Hermolle and Young take home victories at Graean Cymru in Wales

8 September 2026

The spectacular landscapes of North Wales once again provided the backdrop for one of the most distinctive events on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar as Graean Cymru welcomed riders from across Great Britain and beyond for a weekend of challenging gravel racing around the Llyn Brenig area.

Hermolle Dominates Women’s Elite Race

Saturday’s women’s elite race proved to be a masterclass from Elizabeth Hermolle (GBR), who delivered a strong solo performance to take the overall victory. The British rider quickly established herself as the strongest competitor in the field, opening a lead of nearly a minute already by the first checkpoint.

Hermolle continued to extend her advantage throughout the race, passing through the completion of her first lap with an impressive six-minute margin over the chasing riders. From there, she never looked back, powering to victory with a remarkable winning margin of 16 minutes and 31 seconds.

Behind her, Abi Smith (GBR) secured second place after riding a consistent race, while Ruby Carleton (GBR) completed an all-British podium in third place, finishing 24 minutes and 22 seconds behind the winner in a sprint against Hayley Simmonds while Lucy Lee claimed fifth.

Women’s Elite Top 5

Elizabeth Hermolle (GBR)
Abi Smith (GBR) +16:31
Ruby Carleton (GBR) +24:22
Hayley Simmonds (GBR) + 24:24
Lucy Lee (GBR) + 24:39

Young Holds Off International Challenge

Sunday’s men’s elite race brought a more international flavour to the competition and produced a hard-fought battle for the podium positions.

Home favourite Jenson Young (GBR) successfully defended British honour by taking the victory after a strong performance over the demanding Welsh gravel terrain. Young crossed the line 1 minute and 18 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Lukas Malezsewski, the winner of the Portuguese and Kenyan leg last season.

The battle for the final podium place was one of the closest contests of the weekend. Ben Thomas (GBR) narrowly won in a sprint finish against Belgian Jente Michels, securing third place at 3 minutes and 18 seconds behind the winner.

Another British rider, Damien Clayton, rounded out the top five, crossing the line 3 minutes and 41 seconds behind Young.

Men’s Elite Top 5