The 2026 Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series started at Nuwerust Farm in South Africa, challenging riders with a long 151-kilometer course that featured 2,500 meters of climbing. The terrain, containing loose gravel, river crossings, and the difficult Uitkyk Pass, required both endurance and technical precision. In the men’s elite race, Swiss rider Filippo Colombo delivered a masterclass performance. The 2025 Cape Epic champion broke away on the second half of the route, powering to a solo victory in 4:43:21. He finished more than six minutes clear of the chase group, leaving defending winner Felix Stehli to secure second place, while 2024 South African champion Marc Pritzen completed the podium in third.
The women’s elite race saw a similarly dominant display from local favorite Hayley Preen. Riding as the 2025 African Continental Gravel Champion, Preen used her technical handling skills to navigate the river crossings and steep gradients effectively. She crossed the finish line in 5:39:00, securing a convincing win on home soil. British rider Lisa Bone followed in second place at 3m23, with Russia’s Daria Pravilova taking third to round out an international podium at 11 minutes.
Men’s Elite Top 3
1 Filippo COLOMBO (SUI) 04:43:21
2. Felix STEHLI (SUI) 04:49:28
3. Marc PRITZEN (RSA) 04:49:28
Women’s Elite Top 3
1 Hayley PREEN (RSA) 05:39:00
2 Lisa BONE (GBR) 05:42:23
3 Daria PRAVILOVA (RUS) 05:50:09
