Shimano new Title Partner for Heathland Gravel
The third edition of Heathland Gravel cements its spot on the calendar for 2026. Starting in 2026, Shimano Benelux will be stepping in as Title Partner for the only European qualifying race for Unbound Gravel. Heathland Gravel presented by Shimano is scheduled for the weekend of 7 - 9 August, with the 160km qualifier race taking place on the Sunday.
The story of Heathland Gravel began in 2024, when it was the very first qualifier for Unbound Gravel. As preparations begin for the third edition, Heathland Gravel remains the sole European qualifying event for the legendary gravel race in Emporia, Kansas. Anyone in Europe who wants to secure a spot for the gravel race must make their way to Maasmechelen (Belgium) on Sunday 9 August 2026. This year, Jasper Ockeloen and Lucia Gonzalez Blanco were the winners in the second edition.
Starting in 2026, Shimano Benelux will be lending its support to the qualifying race as Title Partner. This leading bicycle component manufacturer has entered into a two-year commitment. “With Heathland Gravel as the only European qualifier for Unbound Gravel, we have a unique platform to support the growing gravel community,” says Erik-Jan Brunninkreef, Marketing Manager of Shimano Benelux. “As Title Partner, we not only want to strengthen the event, but also inspire riders to get the most out of their gravel rides with our GRX components. This partnership fits perfectly with our objectives to further develop gravel as a category in the Benelux.”
Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics: “Last summer, we saw a strong growth in participant numbers. It marked a great step forward in our gravel story in Maasmechelen. With Shimano now committing to Heathland Gravel as Title Partner for the next two years, we are taking another new and important step forward. Shimano has clearly recognised the potential of our event and we are delighted to be joining forces.”
Registrations opened
Registrations for the third edition of Heathland Gravel opened earlier today. For now, this only concerns registrations for the 160 km qualifier race. Those who take part in that race will have the chance to qualify for Unbound Gravel 2027 and, if they manage to do so, skip the Unbound lottery. A total of 50 spots are up for grabs via Heathland Gravel: 25 based on performance, distributed across different age categories, and the remaining 25 decided by lottery.
The race itself takes place on the Sunday August 9 but, as with the past two editions, the event spans an entire gravel weekend. The fringe programme on the Friday and Saturday gets a fresh new look. The hill climb challenge moves to Friday night. On Saturday, two social rides are planned, one of which is a reconnoitre of the course. A small race for the youngest local cyclists is also scheduled for the Saturday afternoon. To finish the day, participants can sit back and enjoy a movie night.
The route for the 2026 edition and further details about the weekend programme will be announced via the Heathland Gravel channels during the coming year.
