Gravel racing has reshaped modern cycling, blending endurance, strategy, and technical skill across unpredictable surfaces. Courses mix smooth dirt with rough rock and loose gravel, pushing both rider and bike to adapt quickly. The World Gravel Championships now stand as the ultimate test in this fast-growing discipline, drawing elite riders and the most advanced machines.
Colnago, long celebrated in road and cyclocross racing, brought its expertise to gravel with one clear goal: deliver race-level speed with control and comfort on mixed terrain. The result is a gravel range built for efficiency, stability, and confidence at every pace.
Colnago Gravel Bikes: C68 Gravel and G4 X
Two models led the way for Colnago at the Championships — the C68 Gravel and the G4 X — each tuned for performance across varied conditions.
C68 Gravel Highlights
Full carbon frame combining low weight with responsive handling
Tyre clearance up to 42 mm for smooth or rugged routes
Dropouts compatible with electronic and mechanical drivetrains
Geometry built for long-distance efficiency and comfort
G4 X Highlights
Monocoque carbon frame and fork offering stiffness and precision
Tyre clearance up to 45 mm on 700c wheels for technical sections
12 mm front and rear through-axles for reliable control on rough ground
Speed-focused geometry that maintains stability under pressure
Mounting points for bottles, bags, and race essentials
The G4 X captures Colnago’s philosophy — apply road-race technology to gravel racing — producing a bike that accelerates instantly, corners confidently, and stays composed on unpredictable surfaces.
Technology That Gives Colnago an Edge
Carbon Construction: High-modulus carbon layups maximise stiffness and absorb shock from uneven roads.
Aero-Optimised Cockpit: Integrated bars and stem reduce drag, keeping riders fast on open sections.
Gear Flexibility: Options for 1× or 2× drivetrains suit both steep climbs and rapid descents.
Custom Geometry Options: Adjustable fork rake and seatpost designs help fine-tune handling.
Seamless Integration: Support for electronic shifting ensures crisp, consistent performance throughout long races.
Together, these innovations create bikes ready for endurance events and championship-level racing alike.
Rider Focus: Florian Vermeersch
Belgian rider Florian Vermeersch delivered a standout performance at the World Gravel Championships aboard his Colnago G4 X. Launching a decisive solo attack with over 15 km to go, he secured victory in the Elite Men’s race — a result that underlined the harmony between elite athletic ability and precision equipment.
Rider Snapshot
Nationality: Belgian
Date of Birth: 12 March 1999
Disciplines: Road, Gravel, Cyclocross
Key Achievements:
Winner, Elite Men’s Race, World Gravel Championships 2025
Silver medals at 2023 and 2024 World Championships
Known for strategic racing and long solo attacks
Why Colnago Leads in Gravel Racing
Precision Engineering: Every frame and component built for power transfer, handling, and strength.
Responsive Geometry: Quick acceleration and sharp cornering, even on unpredictable ground.
Adaptable Setup: Generous tyre clearance and drivetrain options for multiple race formats.
Proven Results: Vermeersch’s World Championship victory confirms Colnago’s design philosophy at the highest level.
Gravel riders benefit from the mix of road-bike efficiency and gravel-specific confidence, riding fast and steady over any surface.
G4 X High-End Build: Key Specifications
Frame: Monocoque carbon for stiffness and pace
Fork: Full carbon, disc-brake compatible
Axles: 12 mm through-axles front and rear
Bottom Bracket: T47 for efficient power delivery
Tyre Clearance: Up to 45 mm on 700c wheels
Drivetrain: 1× or 2× gravel-specific options
Cockpit: Adjustable for comfort and control
Extras: Multiple mounting points and a secure seatpost clamp for rough rides
The Future of Gravel Racing with Colnago
Colnago’s presence at the World Gravel Championships proves that speed and endurance can coexist on gravel. Riders gain a responsive, lightweight machine that handles every surface with precision. Florian Vermeersch’s victory reinforces that success on gravel isn’t just about strength — it’s about the perfect partnership between rider and bike.
Colnago continues to define the new standard for gravel racing: efficient, confident, and ready for the toughest courses in the world.
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