Nilsson and Toupalik battle horrendous conditions to win UCI Gravel Adventure in Poland

In a true test of endurance and grit, Slovenian cyclist Adam Toupalik and Swedish rider Hanna Nilsson emerged victorious at the UCI Gravel Adventure, held on the challenging terrain on the Polish-German-Czech border

The 128-kilometer qualifying race for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships took place under increasingly treacherous weather conditions, transforming the course into a muddy battleground.

With 350 competitors vying for a coveted spot in the top 25% of their respective age and gender categories, the race began under relatively dry skies. However, as the riders navigated the mountainous landscape, dense fog enveloped the course, accompanied by fierce winds and relentless rain that turned the gravel paths into slippery mud.

Adam Toupalik, 29, racing for UNIBET TIETEMA ROCKETS, showcased exceptional skill and determination, crossing the finish line with a time of 3:51:19. Following closely behind was fellow Slovenian cyclist Petr Vakoc, who completed the race in 3:52:19. Belgian rider Seppe Rombouts rounded out the podium, finishing in 3:55:45.

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In the women’s category, 33-year-old Hanna Nilsson, who made the switch from road racing to gravel this year, clinched the top spot with a time of 4:56:01. Just five seconds later, Swiss competitor Annabel Fisher crossed the finish line, while Poland’s Theresa Rindler Bachl secured third place, finishing 19 seconds after Fisher.

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In the shorter medio gravel distance, the competition was equally fierce. Heiki Latocha, 61, of Germany, claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 2:41:40, while 51-year-old Alexandra Latocha triumphed in the women’s race, finishing in 2:57:02.

“The conditions were brutal, but that’s what makes gravel racing so exhilarating,” said Toupalik, “Every rider had to dig deep, and I’m proud to have come out on top in such a challenging environment.”

Nilsson echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Switching to gravel has been a thrilling journey, and today’s race was a testament to the resilience of all the competitors. I’m thrilled to have won against such tough odds.”

The UCI Gravel Adventure not only served as a qualifying event for the upcoming World Championships but also highlighted the growing popularity of gravel racing among cyclists around the globe. With its unpredictable terrain and demanding conditions, gravel racing continues to attract a diverse range of participants, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs.

Link to 2025 UCI Gravel Adventure Results: https://wyniki.datasport.pl/results5471/indexnew.php