The first ever UCI Gravel event took place this weekend in Bongabon in the Philippines with a 85 km race with a challenging climb in the first 5km, followed by a flat section towards the finish. Males over 60 and females over 50 had a shorter 65km version to qualify.
Fastest overall was Philippine Riemon Lapaza (M35-39) in a time of 3:06 (average speed just over 27km/h) before Dutch Rick Nobel (M19-34) and another Philippine Mervin Santiago (M19-34) who started in an earlier start wave but need almost 5 minutes more to complete the race.
First female was Melisa Jane Jaroda in a time of 3:39 (average speed 23.2 km/h) before Ana Katrina Angelo and Janiree Dacles, all three from the F19-34 age group for a complete Philippine podium.
A total of 369 riders entered the race from which 349 got it to the finish line.
