# The Traka World Series Announces 2027 Pro Ranking and Entry Criteria New qualification rules and prize structures reshape the upcoming global gravel racing season. - **Source:** [Cyclingnews](https://www.cyclingnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/93eb9d85-d3d4-4d30-a16e-dedc6e229931 ## Standardized Pro Ranking System The Traka World Series has overhauled its 2027 ranking procedures to ensure consistency across seven events. Organizers removed enhanced scoring for specific races, meaning points are now balanced for the top 25 riders in pro divisions. This change eliminates previous advantages gained by competing in longer-distance events like the former Traka 360. ## New Pro Qualification Criteria Riders must now meet specific performance benchmarks to enter the pro category. Qualification relies on finishing within 5% of the winning time in their gender category from previous events, including Traka 200 or Santa Vall. Organizers will also consider a limited number of wildcard entries based on provided sporting information and application criteria. ## Consolidated Pro Field Structure The pro field will be consolidated into a reworked 300km distance on May 1, serving as a major tune-up before Unbound Gravel. While no minimum number of events is required for the series, athletes must participate in the season finale, The Last Dance, to be eligible for the final overall standings and prize money. ## Prize Purse and Distribution The final top 10 riders in the men's and women's pro leaderboards will share a €20,000 prize purse. Additionally, each event offers €8,000 for the top five pro riders in both categories, with CORE4 doubling that amount. Standings are calculated after dropping the two lowest scores from the seven-race calendar. ## The Rift Gender Initiatives The Rift gravel race in Iceland is officially sold out for 2027, but organizers are keeping limited entries open specifically for women in the 200km distance. They aim to have 200 women on the start line on July 24. Other riders can still join waitlists for the shorter 140km or 60km race categories. ## Valley of Tears Expansion Valley of Tears returns to Turkey, Texas, on March 5-6 for its fourth year. The event will expand its USA Cycling Collegiate Gravel National Championships, offering four stars-and-stripes jerseys. Categories now include Varsity Men, Varsity Women, Club Men, and Club Women, with registration limited to 1,000 total riders across all available distances. ## Elite Competition and Payouts A star-studded elite field will compete for a $45,000 prize purse, split evenly between pro women and pro men. The Dirt Crit on Friday offers $10,000, while the remaining balance is shared during the 93-mile main event. Last year, Sofia Gomez Villafane secured her third consecutive victory, while Alexey Vermeulen won the elite men's race. ## Strategic Shift in Gravel These updates reflect a broader trend toward professionalizing gravel racing through structured qualification and standardized prize pools. By prioritizing performance-based entry and collegiate development, organizers are creating clearer pathways for elite athletes. These changes aim to stabilize the competitive landscape as the sport continues to grow in global popularity and participation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/racing/past-results-and-wildcard-invitations-now-define-pro-categories-at-the-traka-world-series-events-the-rift-keeps-a-limited-number-of-entries-open-for-women-gravel-bits/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._