‘Even though we ride in GB cycling kit, we’ve had no communication or any support from British Cycling’ – the British riders going it alone at the Gravel World Championships

While the world is still sleeping, the Gravel World Championships are kicking off in Nunnup, Western Australia. The thrilling event, which showcases the rapidly expanding discipline of gravel racing, brings together 63 riders from Britain, including 2025 British champion Connor Swift and national champion Jenson Young.

Both Young and Maddy Nutt, a former British gravel champion, have expressed their disappointment at the lack of communication and support from British Cycling. Young states, "Even though we ride in GB cycling kit, we’ve had no communication or any support from British Cycling. It was the team that supported it and got us out here." Nutt adds, "I’ve had no assistance at all from British Cycling. They even charged us for the skinsuits, which we have to race in."

Other riders, such as Tom Martin, have completely self-funded their journey, relying on sponsorship income and personal savings. Martin laments, "I had to shelve plans to compete at the Worlds when it became too expensive." Despite the financial burdens, the race promises to be fiercely competitive, with the likes of Marianne Vos and defending men’s champion Florian Vermeersch in attendance.

British Cycling, while acknowledging the commitment and personal expense of riders, explains that their role is to support gravel’s growth and that they are unable to provide financial or operational assistance to athletes due to the non-Olympic nature of the discipline.