The inaugural Gravel Tour Hlinsko, a new event in the GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series, attracted a strong international field to the Czech Republic and delivered exciting racing across the demanding 131 km course through the region’s gravel roads and forests.
Men Elite: Lindberg Continues Winning Streak
Danish gravel specialist Jonas Lindberg confirmed his outstanding form by claiming a solo victory in Hlinsko. The win comes just two weeks after his victory at the 3RIDES Gravel Race in Winterberg (Germany), making this his second UCI Gravel win of the season.
After attacking at the end of the opening lap, Lindberg successfully held off a strong chase group to cross the line alone.
🥇 Jonas Lindberg (DEN) – 3:48:39
🥈 Joel Suter (SUI) +2:06
🥉 Petr Vakoč (CZE) +2:30
Home favourite Petr Vakoč once again demonstrated remarkable consistency. With his third-place finish, the Czech rider further strengthens his position as the leader of the Men Elite ranking.
Behind the podium, Czech rider Matyáš Fiala continued his breakthrough season with an impressive fourth place, followed by Swiss Lars Sommer and Belgian riders Lukasz Maleszewski and Daan Grosemans.
Women Elite: Frain Claims Fourth Series Victory
In the women’s race, Australian Nicole Frain continued her impressive 2026 campaign by taking another dominant victory. Following early season Gravel World Series wins in Turnhout (Belgium), Elvas (Portugal) and Wörthersee (Austria), the Australian secured her fourth series victory of the season.
Frain’s excellent run of form comes at the perfect moment as riders build towards the UCI Gravel World Championships in Australia later this year.
🥇 Nicole Frain (AUS) – 4:28:25
🥈 Kristýna Zemanová (CZE) +3:28
🥉 Wendy Oosterwoud (NED) +6:23
Reigning Czech champion Kristýna Zemanová delivered another strong performance to finish second, while Dutch rider Wendy Oosterwoud rounded out the podium. As a result, Frain slowly closes the gap to Oosterwoud in the overall Women Elite standings.
⭐ Bottas Among the Attractions
The event also attracted considerable attention thanks to the participation of Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, who completed the race and secured qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships in his age category, a ticket he won’t be able to use as the Formule 1 season is heading to Singapore that weekend.
