UCI Gravel World Championships?!

Should there be a UCI sanctioned "Gravel" World Championships? There isn't one to date, but that may be changing soon. UCI President David Lappartient (of France) seems to be aware of the growing gravel scene both in Europe and North America. And let's be honest, since professional cycling is a business, Lappartient wants a piece. When asked whether a Gravel "Worlds" is in the making, he replied "I think so, I think so, this is something that is under discussion and that is possible in the future."

But, not everyone is thrilled with the news. Lachlan Morton (EF Education First) reportedly responded to the news with "[gravel] already has a world championships in the Dirty Kanza." And that's fair.  See how suspicious Lachlan looks (below)? I don't think he's down with the UCI stepping into gravel. Well, let's break down the pros & cons of having a UCI sanctioned Gravel World Championship.

Pros to UCI Gravel World Championship

1) The UCI would bring credibility to the gravel scene.
2) The level of racing would be more proficient as more talented racers see gravel as a legit pathway to cycling success.
3) Television coverage! (Because right now, there is no coverage of any material gravel race . . . which is sad).
​4) Simply put, it'd be a blast to see Sagan & Van Der Poel traveling to Kansas to hammer it out at Dirty Kanza. What cycling fan would NOT want to see that?
5) A UCI Gravel rainbow jersey would be pretty stellar too.
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Cons to UCI Gravel World Championship

1) The grassroots "laid back" vibe of gravel races would atrophy.
2) UCI World Tour Teams would bring "team" road race tactics to gravel, which may be boring. Imagine Team Sky / Ineos with their power meters at Kanza. Ugh.
3) The "mass starts" which allow riders like us to line up right behind Phinney, Ted King, and other pros would surely go out the window. It'd also torpedo the status quo of men lining up with women.
4) That road racing "barrier to entry" could feel steeper. You know? Everyone is welcome at gravel events. Can't say the same for road races.
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