From Gravel Series to World Stage: OV Olly Qualifies for UCI World Championships

OV Olly Timlin (K 14-21 and Old St Alban’s) has achieved an incredible milestone: qualifying for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships after a season of competing across Europe in the UCI Gravel World Series, demonstrating exceptional commitment and performance in one of cycling’s toughest and fastest-growing disciplines.

Many thanks to Olly for sharing his journey and insights:

“Over the past year, I’ve been competing in multiple UCI Gravel World Series races across Europe, racing in the increasingly popular discipline of gravel cycling. The series attracts elite and amateur riders from across the world, with qualification events held internationally for the UCI Gravel World Championships.

“Earlier this month, I successfully qualified for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships through “The Gralloch” in Scotland, which serves as the UK’s official UCI Gravel World Series qualifier. The event is widely regarded as one of the toughest gravel races in the UK, featuring long-distance off-road racing across forestry tracks, rough gravel sectors, and steep climbs through the Galloway Forest region.

“Qualification means I will now represent Great Britain at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia this October, competing in the Men’s 19–34 age category.

“Gravel racing itself is quite unique compared to traditional road cycling, combining elements of endurance road racing, mountain biking, and adventure racing, often over courses exceeding 100 km on mixed terrain. I’ve raced events across Europe this season as part of the qualification campaign, and qualifying for Worlds has been a major personal goal.

“I am also currently looking for sponsorship opportunities to help support travel, race logistics, and equipment costs associated with competing internationally at the World Championships level.”

If you would like to learn more about these opportunities, please contact the Alumni Office in the first instance, or connect with Olly directly via LinkedIn.

We wish Olly all the best for his training in readiness for the World Championships in October!