The Marly Grav Race lived up to its billing as Europe’s biggest one-day gravel event, its third edition drawing a field full of stars eager to test their skills and condition and try to qualify for the upcoming World Championships in the same cycling-mad province.
The men’s race witnessed a decisive move 60 kilometers in when Tim Wellens (UAE Emirates) launched an attack on a sharp incline. The Belgian rider then proceeded to ride a powerful solo race, stretching his lead to a maximum of 2 minutes and 18 seconds. While the gap narrowed in the final kilometers due to a battle for second place behind, Wellens crossed the finish line a comfortable 1 minute and 4 seconds ahead. The sprint for the runner-up spot saw Dutch Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley) edge out Belgian Kevin Panhuyzen (Giant), with Austrian Daniel Geismayr (team Vorarlberg) rounding out the top four.
In the women’s race, European road champion Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime) demonstrated her versatility with a decisive late attack. Within the final 5 kilometers, she powered away from Quinty Ton (Liv Alula Jayco) to claim victory. Ilse Pluimers (AG Insurance – Soudal Quick Step) finished strongly to secure third place, 53 seconds behind the dominant Wiebes.
Remarkable in this race was the passage through a marl cave after the first lap. A unique experience for all participants.
