Marianne Vos added another extraordinary chapter to her legendary career on Saturday, winning her 15th UCI World title and her second rainbow jersey in gravel racing after a thrilling battle with Germany’s Rosa Klöser at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup.
At 39 years of age, the Dutch superstar once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time, overcoming hard pressure from Klöser on the decisive final climb before riding solo to victory after 125.6 kilometers of demanding Western Australian gravel roads.
The women’s elite race came to life midway through the event when local favourite Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) launched an ambitious attack in what was the final race of her professional career. The Australian veteran delighted the large home crowds lining the course as she steadily built her advantage to almost one minute.
Cromwell rode aggressively across the rolling gravel roads surrounding Nannup, determined to end her distinguished career with one final memorable performance. Yet behind her, the favourites remained calm, with Vos, Klöser and several other contenders carefully managing their efforts through the demanding terrain.
The decisive moment came as the leaders entered the final 23-kilometre local circuit around Nannup. Cromwell’s courageous solo move was finally reeled in and a select group of ten riders reached the final lap together, setting up an exciting showdown for the rainbow jersey.
As the race approached its conclusion, the leading group gradually split apart on the succession of steep gravel climbs. Klöser, one of the strongest climbers in the field, repeatedly tested Vos on the long final ascent. The German rider increased the pace several times, hoping to distance the Dutch veteran before the finish, but Vos responded calmly to every acceleration.
The pair crested the final climb together and appeared destined to contest the world title in a two-up sprint. However, Vos had different plans.
With just a few kilometres remaining, the Dutch champion launched a perfectly timed attack on a muddy gravel sector. Klöser immediately reacted and almost closed the gap, but while chasing through a slippery corner she lost control and briefly went down. The incident proved decisive, allowing Vos to open a winning advantage and power alone towards the finish line.
Crossing the line in 4:30:04, Vos raised her arms in celebration before becoming visibly emotional as she realized she had secured a remarkable 15th world title across all cycling disciplines.
Klöser recovered to finish second, 27 seconds behind, after producing one of the strongest rides of the day, while fellow Dutch rider Larissa Hartog completed the podium in third place.
Women’s Elite Race Result
- Marianne Vos (NED) – 125.6 km in 4:30:04
- Rosa Maria Klöser (GER) +0:27
- Larissa Hartog (NED) +2:15
- Nele Laing (GER) +2:15
- Erica Magnaldi (ITA) +4:17
- Sofia Gomez (ARG) +5:15
- Irina Lützelschwab (SUI) +5:28
- Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) +7:15
- Elisa Serné (NED) +7:15
- Haley Smith (CAN) +8:55
