The first Portuguese race in the UCI Gravel World Series connecting Portugal and Spain took place this Saturday with start in Elvas and finish in nearby Badajoz just over the Spanish border. In between a mix of 123km gravel, paved roads, sandy sections, minor elevation and beautiful views over the Guadiana river.
In the men elite, Matthew Holmes won the race in a super fast time of 3h13 over the 123km with an average speed of 38.5km. Holmes outsprinted Jose Maria Sanchez Ruiz on the line. Both had a 8m40 gap to Enrique Morcillo Vergara who won the sprint with Daan Grosemans for third place.
Lucia Gonzalez Blanco from Spain was the first women elite in 3h36, 21 seconds ahead of British Annabel Fisher. Greek Varvara Fasoi completed the female podium 2m15 behind Gonzalez who rode with an average speed of 34.4 km/h.
