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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Sofia Gomez Villafane and Cobe Freeburn Take Victory at The Mid South

Sofia Gomez Villafane and Cobe Freeburn Take Victory at the 2026 The Mid South Gravel Race

The 2026 Mid South Gravel Race, renowned as the big opener on the U.S. gravel racing calendar, delivered thrilling finishes in both the men's and women's races on Saturday. Cobe Freeburn and Sofia Gomez Villafane emerged victorious, showcasing their remarkable skills in a challenging and competitive environment.

Sofia Gomez Villafane and Cobe Freeburn Take Victory at the 2026 The Mid South Gravel Race

In the men's race, Cobe Freeburn claimed victory with a time of 4:31:54, narrowly edging out Cameron Jones, who finished in the same time, but was officially placed second. Michael Garrison rounded out the podium, finishing just three seconds behind at 4:31:57. The elite field maintained an impressive average speed of 23 mph as Freeburn, Jones, and Garrison formed a formidable trio racing towards the new Block 34 finish line.

"This win signifies a great start for Trek-Driftless in 2026," said Freeburn, reflecting on his performance. "The competition was fierce, and being able to time my sprint perfectly was crucial."

In the men's race, Cobe Freeburn claimed victory with a time of 4:31:54, narrowly edging out Cameron Jones

On the women's side, Sofia Gomez Villafane showcased her talent and determination, completing the race in 5:18:44. She was joined on the podium by Geerike Schreurs, who also clocked in at 5:18:44, marking an extraordinary finish. Cecily Decker claimed third place, overcoming a mechanical issue just six miles from the finish line to rejoin the lead group and finish strong.

Villafane, the 31-year-old rising star, expressed her excitement about her Mid South debut and credited her teammate Schreurs for aiding her success. "Having Geerike in the lead group was invaluable. I'm thrilled to have won my first Mid South and to have achieved back-to-back victories in two weeks," she stated.

Sofia Gomez Villafane showcased her talent and determination, completing the race in 5:18:44

The Mid South Gravel Race also welcomed a variety of competitors in different categories. In the open 100-mile race, 43-year-old Matt Stephens finished first in an impressive solo time of 5:04:39.

In the 50-mile race with 17-year-old Ben Warders clinched the top spot in an exhilarating three-up sprint.

2026 Mid South Pro Men's Top 10

1 Cobe Freeburn 24 Durango, CO US 4:31:54
2 Cameron Jones 25 Blacksburg, VA US 4:31:54
3 Michael Garrison 24 Atlanta, GA US 4:31:57
4 Daxton Mock 24 Lake Mills, WI US 4:35:14
5 Adam Roberge 28  4:35:14
6 Peter Stetina 38 Santa Rosa, CA US 4:35:18
7 Brennan Wertz 28 Mill Valley, CA US 4:39:16
8 Julien Gagne 31  4:39:17
9 Alexey Vermeulen 31 Boulder, CO US 4:39:19
10 Joe Goettl 34 Sandy, UT US 4:39:41

2026 Mid South Pro Women's Top 10

1 Sofia Gomez Villafane 31 Midway, UT US 5:18:44
2 Geerike Schreurs 36  5:18:44
3 Cecily Decker 27 Santa Fe, NM US 5:18:44
4 Paige Onweller 36 Bella Vista, AR US 5:18:44
5 Lauren Stephens 39 Dallas, TX US 5:18:44
6 Cecile Lejeune 28 Tucson, AZ US 5:18:46
7 Lauren De Crescenzo 35 Broomfield, CO US 5:18:48
8 Emily Newsom 42 Fort Worth, TX US 5:18:49
9 Sarah Lange 34  5:18:52
10 Hannah Shell 34  5:30:37

Link 2026 Mid South Results: https://sites.chronotrack.com/event/90965/results?raceId=241151&divisionId=2701990