Svenja Betz beats Annika Langvad to the line in Sweden at the Gravel World Series
Svenja Betz (IBCT) stormed to the top step of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series in Halmstad, Sweden, this time overtaking a retired mountain bike foe to take the win that had eluded her at the last European round in Poland.
In June at Świeradów-Zdrój, it was Maja Wloszczowska (Rondo.cc) who took the top step, while Betz settled for second in her first gravel race. This time at Gravel Grit ‘n Grind, however, it was the 26-year-old professional road cyclist who came out on top, beating another recently retired mountain biker, Annika Langvad (Specialized Racing).
The 124km Gravel Grit ‘n Grind course worked its way along the Nissan River in Halmstad’s Norre Katts Park and out into the countryside. As the race headed towards deep forests and open fields at around 24km in Langvad, Betz, Mika Söderström (Stockholm CK) and Hanna Johansson (Baroudeur Fietsclub) attacked from the larger women’s group.
It was a group that held together for much of the race but when Betz went on the final climb with 4km to go, only Langvad could follow, although Betz crossed the line first to secure the win. The retired mountain biker was the second lady overall but won her age category, 35-39. Just over 30 seconds ago, Söderström and Johansson crossed the finish line in Halmstad.
The Halmstad Gravel Grit ‘n Grind round is the sixth of eleven races in the series, with each offering an opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships held in the Veneto region of Italy on October 8-9.
The Houffa Gravel in Belgium is the next race in the series, on Saturday 27 August, then there are two double-header weekends with events in Italy and Australia on 3 and 4 September, plus Dutch and Spanish races on 17 and 18 September.
Pos. | Driver’s Name (Country) Team | Results |
---|---|---|
1 | Svenja Betz (IBCT) | 3:52:08 |
2 | Annika Langvad (Specialized Racing) | 0:00:01 |
3 | Mika Söderström (Stockholm CK) | 0:00:35 |
4 | Hanna Johnansson (Baroudeur Fietsclub) | |
5 | Nellie Larsson (Team Motorhalland) | 0:07:15 |
6 | Finja Smekal (MAXX Solar Lindig Women Racing) | 0:07:59 |
7 | Caroline Juel Geldorf (Cranks & Coffee Cycling) | 0:08:40 |
8 | Maj Mork-Johansen (Vestby SK) | 0:08:56 |
9 | Puck Pinxt (OffRoad Cycling Ter Aar) | 0:10:59 |
10 | Matilda Frantzich (CK Ringen) | 0:21:38 |