The gravel roads surrounding Girona once again provided a spectacular setting for one of the flagship events of the season as Sea Otter Europe Girona, part of the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series, welcomed riders to Europe’s largest cycling festival. On a fast and demanding 109 km course through the gravel paradise of northern Spain, both the men’s and women’s elite races delivered exciting battles for victory.
Kaiser Claims first UCI Gravel World Series Victory
The men’s elite race remained closely contested throughout the day, with a select group of four riders arriving together for the decisive sprint after 109 kilometres of racing.
German rider Leon Kaiser proved to be the fastest finisher to secure his first-ever UCI Gravel World Series victory. Kaiser outkicked compatriot Paul Voss, while Italian gravel specialist Fabian Rabensteiner completed the podium in third place. Another German rider, Georg Egger, finished fourth after being part of the winning move throughout the race.
Belgian duo Floris De Tier and defending Sea Otter Europe winner Daan Soete crossed the line together in fifth and sixth place respectively, 3 minutes and 14 seconds behind the victorious quartet.
Klöser Soloes to Dominant Women’s Victory
The women’s race started ten minutes ahead of the men’s field and quickly developed into a battle between two of the sport’s biggest names.
Former UCI Gravel World Champion Marianne Vos (NED) and German rider Rosa Klöser distanced themselves from the rest of the field after the opening climb, creating an early lead over their rivals.
As the race progressed and the men’s lead group caught the women’s leaders, Klöser managed to use the dynamic race situation to her advantage. The German gradually distanced Vos and steadily increased her advantage throughout the second half of the race.
Crossing the finish line alone, Klöser celebrated an impressive solo victory ahead of Dutch rider Larissa Hartog, who finished second at 2 minutes and 41 seconds. Vos completed the podium in third place, 6 minutes and 29 seconds behind the winner. The Dutch legend sprinted for the final podium spot against compatriot Geerike Schreurs, who finished fourth.
German riders Carolin Schiff and Nele Laing rounded out the top six, crossing the line together in fifth and sixth place at 11 minutes and 26 seconds from the winner.
Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series Heads Towards Its Finale
One week before the ultimate weekend with races in France and Sweden, riders are growing to their best forms in an attempt to peak at the UCI Gravel World Championships in three weeks in Western Australia.
