great race."
The event is one of the final qualifiers - and only the second in the UK, after The Gralloch - for this year's UCI Gravel World Championships. Alongside elite racers, the top 25% of finishers in each age category will qualify for the 2024 finals, held in Flanders on 5-6 October.
That means it's a unique opportunity for UK amateurs to rub shoulders with the world's keenest gravel cyclists - including top pros from the WorldTour.
And of course, being based in beautiful north Wales there's plenty to see and do. The market towns of Denbigh and Ruthin are close at hand, while the sandy beaches and castles of the north coast are just 30 minutes away.
Entries for Graean Cymru are open now priced £85 plus booking fee.
Find out more and enter at gloriousgravel.com.
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