Piana and Wollenberg Triumph at the UCI Giro Sardegna Gravel Race

The UCI Gravel World Series roared back to life on the stunning Mediterranean island of Sardegna this past Friday, as the second Giro Sardegna Gravel race unfolded with breathtaking intensity. Cyclists from around the globe battled it out on grueling routes of 117 and 76 kilometers, vying for coveted starting bibs for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships

In a dramatic showdown, 25-year-old German pro Tim Wollenberg of the PROTECTIVE FACTORY TEAM clinched the overall victory in the 117km event. After nearly three and a half hours of relentless racing, Wollenberg out-sprinted Andorra’s Lukas Baum at the finish line, securing his place among the elite. Georg Egger, another fierce competitor from Germany, rounded out the podium, finishing five minutes behind in third place.

The women’s race mirrored the excitement of the men’s event, culminating in a nail-biting sprint between two skilled athletes. Debora Piana, a multiple Italian MTB Champion representing the FOL MTB RACING TEAM, emerged victorious, crossing the finish line just 0.25 seconds ahead of her rival after a grueling 4:16:18 of head-to-head racing. Carlotta Borello finished a close second, while Barbara Guarischi, also hailing from Italy, secured third place, finishing a minute later.

The shorter 76km route saw former Italian pro Daniele Bruschi of TEAM STOCCHETTI dominate the Men’s 50-59 category, finishing with an impressive time of 2:32:12. In the women’s category, Denmark’s Mette Flecks of VELOCC seized victory, completing the course in 2:51:18.

The Giro Sardegna Gravel race not only showcased the grit and determination of its participants but also served as a critical qualifier for the upcoming 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, set to take place next October in the Netherlands. Cyclists who finished in the top 25% of their age and gender categories earned their chance to compete at this prestigious event, elevating the stakes for all involved.

Link to 2025 UCI Giro Sardegna Gravel Race Results: https://www.endu.net/it/events/girosardegnagravel/results