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Würtz Schmidt and Schreurs take Victory at 2026 Gravel Desert

The desert of Los Monegros once again showcased its unique character by hosting 2026 Gravel Desert by The Traka, the third event of the Gravel Earth Series, consolidating its position as an international benchmark venue in the global gravel calendar. Set in a singular territory—considered the largest desert in Europe—the race delivered a perfect blend of competition, landscape, and sporting epic.

Grañén (Huesca), April 11, 2026 — Under cloudy skies that prevented the region’s usual extreme heat, riders enjoyed ideal racing conditions. From the very first kilometers, the pace was extremely high across both distances—167 km (1,500 m+) and 85 km (900 m+)—on fast gravel tracks that passed through key points such as Robres, the first aid station, and the Laguna de Sariñena, the second aid station and one of the most iconic highlights of the course.

In the long distance, part of the Gravel Earth Series, Danish rider Mads Würtz Schmidt (SPECIALIZED OFF-ROAD) delivered a commanding performance with a solo breakaway victory. He crossed the finish line in 4:21:32, opening a significant gap over Hugo Drechou (4:26:44) and Celestin Guillon (4:26:46), who battled in a tight sprint for second place.

Danish rider Mads Würtz Schmidt (SPECIALIZED OFF-ROAD) delivered a commanding performance

Behind them, the men’s top 10 was completed by a strong chasing group, highlighting the depth and international level of competition throughout the field.

In the women’s race, Dutch rider Geerike Schreurs (SPECIALIZED OFF ROAD) also secured a dominant win, finishing in 5:12:51 and building a clear advantage over Axelle Dubau-Prevot (5:18:49) and Hanne Van Loock (5:19:49).

The fight for the top positions remained intense, with a competitive top 10 reflecting the growing level of the women’s field within the Gravel Earth Series.

The 85 km distance also delivered high-speed action from the start. In the men’s race, Álvaro González Santillán (2:34:00) took the win, followed by Hardy Aubourg Malo (2:38:02) and Morgan Lopez (2:38:38) in a consistently fast race.

In the women’s category, Giulia Alberti (2:59:18) claimed victory, ahead of Isabel Martín Martín (3:05:27) and Nerea Nuño Iglesias (3:05:28), with a close battle for the podium positions.

Beyond the results, Gravel Desert by The Traka once again highlighted the unique identity of Los Monegros—a land of contrasts where endless gravel roads, salt lagoons, and wide horizons create an unforgettable experience . Between the soft light of the morning and the raw desert atmosphere, the event reinforced its distinctive character on the international stage.

Now firmly established as a key stop within the Gravel Earth Series, Gravel Desert by The Traka continues to position Los Monegros on the global gravel map, combining elite competition, territory, and community in a concept that keeps growing year after year.

2026 Gravel Desert By The Traka Women's Top 10

1 GEERIKE SCHREURS SPECIALIZED OFF ROAD 05:12:51
2 AXELLE DUBAU-PREVOT EDUCATION-FIRST... 05:18:49
3 HANNE VAN LOOK REVERB CYCLING 3T 05:19:49
4 SOPHIE WRIGHT SOPHIEKWRIGHT8@GMAIL... 05:29:42
5 CASSIA BOGLIO MEGAMO GRAVE RACING 05:30:09
6 KAITLYN RAUWERDA CASTELLI SOG 05:30:24
7 ELENA DUŠKOVÁ REVERB CYCLING 05:35:39
8 MIE NORDLUND PEDERSEN REVERB CYCLING 05:47:29
9 LUCY HEMPSTEAD MEGAMO GRAVE RACING 05:47:32
10 ANUCHI GAGO FACTOR RACING 05:53:53