Nino Schurter and David Valero will share the starting line again this weekend

The Granada town of Baza is once again on the international gravel map with the celebration, from April 10 to 12, of the fourth edition of Utopía Gravel. An event that already had its own weight within the global calendar, but this year takes a definitive leap thanks to a starting line featuring names that transcend disciplines. Nino Schurter, David Valero, and Alejandro Valverde will share the spotlight in a race that mixes spectacle, territory, and an increasingly competitive approach to gravel.

Schurter, Valero, and Valverde Lead Utopía Gravel 2026

The presence of Nino Schurter adds a special appeal. The Swiss, considered the best XCO biker of all time, is still in the adaptation phase to gravel after his recent debut in the discipline. In his first experience, he left mixed feelings, acknowledging that the physical demands and lack of suspension took a toll on him, especially at the muscular level. Nevertheless, his performance was competitive, raising the question of how far he can go in a terrain he is still exploring.

On the national front, all eyes are on David Valero. The Granadian faces 2026 with a calendar focused on XCM, where he has already made his mark with a podium finish in the first World Cup event. This is complemented by his prominence in the recent Cape Epic, confirming his excellent form. However, gravel was another discipline he had marked in red this season. Competing at home adds an extra component, both of motivation and pressure, in a race that can serve to measure his true level in this modality.

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For his part, Alejandro Valverde continues to expand his legacy even after retiring from professional cycling. Now in his role as national road selector, the Murcian has already shown that he remains competitive in gravel events. His ability to read races and his physical level make him a clear candidate to fight for victory, especially in demanding courses where experience makes a difference.

But Utopía Gravel does not only bring together figures like Schurter, Valero, or Valverde. The event will also feature a wide international representation, including prominent names from MTB and gravel such as Tiago Ferreira, Marco Fontana, and Elisabeth Hermolle, among others.

With this level of participation, the Granada event reinforces its position within the global circuit and confirms a clear trend.

Beyond the individual names, Utopía Gravel maintains its essence as an event that combines competition and experience. The race starts from the Plaza Mayor of Baza and proposes two main routes of 165 and 110 kilometers that traverse urban environments and characteristic natural landscapes of the area. For those unfamiliar with the territory, this race shares landscapes with the popular Badlands event.

Saturday concentrates the competitive day with an early start for the 110 and 165 km races. On Sunday, the event transforms into a more social experience with a ride to Zújar and the ascent to Cerro Jabalcón, one of the iconic points of the route.

This event makes it clear that gravel is no longer just a growing discipline, but a meeting point between specialties where the big stars seek new challenges.