The rainbow jersey returns: Vermeersch races gravel in Valkenburg on 10 May

It is a rainbow jersey we do not see in action very often — but the gravel world champion's jersey still sits on the shoulders of Florian Vermeersch. Last October in South Limburg, the Belgian claimed the rainbow jersey and has since extended his contract with UAE Emirates-XRG. On 10 May, we will see him race in the gravel world champion's jersey in the Netherlands.

A quick recap: on 12 October 2025, the Gravel World Championships were held in South Limburg. The start list featured a host of top riders alongside Vermeersch, including Tom Pidcock, Tim Wellens, Matej Mohoric and Gianni Vermeersch. It also proved to be the breakthrough moment for Frits Biesterbos, who finished a brilliant second.

Vermeersch earned the right to race in the rainbow jersey on gravel for a year. However, he had only worn it once in competition before now — five days after becoming world champion, at the Serenissima Gravel in Citadella, Italy. On that occasion, he was beaten in the final phase by a dominant Quinten Hermans.

After that, the rainbow jersey was not seen again — including in 2026, where Vermeersch has been racing exclusively on the road. His spring on the tarmac was outstanding: third at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, third at the E3 Saxo Classic, and seventh at the Tour of Flanders.

Now that the road classics season is over, he is heading back to gravel. The organisers of the Marly Grav, a gravel race in Valkenburg, Holland, announced his participation on Tuesday. The Belgian returns to Dutch soil, where he won the rainbow jersey just six months ago.

Vermeersch will not be the only world champion on the start line on Sunday 10 May. On the women's side, Lorena Wiebes will also be present in her rainbow jersey.