- 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships rolls out in Western Australia's South West
- First time the Championships have ever taken place outside of Europe
- Regional events support the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, boosting the tourism sector, and creating local jobs
Nannup will host the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships this weekend, becoming the first destination outside of Europe to stage the event in a landmark moment for Western Australia.
Taking place this weekend, the race will traverse lush forests, farmland, and numerous challenging climbs, highlighting the very best of Western Australia's South West region.
The course is a strenuous test of endurance for athletes, with the elite men's race spanning across 144km and the elite women's stretching 125.6km.
Securing this prestigious international cycling event is a massive coup for Western Australia, with thousands of people estimated to have travelled to Nannup for the event, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy and supporting regional jobs.
Broadcast across Australia and internationally, the Championships will showcase the South West region's spectacular landscapes to millions of viewers worldwide.
Earlier this year, SEVEN Gravel Race - a qualifying event for the World Championships - also took place in Nannup, bringing more than 3,000 visitors to the South West.
The UCI Gravel World Championships has garnered the attention of elite level athletes, attracting some of the world's top riders including reigning champion Florian Vermeersch, 14-time multidiscipline world champion Marianne Vos, and Tiffany Cromwell.
The UCI Gravel World Championships further strengthens Western Australia's reputation as a world-class cycling and events destination, with Nannup widely regarded as home to exceptional gravel cycling trails.
Regional events play a significant role in the Western Australian Government's economic diversification strategy, helping regional communities by boosting the tourism sector, injecting valuable visitor dollars for the economy and supporting local jobs.
Find out more at gravelchampswesternaustralia.com
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
"Western Australia continues to be the home of world-class cycling events, with the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships creating a huge buzz in Nannup and showcasing the very best of the South West region.
"To become the first host outside of Europe is an incredible achievement for Western Australia and a testament to the quality and international reputation of our gravel cycling trails, which rank among the very best in the world.
"Regional events are integral to our economic diversification strategy as they encourage visitors to stay longer and explore further, providing a significant boost to our local economies and supporting local jobs - while also highlighting what's so special about our fantastic State."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Hosting such a significant international event is a proud moment for Western Australia, giving local cycling fans the chance to see some of the world's best riders up close.
"Nannup's challenging climbs and spectacular trails will be a great test for the athletes and provide an incredible backdrop for spectators.
"Major sporting events are not only about delivering unforgettable experiences for fans but supporting local jobs and our regional economies.
"I'd like to acknowledge the Western Australian cycling community, organisers and volunteers whose hard work is helping Nannup shine on the world stage."
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
"Hosting the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships is a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that makes the South West so special.
"As visitors travel through our towns and communities, they will support local businesses, local jobs and our tourism industry.
"It's a proud moment for Western Australia and recognition that our region is home to some of the best gravel cycling experiences in the world."
