With only five qualifiers remaining on the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series calendar, Falling Leaves delivered another spectacular chapter in the race for UCI Gravel World Championships qualification. Riders faced one of the longest and most demanding events in the series, tackling a challenging 175 km course.
In the men’s elite race, Denmark’s Tobias Mørch Kongstad won after an impressive 40k solo effort. He was almost caught with 5k the go when the group behind got back to 10 seconds but managed to stay up front and crossed the finish line 18 seconds ahead of compatriot Rasmus Bogh Wallin, securing an all-Danish one-two result.
The battle for the remaining podium place proved incredibly tight 26 seconds behind the winner. Estonia’s Riko Tammepuu proved fastest in a sprint for third place, edging out Dutch rider Rick Ottema and Denmark’s Magnus Bak Klaris. Also part of the select chasing group were Simen Nordahl Svendsen (NOR), Luca Dressler (GER), Lawrence Naesen (BEL) and Joel Suter (SUI.
The women’s elite race unfolded over the same demanding 175 km course and produced an exciting sprint finish. Romy Kasper (GER) claimed victory after narrowly defeating Australia’s Tiffany Cromwell in a two-rider sprint for the win. A prove of condition as Kasper also won in Denmark last week. Her third UCI qualifier win after Gravel One Fifty in April.
Behind the leading duo, Dutch riders Elisa Serné and Maaike Coljé battled for the final podium position. Serné ultimately secured third place, crossing the line 36 seconds behind Kasper and Cromwell, while Coljé finished fourth. Newly crowned 2026 UCI Gravel World Series overall winner Wendy Oosterwoud (NED) completed the top five, arriving almost ten minutes after the leaders but further confirming her consistency throughout the season.
As the series enters its decisive phase with just four qualifiers remaining after this weekend, Falling Leaves once again showcased the depth of international gravel racing. With qualification places for the UCI Gravel World Championships becoming increasingly valuable, the final events of the season in Spain, Estonia, France and Sweden promise even more intense battles across all categories.
