The US leg of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series in Fayetteville, Arkansas this weekend was a challenging one with a long 66 miles Highlands route and a shorter 52 miles Farmlands route as qualifier for the older age groups.
A total of 309 riders from 39 different states across the United States and 8 different countries registered for the event. In the women’s race, Crystal Anthony and Raylyn Nuss established an early lead and rode alongside each other for a considerable stretch. However, with approximately 20 miles remaining, Anthony pulled ahead of Nuss during a significant climb on the course. She continued on her own, ultimately triumphing over Nuss, who struggled with the intense heat. The time difference between the two competitors at the finish line was 9 minutes. Gabrielle Henry secured the third position in the race.
Meanwhile, in the men’s race, a group of four riders created a gap between themselves and another group of four by the 25-mile mark. This leading quartet, consisting of John Purvis, Freddy Ovett, Oakley Griffin, and Ethan Overson, maintained their advantage throughout the remainder of the race. During the last climb, Purvis was unable to keep up with the pace and dropped behind. The remaining three riders reached the final kilometer together, and at the 700-meter mark, Overson initiated a powerful sprint that left Ovett trailing behind. Overson and Griffin engaged in a thrilling sprint to the finish line, with the 23-year-old Overson emerging as the victor.
