Valley of Tears, as advertised!
Winter weather encroached on the warm, dry desert air and by race day, organizers were forced to cut short distances in hopes of keeping riders safe and sound. An early breakaway for Sofia Gomez Villafañe turned into a victory. Emily Newsom crossed in second with Crystal Anthony in third. Cecily Decker and LTGP rookie Axelle Dubau-Prevot finished 4th and 5th.
In the barely 2hr long men’s Pro race, Daxton Mock outsprinted LTGP rookie Hugo Drechou with Michael Garrison in third. Russell Finsterwald and Adam Roberge rounded out the top-5.
Full results here
ICYMI
Strade Bianche delivered a memorable day for fans with a close women’s race, Dutchwoman Demi Vollering taking a close victory ahead of Anna van der Breggen. In the men’s race, it was race-favorite Tadej Pogacar ahead of Tom Pidock, following a gutsy breakaway ride by 2024 Gravel World’s medalist Connor Swift.
The 2025 Absa Cape Epic kicks off this week and both the Men’s and Women’s races are being headlined by LTGP superstars. Returning for another shot at the win, South African Matt Beers will be joined by his travel-mate, podium-mate but not team-mate, American Keegan Swenson. With riders like the winningest MTB rider of all time, Nino Schurter in the field, going for gold will push the pair to the limit.
In the women’s field, multi-time LTGP overall champion and 2022 Cape Epic winner, Argentinian Sofia Gomez Villafañe pairs up with multi-time World Champion, the Dane, Annika Langvad. They’ll be race favorites with yellow on their minds – US rider Alexis Skarda joins Namibian Vera Looser.
