The UCI Gravel World Series made a stop in the Netherlands this weekend with the Valkenburg race, which featured a strong showing from some of the biggest names in international cycling, especially top World Tour and road racers, who are increasingly entering the gravel discipline. Furthermore, the Marly Grav Race has established itself as the largest UCI Gravel World Series event in Europe, with more than 2,500 participants.
In the men's race, the Belgian Tim Wellens (Belgium, UAE Team Emirates) was the dominant force. Wellens staged a solo breakaway that allowed him to cross the finish line in first place with a time of 4:21:14 and an average speed of 35.60 km/h. The Dutchman completed the podium. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands, Baloise Trek Lions), at 1:02, and the Belgian Kevin Panhuyzen (Belgium, Soudal – Quick-Step Devo Team), with the same time as Nieuwenhuis.
Fourth place went to Daniel Geismayr (Austria), followed by Filippo Conca (Italy, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), which closed the top 5. Other notable names present were Jasper Ockeloen (Netherlands), Greg Van Avermaet (Belgium), Hans Becking (Netherlands), Laurence Naesen (Belgium) and Florian Vermeersch (Belgium), which occupied positions within the top 20.
Top 5 Male
- Tim Wellens 4:21:14
- Joris Nieuwenhuis +1:02
- Kevin Panhuyzen +1:02
- Daniel Geismayr +1:04
- Filippo Conca +1:39
In the women's race, the European road champion, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx – Protime), made a decisive final attack and took the victory. In the last 5 kilometers, he broke away from Quinty Ton (Liv Alula Jayco) to cross the finish line alone. Ilse Pluimers (AG Insurance – Soudal Quick Step) finished strongly to secure third place, 52 seconds behind Wiebes.
The fourth to arrive was Hanne Van Loock (Belgium) at +3:27, and the top 5 completed it Wendy Oosterwoud (Netherlands) at +9:12.
Top 5 Female
- Lorena Wiebes 5:19:46
- Quinty Ton +0:14
- Ilse Pluimers +0:52
- Hanne Van Loock +3:27
- Wendy Oosterwoud +9:12