Castillo Soto and Barrera Esparza claim victories at inaugural UCI Gravel Arteaga in Mexico

1 September 2026

While Europe was focused on the European Championships this weekend, the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series also made history with its first-ever event in Mexico. The inaugural UCI Gravel Arteaga welcomed riders to the mountainous terrain of Coahuila.

The men’s elite race produced an all-Mexican podium, with Ulises Alfredo Castillo Soto taking victory after a closely contested sprint finish against compatriot Jose Antonio Prieto De Lunda. After a hard-fought battle across the gravel course, Castillo Soto proved the stronger in the final dash to the line to secure the win.

Behind the leading duo, Angel Julian Camacho Gutierrez completed the podium in third place, crossing the finish line 8 minutes and 35 seconds behind the winner. Santiago Velarde and Jose Miguel Reyes Morales rounded out the top five.

In the women’s elite race, Anet Barrera Esparza delivered an impressive performance to claim victory and lead an international podium. The Mexican rider crossed the line with an advantage of 13 minutes and 27 seconds over fellow Mexican Sara Roel, who secured second place.

Third place went to Fabiola Ariana Tucci Ron of Venezuela, finishing 21 minutes and 12 seconds behind the winner to complete the podium and add an international flavour to the inaugural Mexican qualifier.

The successful debut of UCI Gravel Arteaga marks another important milestone for the UCI Gravel World Series as it continues its expansion across the globe. With strong local participation, competitive racing and enthusiastic support, the first Mexican round demonstrated the growing appeal of gravel racing in Latin America and established Arteaga as a promising new destination on the international gravel calendar.

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