The inaugural Around the Pot UCI Gravel World Series qualifier delivered spectacular racing in Swellendam, South Africa, with riders tackling the demanding 100-mile (156 km) course featuring more than 90% gravel roads and nearly 1,800 metres of climbing. The event marked the second South African qualifier of the 2026 GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series and offered valuable qualification opportunities for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Australia later this year.
🚴♂️ Men Elite: Beers Prevails in Dramatic Sprint Finish
South African star Matthew Beers added another major gravel victory to his impressive 2026 season after narrowly defeating Cape Epic-winning teammate Tristan Nortje in a thrilling sprint finish. After nearly four hours of racing, the two battled it out in a sprint.
🥇 Matthew Beers (RSA) – 3:52:37
🥈 Tristan Nortje (RSA) +0:01
🥉 Alexander Miller (NAM) +3:12
4️⃣ Marco Joubert (RSA) +5:45
5️⃣ Keagan Bontekoning (RSA) +20:11
For Alexander Miller, winner of last year’s Khomas100 in Namibia and reigning African Gravel Champion, third place was another strong result in the series, while Marco Joubert and Keagan Bontekoning completed an all-Southern African top five.
The victory was particularly significant for Beers, who claimed his third consecutive Around the Pot title, having also won the race in 2024 and 2025 before its inclusion in the UCI Gravel World Series.
🚴♀️ Women Elite: Bone Dominates the 100-Miler
The women’s race saw a completely different scenario as Lisa Bone produced a commanding solo performance. She steadily increased her advantage throughout the race and eventually crossed the finish line more than sixteen minutes ahead of her closest rivals.
Behind Bone, the battle for the remaining podium positions came down to the finish line, where Chloe Bishop narrowly outsprinted Catherine Kruger to secure second place.
🥇 Lisa Bone (RSA) – 4:35:41
🥈 Chloe Bishop (RSA) +16:09
🥉 Catherine Kruger (RSA) +16:09
4️⃣ Danielle Du Toit (RSA) +17:49
5️⃣ Zanri Rossouw (RSA) +33:33
Bone’s dominant victory continues an excellent breakthrough season that already included victory at the prestigious Cape Town Cycle Tour.
