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Tava and Bourke Claim Top Honors at 4th Annual Bovine Classic in Paso Robles

Cool morning air and clear skies set the stage as hundreds of gravel riders gathered for the 4th Annual Bovine Classic, a signature cycling festival through the Paso Robles wine region.

Tava and Bourke Claim Top Honors at 4th Annual Bovine Classic in Paso Robles

Now in its fourth year, the Bovine Classic is a premier gravel cycling event held annually in Paso Robles, California. The event offers multiple course lengths, timed competition segments, and exclusive access to private vineyards and historic ranchlands. The Bovine Classic celebrates gravel culture with racing, live music, local food and beverage partners, and community-driven festival activities.

The event — known for its cow-themed flair and a mix of challenging gravel terrain — crowned Jen Tava and Finn Bourke as overall winners of the Big Bovine course, the longest and most demanding route on the day with over 9,000 feet of climbing.

 the Bovine Classic is a premier gravel cycling event held annually in Paso Robles, California

Riders chose from three distances: the 86-mile Big Bovine, the 71-mile Feisty Bovine, and the shorter Happy Bovine. Each route blended scenic vineyard views with rugged, lesser-seen sections of California’s central coast. The Big Bovine included three timed segments for competitive riders, the Feisty Bovine featured two timed sections, and the Happy Bovine offered one timed segment, providing structured competition across all abilities.

In the women’s Big Bovine podium, Jen Tava led the field with a winning time of 56:12.1, followed closely by Stephanie Schmötter at 57:51.3 and Katheryn Curi at 1:01:18.7. On the men’s side, Finn Bourke set the fastest time at 51:56.0, with Dan McGarry taking second at 52:11.8 and Ben Herken rounding out the top three at 52:37.0. The results reflect tight competition and strong performances across both elite and amateur fields.

Riders chose from three distances: the 86-mile Big Bovine, the 71-mile Feisty Bovine, and the shorter Happy Bovine

Beyond racing, the Bovine Classic festival atmosphere returned in full. Bremen Town 805, the event’s house band, energized riders and spectators with live music, while local vendors offered food and drink — including Super Fiesta Market and Linn’s Bakery of Cambria. Riders also appreciated on-site support with SCC Tech-RideIt’s bike wash tent helping to remove a day’s worth of dust after the courses. The event’s mix of sport, music, and local food created a celebratory atmosphere that honored both the competitive and communal aspects of gravel riding.

“We design the Bovine Classic to showcase the best of Paso Robles — its terrain, its wineries, and its community,” said Event Director Maria Lopez “This year’s turnout and the performances by riders like Jen and Finn prove that gravel racing here is as spirited and challenging as ever. We’re grateful to our land partners, volunteers, and local businesses for helping us deliver a safe and unforgettable day on the gravel.”

Bremen Town 805, the event’s house band, energized riders and spectators with live music

Big Bovine Women Overall
 
1. Jen TAVA 56:12.1
2. Stephanie SCHMOTTER 57:51.3
3. Katheryn CURI 1:01:18.7
 
Big Bovine Men Overall
 
1. Finn BOURKE 51:56.0
2. Dan MCGARRY 52:11.8
3. Ben HERKEN 52:37.0
 
Feisty Bovine Women Overall
 
1. Melanie WONG 54:38.9
2. Laurie RUMMELHART 1:02:17.9
3. Karen BREMS 1:04:47.0
 
Feisty Bovine Men Overall
 
1. Gregory TOLAN 49:48.0
2. Matthew WOODRUFF 51:32.8
3. Thomas SCHIESS 53:08.1
 
Happy Bovine Women Overall
 
1. Jill MAIRS 30:56.3
2. SUMER AVILA 31:26.7
3. Laurie FURMAN 33:33.8
 
Happy Bovine Men Overall
 
1. Carlos HERNANDEZ 26:53.1
2. Patrick FETZER 28:27.3
3. Jay MAGLIONE 28:31.3
 
Link to 2025 Bovine Classic Results: https://my.raceresult.com/368282
 
The 5th editon takes place October 24, 2026, for more information please visit: https://www.thebovineclassic.com

 

 
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