The 13th leg of the highly anticipated Trek UCI Gravel World Series unfolded over the weekend in the picturesque landscape of Swieradow Zdroj, nestled in the southwestern part of Poland. The race took participants through the breathtaking Izerskie Mountains, offering both challenges and scenic views.
Covering a demanding 105km course with a staggering 2000m of elevation, the event served as a qualifier for all younger categories. Among the prominent riders participating were Belgian M19-34 world champion, Kevin Panhuyzen, Dutch Bora Hansgrohe rider, Ide Schelling, and former Czech professional rider, Petr Vakoc, who gained renown for their climbing prowess.
As the race unfolded, a tight-knit group of eight riders managed to break away from the rest. In the latter part of the race, Petr Vakoc demonstrated his power, breaking away from the group to secure a remarkable victory, finishing 40 seconds ahead of the German Immanuel Stark. Pawel Bernas from Poland secured the third spot on the podium.
The women’s race was no less captivating, with former MTB World Champion, Maja Wloszczowska, aiming to defend her title from the previous year. However, this time she faced tough competition from Basia Borowiecka, who delivered an outstanding performance, finishing an impressive 3 minutes and 46 seconds ahead of Wloszczowska. Dutch rider, Noa Jansen, claimed the overall third position, albeit nearly ten minutes behind the victorious Borowiecka.
Vakoc and Borowiecka rode an average speed of 31 km/h and 26 km/h, respectively.
In the shorter mediofondo, which served as a qualifier for men over 60 and women over 50, the Belgian M60-64 World Champion, Dirk Claes, secured a decisive victory in the respective category. Meanwhile, Magdalena Chmielewska triumphed in the women’s category over 50.
