Markus and Perry fastest at UCI Gravel Grit ‘n Grind in Sweden

The third edition of the Swedish Trek UCI Gravel World Series was thrilling race with an impressive line up of favorites and a 600 strong peloton representing 33 countries

As the only stage race in the UCI series, it featured a unique format: a time trial on the Friday, followed by two gravel races on the Saturday and Sunday. Only the gravel race on Saturday served as a qualifier for the championships.

The course, located just outside Halmstad, was a demanding 82 km or 136 km mix of wide-open gravel roads interspersed with short and steep climbs. It showcased the stunning Swedish countryside, with its many lakes and forests.

Defending champion Niki Terpstra (NED) faced competition from favorites including Ted King (USA), Mattia De Marchi (ITA), Piotr Havik (NED) and 2022 Gravel Grit n Grind stage 2 winner Jasper Ockeloen (NED).

In the women’s race, Unbound winner Rosa Klöser (GER) was a favorite, along with Laura Spencer (USA) and Nicole Frain (AUS) .

Winning the 136km Gran Fondo was British rider Tobias Perry (Classified Ridley Factory Team) who attacked the reminants of the breakaway with 75 km to go, to cross the finish line in 3:53:38, followed by a group of 6 chasers. In the final sprint Tijmen Eising (BEAT Cycling club) was second and Jasper Ockeloen (SOCKELOEN.COM) nearly 2 minutes behind.

Toby's teammate Daan Grosemans finished 5th after his little break post crashing in Poland. Piotr Havik proved himself an incredible team player as he saved the day for Toby, fixing a mechanical just before the start. Piotr finished 23rd himself.

In the women's race, four riders, Dutchwomen Femke Markus (WV de Amstel), American Heidi Franz (Lifeplus-Wahoo), Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen (PAS Racing) and German Rosa Maria Klöser (MAAP x Rose) came together, with Markus winning the final sprint (4:30:28) ahead of Franz in second, Hansen in third and Klöser in fourth place.

Fastest in the 82km Medio Fondo race for masters was the Dutchman Lars Rietveld (W.V.Eemland) and Marianne Sandaker (Moss CK) from Norway.

Riders finishing in the top 25% in their age/gender category have automatically qualified to participate in the UCI Gravel World Championships in Flanders, Belgium, October 5-6th, 2024.

Link to 2024 UCI Gravel Grit ‘n Grind Results https://www.sportstiming.se/event/13861/results?round=76520