Ridley and Eddy Merckx stand out at the UCI Gravel World Championships

The UCI Gravel World Championships in South Limburg, the Netherlands, brought together the very best riders from around the world. Belgian Cycling Factory was well represented through its two brands: Ridley and Eddy Merckx.

Dozens of Ridleys lined up at the start, achieving impressive results and showcasing the full versatility of our gravel lineup. Riders competed on a variety of models: from the aero-focused Kanzo Fast to the performance-driven ASTR (RS) and the all-road Grifn (RS). A true testament to our commitment to offering the most complete gravel range in the world.

The race, relocated from Nice (France) to the rolling terrain between Beek and Maastricht, saw the world’s best gravel specialists and road pros go head-to-head. The women tackled 131 km across 2.5 laps, while the men faced a demanding 181 km course.

Among the Ridley Racing Team, Daan Soete delivered the standout performance of the weekend, finishing 15th among global stars like Tom Pidcock, Matej Mohorič, and Tim Wellens. Teammate Aaron Van der Beken followed closely in 21st place, while Nicole Frain and Violette Neza secured strong top-100 finishes in the women’s event, placing 26th and 90th respectively.

Guest riders

Ridley also supported a number of guest riders at the event. Victor Vercouillie, normally competing on Eddy Merckx Bikes, joined the action on a Ridley Grifn, completing the race as part of his preparation for the upcoming Tour of Holland. Other guest riders included Germany’s Paul Sandmann and Felix Donath, Belgium’s Lennard Vossen and Dries Grosemans, and Colombia’s Oscar Pachon, all competing on ASTR (RS) or Kanzo Fast bikes.

Eddy Merckx: titanium craftsmanship that caught every eye

While Ridley dominated on the race course, Eddy Merckx Bikes made an equally strong impression in the paddock and at the start and finish zones. The prototype Eddy Merckx Corsa Titanium drew exceptional attention from riders, fans, and journalists alike.

With its distinctive brushed titanium finish and timeless aesthetic, the Corsa Titanium embodies the heritage of Belgian cycling craftsmanship, refined for the modern era. Visitors gathered around to admire the bike up close, drawn by its minimalist design and flawless details that merge tradition and performance.

Belgian gravel rider Dylan Vandenstorme, competing in the men’s elite race, represented Eddy Merckx on the world stage. Dylan showcased not only his strength as a rider but also the performance potential of the Corsa platform in the most demanding gravel conditions.

A fitting presence for two Belgian brands that continue to shape the future of gravel cycling.