Johnston and Appleton Claim Victory at UCI Devils Cardigan

In a thrilling display of endurance and skill, Brendan Johnston (GIANT) and Talia Appleton (PRATIES CYCLING TEAM) emerged victorious at the UCI Devils Cardigan, held on Saturday, solidifying their spots in the upcoming 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships

Brendan Johnston, a seasoned competitor, showcased his prowess on the 106-kilometer course, completing the grueling race in a remarkable time of 3:24:12. The 33-year-old gravel specialist, who had already made headlines by winning both UCI Gravel World Series races in Australia last year, continued his winning streak by outpacing Tasman Nankervis by three minutes. Scott Bowden and Mark O’Brien followed closely behind, finishing just a minute apart in a fierce contest for the podium.

“I’m thrilled to have secured my place in the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships,” said Johnston. “The competition was fierce, especially with the challenging terrain of Tasmania. I pushed myself to the limit, and it feels incredible to come out on top.”

In the women’s race, 19-year-old sensation Talia Appleton also demonstrated her formidable talent, crossing the finish line solo in 4:03:15. Appleton’s victory was hard-fought, with seasoned competitor Tiffany Cromwell finishing in second place at 4:07:25, and Holly Harris taking third in 4:28:33. The young New Zealander’s performance marks her as a rising star in the world of gravel racing.

“This victory means so much to me,” Appleton stated. “It’s an honor to compete against such talented athletes, and I’m excited about the opportunity to represent my country at the world championships.”

The event also featured a 54-kilometer medio distance race, where junior racer Dylan Locke (HOBART WHEELERS/DIRT DEVILS) claimed overall victory in an impressive time of 2:04:17. On the women’s side, Jayne Grubits (SHREDDING BETTIES) took the lead, finishing in 2:29:48. Their performances highlight the growing talent among younger cyclists in the gravel racing discipline.

All competitors finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender categories secured qualification for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, set to take place in the Netherlands next October, further elevating the stakes and excitement surrounding the Devils Cardigan event.

Link to 2025 UCI Devils Cardigan Results: https://my.raceresult.com/333741/results