UCI GRAVEL WORLD SERIES

The UCI Gravel World Series consists of individual cycling competitions designed for all gravel enthusiasts. Each event features a competitive mass participation format, with a mass start, and is fully timed for all participants, providing split results by age group and gender. The series culminates in the UCI Gravel World Championships, where only qualified riders from the series are eligible to compete.

 Riders can participate in the Gravel World Series if they possess a valid license issued by Cycling South Africa, which can be purchased on the CSA website. The CSA manages their licensing platform independently, and The Ceder is not involved in the acquisition of rider licenses.

Note: Riders qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships, must hold a valid license issued by CSA (day licenses being excluded), must hold a UCI ID and must be adequately insured against accidents and civil responsibility in the country in which the UCI Gravel World Championships are held.

 AGE GROUPS

  • Men Elite
  • Women Elite
  • 19 – 34y
  • 35 – 39y
  • 40 – 44y
  • 45 – 49y
  • 50 – 54y
  • 55 – 59y
  • 60 – 64y
  • 65 – 65y
  • 70 – 74y
  • 75 – 79y

Please note that each age group includes separate men's and women's categories. Each category has one designated qualifying distance. For the Elite category, as well as for men aged 19-59 and women aged 19-49, the qualifying distance will be The Ceder Gran Fondo (150km). For men aged 60 and over and women aged 50 and over, the qualifying race will be The Ceder Medio Fondo (68km).

 Age groups for the UCI Gravel World Series are determined by a rider's age on December 31st of the qualifying year. Riders who qualify for the World Championships can automatically transfer their qualification to the next age group if they change categories in the following year, meaning they do not need to qualify again within their new age group for that year's championships. According to UCI Gravel World Championships regulations, medals and titles will be awarded for both men and women once at least one rider is registered in each 5-year age category. Riders entering the elite category must possess an Elite-year license with a UCI ID, which will be requested during registration.

QUALIFICATION FOR THE UCI GRAVEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

As per the official qualification system for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, each UCI Gravel World Series event grants qualification rights for the UCI Gravel World Championships for those riders finishing in the first 25% of their category. The 25% is calculated based on the number of starters in each category, and not on the number of riders having finished the race. Elite riders from a UCI registered team must always take part in the elite category. Elite riders with a national level license have the choice to start in the elite category or in their respective age groups but must make that choice prior to the race. Riders signing up for the elite category can only qualify for the elite category at the UCI Gravel World Championships. Riders signing up for the age group categories can only qualify for the age group categories at the UCI Gravel World Championships. If a rider who started with the elites didn’t qualify in the elite category, he can’t claim qualification in his age group if his finish time would be within the top 25% of his age category. In addition, the first three riders of each official category will qualify directly for the World Championships, independently of the number of starters in that age group. Riders must finish the race to gain qualification. For all other methods of qualification (wild cards, masters national champions, etc.), please consult the official qualification system for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships. The names of riders having gained qualification through the UCI Gravel World Series will be communicated on the UCI Gravel World Series website and will receive an official email from the UCI inviting them to register for the UCI Gravel World Championships via the dedicated online registration portal.

BICYCLES

Riders may use any type of bike (road bike, mountain bike, city bike, hybrid bike, cross bike, etc.) with the exception of tandem, E-bike or recumbent bike. time trial road bikes are also forbidden. During the UCI Gravel World Championships, all bikes should have dropped handlebars. It’s not possible to participate in the UCI Gravel World Championships with a mountain bike.

JERSEYS
Riders are free to wear any type of jersey in the qualifier events, with the following exception: Reigning World Champions are obliged to wear their official jersey in UGWS qualifier events.

UGWS JERSEY

The UCI Gravel World Series will award a jersey to every winner in their respective category for both men’s and women’s races, with elite category winners receiving a specially designed jersey.

UCI GRAVEL WORLS SERIES MEDAL

Every rider who finishes in the top 25% of their category in the UGWS qualifier events will receive a medal. The top three finishers in each age group will be awarded their medals during the podium ceremony. However, receiving a qualifier medal does not automatically guarantee participation in the World Championships, as results are subject to approval by the UCI.


FOR MORE INFO VISIT www.ucigravelworldseries.com

RIDE THE CEDER
UCI Gravel World Series - The Ceder:
Saturday 3 May 2025

RUN THE CEDER
The Ceder Trail:
Saturday 25 October 2025

Entry to The Ceder is via our Quicket Entry Portal. Visit Quicket.co.za to enter. A link can also be found top right in the menu bar.

RIDE THE CEDER
All online entries strictly close Monday 28 April 20:00

RUN THE CEDER
All online entries strictly close Monday 20 Ocotber 20:00

Riders may use any type of bike (road bike, mountain bike, city bike, hybrid bike, cross bike, etc.) with the exception of tandem, E-bike or recumbent bike. time trial road bikes are also forbidden. During the UCI Gravel World Championships, all bikes should have dropped handlebars. It’s not possible to participate in the UCI Gravel World Championships with a mountain bike. 

While every route is clearly marked, it's mandatory to have the GPX file loaded before starting any race. You can acquire all route GPX files from our online store. A download link is provided once completing the checkout process.

Yes. All races, with the exception of the Fun Run and Ceder35, are timed. Your timing chip and race number are provided in your race bag upon Registration. It's mandatory for riders to affix the race number to their bikes and runners to pin numbers to their clothing. Timing chips are affixed to race numbers.

Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section under 'INFO' to ensure you're prepared.

We do not need an official medical certificate; kindly review the indemnity and waiver thoroughly.

You can book all accommodations at Nuwerust through The Ceder Quicket portal. Priority is given to participants, and bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore options on The Ceder Event Page on Quicket.co.za

Certainly! Spectators are welcome along all routes.

Designated feed zones will be marked, providing access to beverages and food managed by the Ceder Crew and volunteers. We kindly ask that you treat them with respect and courtesy, as they are there to assist you.

Riders may receive bottles and assistance from outside helpers or team support outside of official feed zones, provided the following guidelines are followed:
• No feeding or handing off bottles from moving vehicles.
• Helpers and team vehicles must be parked completely off the road while waiting to assist riders.
• Helpers are responsible for collecting all discarded wrappers and trash.

The weather in the Cederberg can be unpredictable, but shifting the race dates to May and October should reduce the likelihood of wet and cold conditions. However, early morning starts in the mountains may still be chilly. Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section to ensure you're prepared for any weather.

Yes, the cutoff time for the the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo is 20:00, and the Ceder 35 and Trail Races 18:00

Race Numbers can be collected prior to the event at Race Registration. Registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday before race weekends (Location TBA) and will continue at Nuewrust in the Race Village on the Friday.

Race registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday before race weekend (Location TBA) and will continue at Nuwerust in the Race Village on the Friday.

Yes. Please provide a form of identification, such as a Driver's License or ID, when collecting your race number.

Yes, the prize giving is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 for the Cycling Races and 18:00 for the Trail Running Races. Prize Giving will take place in the Race Village.

Unfortunately not.

19 years old or older.

Unfortunately, no dogs or other pets are allowed at The Ceder venue, Nuwerust.