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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Gomez Villafañe and Matt Beers Triumph at Storm Shortened 2025 Big Sugar Gravel
 
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Gomez Villafañe and Matt Beers Triumph at Storm Shortened 2025 Big Sugar Gravel

In a day of thunder, hail warnings, and fierce racing, Argentina’s Sofia Gomez Villafañe and South Africa’s Matt Beers powered to victory at the 2025 Big Sugar Gravel.

South Africa’s Matt Beers powered to victory at the 2025 Big Sugar Gravel

Organizers cut the finale’s distance to a punchy 53.9 miles due to lightning and tornado threats, but the shortened course produced relentless action and settled the overall Grand Prix titles in dramatic fashion.

Undeterred by wet, muddy roads and looming storms, Gomez Villafañe, 31, rode a composed and powerful race to cross the line in 2:36:23, fending off a fast-charging pack that included USA gravel champion Lauren Stephens (2:36:29) and Stella Hobbs (2:36:35). On the men’s side, 31-year-old Matt Beers executed a bold solo move to win in 2:12:55, finishing nearly four minutes clear of runner-up Griffen Easter (2:16:36) and third-place Riley Amos (2:16:38).

The event also marked big overall victories: New Zealand’s Cameron-Jones secured the men’s Grand Prix crown while Gomez Villafañe added the Grand Prix women’s title to her day’s triumph. Each event winner claimed a significant lion’s share of the $30,000 USD prize purse, underscoring the race’s growing status in the international gravel calendar. Despite the weather’s wrath, just over 1,700 riders from across the United States and abroad completed the grueling test, showcasing resilience and competitive spirit.

“Racing in those conditions pushed everyone to their limits,” said Sofia Gomez Villafañe. “The course was short but intense—every corner mattered. I’m proud of how the whole field kept pushing, and grateful to the organizers for making safety a priority. This win and the Grand Prix title mean a lot.”

Argentina’s Sofia Gomez Villafañe powers to victory at the 2025 Big Sugar Gravel.

Race organizers moved quickly to prioritize rider safety as severe weather warnings rolled through the region. The decision to shorten the route preserved a competitive finale while minimizing exposure to lightning and damaging winds. Support crews, medical teams, and volunteers worked around the clock to ensure a smooth event under challenging circumstances, enabling a fair fight for both stage honors and season-long Grand Prix outcomes.

Big Sugar Gravel continues to grow as a marquee gravel event, attracting elite pros and passionate amateurs alike. This year’s edition proved that even when the skies turn hostile, the sport’s drama, strategy, and sheer grit remain undiminished.

Big Sugar Gravel is one of America’s premier gravel cycling events, bringing together elite athletes and recreational riders for a weekend of competition, community, and outdoor adventure. Held annually in Gainesville, Florida, the event features challenging courses, robust prize purses, and a commitment to safety, sustainability, and rider experience. Big Sugar Gravel is dedicated to growing the gravel scene and celebrating the spirit of off-road cycling.

2025 Big Sugar Gravel Elite Men's Podium

Matthew Beers Cape Town, WC 24.38 2:12:55
Griffin Easter Park City, UT, USA 2:16:36
Riley Amos Waterloo, WI, USA   2:16:38

2025 Big Sugar Gravel Elite Women's Podium

Sofia Gomez Villafane Midway, UT 2:36:23
Lauren Stephens Dallas, TX, 2:36:29
Stella Hobbs Whitefish, MT, 2:36:35

2025 Big Sugar Gravel 25 mile Podium

Noah Lafrance Plymouth, MN 1:25:41
Ryan Willaman Clermont, FL, 1:26:09
Michael Carpenter Memphis, TN 1:26:21

2025 Big Sugar Gravel 50 mile Podium

Brandon Parrish Fayetteville, AR 2:36:15
Ben Warders Wichita, KS 2:37:12
Joel Lafrance Plymouth, MN 2:37:14

2025 Big Sugar Gravel 100 mile course (shortened)

Calvin Horner Mclouth, KS 2:30:32
Christopher Bunero Lebanon, NJ 2:30:35
Caleb Reese Littleton, CO, 2:30:36
 
Link to 2025 Big Sugar Gravel Results: https://www.athlinks.com/event/359937/results/Event/1104303/Results
 
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