The 2026 Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series concluded its Australian leg on Saturday with the brutal Devil’s Cardigan in Derby, Tasmania. As the last home qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships, riders faced a demanding 106 km course with 2,300 metres of elevation, widely regarded as one of the toughest on the calendar.
Elite Men: Johnston holds off Leask in tight battle
Australia’s Brendan Johnston once again proved strongest on home soil, successfully defending his title after an intense duel with Harry Leask. Johnston crossed the line in 3:22:49, averaging 31.3 km/h.
Leask pushed Johnston all the way to Derby, finishing just 46 seconds behind. Harry Bebbington secured the final podium spot 3m51 behind the winner.
Elite Men Podium
- Brendan Johnston – 3:22:49
- Harry Leask +0:46
- Harry Bebbington +3:51
Johnston’s victory completes a clean sweep of the 3 Australian qualifiers this season (Gravelista, Seven and the Devil’s Cardigan). He will be one of the favorites for the World title in October!
Elite Women: Harris beats Rogan in tight sprint finish
The women’s race delivered one of the closest finishes of the series, with Holly Harris and Michaela Rogan locked together for much of the event. Harris ultimately won in 4:15:44, averaging 24.8 km/h beating Rogan in the sprint.
Flora Johnson rounded out the podium 2:40 behind Harris.
Elite Women Podium
- Holly Harris – 4:15:44
- Michaela Rogan
- Flora Johnson +2:40
The battle between Harris and Rogan was intense, with both riders matching each other across the major climbs before Harris outsprinted her compatriot.
As the final qualifying opportunity on Australian soil, the event confirmed the names to watch ahead of the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia on 10-11 October, with Johnston and Harris proving to be ready.
