The high-altitude roads and gravel tracks around Font-Romeu provided the backdrop for an exciting edition of the Pyrenées Catalanes Gravel Tour on Saturday, as French champion Hugo Drechou and Germany’s Rosa Klöser delivered victories in the elite races over the demanding 93 km course.
Drechou Claims Home Victory in the French Pyrenees
Racing on home soil, French Gravel Champion Hugo Drechou proved strongest in the men’s event. After a closely contested battle through the mountains surrounding Font-Romeu, Drechou managed to distance his final rival and crossed the finish line alone, securing victory with a 20-second advantage over fellow French rider Thomas Champion.
Behind the leading duo, former road champion Petr Vakoc (CZE) completed the podium after a strong ride that saw him finish 2 minutes and 53 seconds behind the winner. The Czech star prevailed in a sprint for third place against Quentin Pacher (FRA) and Aleksandr Grigorev, who rounded out the top five.
Men Elite
- Hugo Drechou (FRA)
- Thomas Champion (FRA) +0:20
- Petr Vakoc (CZE) +2:53
- Quentin Pacher (FRA) +2:53
- Aleksandr Grigorev +2:53
Klöser in a League of Her Own
The women’s race was dominated by Germany’s Rosa Klöser, who delivered one of the most impressive performances of the season in the UCI Gravel World Series. Klöser steadily increased her advantage throughout the race and eventually crossed the line with an astonishing 15-minute margin over Australia’s Nicole Frain for her second consecutive win after Girona last week.
The battle for the remaining podium positions was equally decisive, with Dutch rider Teuntje Beekhuis securing third place at 22 minutes behind Klöser. Fellow Dutch athlete Petra Welmers finished fourth, while France’s Chloe Schoenenberger completed the top five.
Women Elite
- Rosa Klöser (GER)
- Nicole Frain (AUS) +15:00
- Teuntje Beekhuis (NED) +22:00
- Petra Welmers (NED)
- Chloe Schoenenberger (FRA)
