White gravel, better known as sterrati; climbs with constant gradients; stunning views from the Altipiano di Asiago: this is what participants can expect during the 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships and the Asiago Gravel Open Race on Sunday 13 October.
The Asiago 2024 course consists of a 51-km local loop with 800 vertical metres. Depending on their category, participants complete one or more circuits of the course. From the centre of Asiago, the riders are immediately faced with a first short climb of about 2 km. With an average gradient of 7% and some 100 vertical metres, this is a first test for those who want to make the race demanding. After a fast descent, a second climb of about 2 km follows 6.5 km after the start, involving nearly another 100 metres of elevation. The real work begins at the 10 km mark. A steep section heralds the start of some 7 km of climbing. The short 3-km descent that comes next offers the riders’ legs some respite before they immediately start on another 6 km of climbing. From an altitude of 1,000 metres, you climb to 1,350 metres above sea level. After the midpoint of the loop, the course is mainly downhill, with the occasional challenging climb that has to be conquered.
On the white gravel paths, gravel fans pass by the region’s most beautiful tourist attractions. The course takes them over the Altipiano di Asiago, a unique plateau in a fairytale landscape covered with green forests. The mix of nature and history makes this race even more unique. With the Sacrario Militare di Asiago, the Cesuna railway tunnel, Monte Corno Lusiana and the Asiago Golf Club, you can see and feel the rich history of this region. The final kilometres take the riders on a beautiful passage through Parco Millepini, in the centre of Asiago.
Course and distances per category: