Nannup Makes History as First Non-European Host of UCI Gravel World Championships

The small town of Nannup in Western Australia’s South West has made international sporting history by becoming the first location outside Europe to host the prestigious 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships.

Located approximately 268 kilometres south of Perth, Nannup welcomed thousands of cyclists, support crews, and spectators over the weekend for the global event, which is regarded as one of the premier competitions in gravel cycling.

The championship represents a major achievement for the historic timber town, which has spent years developing its reputation as an outdoor adventure and mountain biking destination.

Shire of Nannup Deputy President Vicki Hansen said securing the event required years of planning and advocacy, describing it as a landmark moment for the region.

“Not many people even knew how to pronounce Nannup,” she said.

“Now, Nannup, Western Australia is across the world.”

Organisers estimate the event could reach a global audience of up to 130 million viewers, providing unprecedented international exposure for the town and the wider South West region.

The area surrounding Nannup is renowned for its rolling hills, forests, and extensive trail networks, making it an ideal venue for gravel and mountain biking events. Local officials believe the world championships will help showcase the region’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities to a global audience.

Hansen said the event offers a unique opportunity to promote local tourism and demonstrate why Nannup has emerged as one of Australia’s leading cycling destinations.

The championships are also expected to deliver significant economic benefits through visitor spending, accommodation bookings, hospitality, and tourism-related activities.

Western Australia has increasingly positioned itself as a host for major international sporting events, and the successful staging of the UCI Gravel World Championships is being viewed as another important milestone in that strategy.

Local businesses and tourism operators have welcomed the event, hoping the global attention will attract more visitors in the years ahead and further strengthen Nannup’s reputation as a world-class destination for cycling and outdoor adventure.