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RADL GRVL 2026: Romain Bardet Claims Solo Victory in McLaren Vale as 700 Riders Compete for Oceania Titles

Former WorldTour rider and Tour de France standout Romain Bardet (Factor Racing) won the elite men’s 127km RADL GRVL p/b Quad Lock race, soloing to the finish in 3:30:07 at the third edition of the event in McLaren Vale. The field of 700 competitors came to battle for season-opening gravel wins and the Oceania Cycling Confederation (OCC) Gravel Championship titles.

RADL GRVL 2026: Romain Bardet Claims Solo Victory in McLaren Vale as 700 Riders Compete for Oceania Titles

Romain Bardet crossed the line ahead of Cameron Jones (3:31:01) and Alexey Vermeulen (3:31:49), who completed the men’s podium. Bardet was aggressive all day in the breakaway, leaving his competitors unable to answer as he continued loading on attacks in the last 50km of the race.

The Frenchman was undeterred by the hot conditions, finishing with a solid 1 min gap over the chasing New Zealander of Cameron Jones.

Romain Bardet crossed the line ahead of Cameron Jones (3:31:01) and Alexey Vermeulen (3:31:49),

Nicole Frain (Factor Racing) took the elite women’s 127km victory in 4:02:32, delivering a strong performance on challenging mixed-surface terrain. The 127km route tested riders with rolling vineyards, gravel tracks and hot summer conditions typical of the region.

Nicole Frain stayed away all day after a daring solo break in the first 15km of the race, finishing 3 minutes ahead of Melisa Rollins (2nd) also solo, who was unable to be caught by a chasing group that included Tiffany Cromwell (3rd), Samara Sheppard (4th) and Tori Barry (5th).
 
Nicole Frain (Factor Racing) took the elite women’s 127km victory in 4:02:32, delivering a strong performance on challenging mixed-surface terrain.
 
Nicole Frain takes the Oceania title along with Cameron Jones who spent a lot of the day having to chase hard after puncturing twice, finishing 54 seconds behind Bardet and ahead of a fractured chase group including Alexey Vermueulen (3rd), Mark O’Brien (4th) and Brent Rees (5th) and Ian Boswell (6th).

Shorter-distance races produced fast, competitive finishes. On the 64km course Vince Bascome edged out Theo French to win in 2:05:20, with Evan Hawkes completing the men’s 64km podium (2:09:08). RADL GRVL event organizer Valterri Bottas also rode the 64km race and crossed the line in fifth, joining grassroots racers and professionals alike on the course. Michelle Spiel won the women’s 64km in 2:23:32. The 35km event was won by Aron Smith in 1:07:06, while Eleanor Cooper claimed the women’s 35km in 1:16:32.

“Seeing riders of all levels take on McLaren Vale and find their limits on gravel is what RADL GRVL was built for,” said Valterri Bottas, RADL GRVL organizer. “To have high-caliber pros like Romain and Nicole in the mix, alongside community riders, shows the depth and appeal of gravel racing. The conditions were fair and fast, and the support from locals and teams helped make today’s racing exciting and safe.”

RADL GRVL’s third edition reinforced the event’s status as a key early-season test for riders targeting gravel and mixed-terrain campaigns. The integration of OCC Gravel Championship titles added a regional championship dimension, drawing competitors from across Oceania. Organizers highlighted strong safety protocols, well-marked courses, and on-course aid stations that kept the event running smoothly throughout the day.

RADL GRVL is an annual gravel racing festival held in McLaren Vale, Australia, celebrating mixed-surface cycling and community engagement. The event features multiple distance options, drawing professional teams, regional champions, and grassroots riders. RADL GRVL combines competitive racing with local flavors—vineyards, coastal views, and a festival atmosphere—to grow gravel cycling in the southern hemisphere.

2026 RADL GRVL Elite Men's Top 10

1. Romain BARDET Factor RACING RCC 3:30:07
2. Cameron JONES Scott Sports USA 3:31:01
3. Alexey VERMEULEN ENVE + Wille's dad 3:31:49
4. Mark O'BRIEN Trappist 3:31:51
5. Brent REES Santa Cruz / Sram Australia 3:32:48
6. Ian BOSWELL Wahoo Specialized 3:33:49
7. Jeremy PRESBURY Specialized x MAAP   3:36:36
8. Cassius ANDERSON  Marin Service Course/Argonaut/Castelli/Enve 3:39:58
9. Jasper ALBRECHT Rapha Cycling Club 3:39:58
10. Curtis DOWDELL NXTLVL Performance Cycling 3:39:59

2026 RADL GRVL Elite Women's Top 10

1. Nicole FRAIN Factor Racing Team 4:02:32
2. Melisa ROLLINS Liv Racing Collective 4:05:36
3. Tiffany CROMWELL 4:13:34
4. Samara SHEPPARD 4:14:02
5. Tori BARRY 4:15:06
6. Danni SHROSBREE Rapha Cycling Club 4:16:30
7. Matilda RAYNOLDS 4:32:07
8. Flora JOHNSON 4:38:41
9. Cassia BOGLIO Megamo Gravel Racing 4:43:41
10. Elle DE NOOYER 4:46:05

Link to 2026 RADL GRVL Results: https://my.raceresult.com/376800

 
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