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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Villafane and Vermeulen take victory at 2026 Valley of Tears in Texas
 
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Villafane and Vermeulen take victory at 2026 Valley of Tears in Texas

93 miles across the Caprock and it came down to the line for the top Pro Gravel Racers for for a shgare of the biggest prize purses in US Gravel Racing.

Villafane and Vermeulen take victory at 2026 Valley of Tears in Texas

Embarking on a thrilling journey through the historic Valley of Tears in Texas, a legendary land steeped in tales of endurance and survival. This rugged terrain, once the backdrop of dramatic historical events, set the stage for the ultimate test of grit.
 
The Valley of Tears, with its undulating hills and unpredictable terrain, promised not just a race, but a historical adventure.
 
Riders battled against the elements, much like the valley's past inhabitants, and emerge stronger, echoing the indomitable spirit of the land.
 
The Valley of Tears Gravel Race offers a substantial $26,000 prize purse, split between male and female elite riders. In its inaugural year (2024), the purse was even doubled last-minute to $52,000, making it one of the richest gravel races in the U.S. 
 
Few gravel races offer purses this high, positioning Valley of Tears alongside marquee events like Unbound Gravel and Big Sugar.
 
In the end, it came down to a bunch sprint with Sofia Villafane outsprinting Paige Onweller and Emily Newsom in the womens race.
 
Sofia Villafane outsprinting Paige Onweller and Emily Newsom in the womens race.
 
In the men's race Alexey Vermeulen outsprinted Simen Nordahl Svendsen and Adam Roberge in the men's race.
 
Alexey Vermeulen outsprinted Simen Nordahl Svendsen and Adam Roberge in the men's race.

2026 Valley of Tears Pro Women Top 3

1- Sofia Gomez Villafane
2- Paige Onweller
3- Emily Newsom

2026 Valley of Tears Pro Men Top 3

1- Alexey Vermeulen 
2- Simen Nordahl Svendsen
3- Adam Roberge
 
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