Valverde and Schiff win UCI Gravel World Series opening qualifier in Spain

44 year old former road world champion won the Castellón Gravel Race as Carolin Schiff won the women’s elite race in Spain

The sold-out race, featuring 800 riders included former Tour de France riders Nicolas Roche and Jan Bakelants, kicked off the season earlier than last year’s April start.

The demanding 94-kilometer course featuring more than 2,500 meters of climbing through the rugged tracks and trails around Castellón, near Valencia, the opening qualifier event for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.

Valverde launched a devestating attack just 10 kilometers into the race to drop only 3 riders who could follow his wheel early on. Tiago Ferreira was second at 12 seconds behind, with Matteo Fontana in third place over a minut behind.

39 year old Caroline Schiff dominated the womens race, finishing over a minute ahead of defending champion Sofia Rodríguez and Marta Romeu who battled for podium places.

The 2025 UCI Gravel World series heads to Brazil on March 9th for the second qualifier, marking it's debut in the country.

The event features a 111km course that starts and finishes near the town of Caetás, just south of Balneário Camboriú. 

2025 UCI Castellon Gravel Race Men's Podium

1 - Alejandro Valverde Belmonte
2 - Tiago Jorge Oliveira Ferreira
3 - Matteo Fontana

2025 UCI Castellon Gravel Race Women's Podium

1 - Caroline Schiff Canyon Cllctv XCO
2 - Sofia Rodriguez Revert Nesta - MMR Cycling Team
3 - Jade Treffeisen Canyon Cllctv XCO

Link to 2025 UCI  Castellón Gravel Race results: https://multiesport.es/clasificaciones-en-directo-mundial-de-gravel-llucena-2025