Wiebes and Wellens Triumph at UCI Marly Grav Race in the Netherlands

UAE Team Emirates XRG rider Tim Wellens clinched victory at the UCI Marly Grav Race p/b Shimano on Sunday, solidifying his place at the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships

The 34-year-old Belgian cyclist completed the demanding 155km route in a remarkable time of 4:21:17, while SD Worx-Protime’s Lorena Wiebes dominated the women’s elite race, finishing with a time of 5:19:46.

Fresh off a commendable third-place finish at the prestigious Strade Bianche, Wellens showcased his prowess on the white gravel roads of Marly, Netherlands. His solo performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he crossed the finish line a full minute ahead of former Dutch pro Joris Nieuwenhuis, who secured second place in a tightly contested sprint. Belgian rider Kevin Panhuyzen and Austrian Daniel Geismayr rounded out the top four, finishing in third and fourth places, respectively.

“I’m thrilled to have secured a victory here today,” said Wellens. “The course was challenging, but the support from the fans and my team pushed me to give it my all. I’m looking forward to the World Championships in 2025.”

In the women’s elite race, 26-year-old Wiebes demonstrated her exceptional talent, claiming victory with a time of 5:19:46. However, the day’s fastest female rider was young Dutch amateur Malou Eisen from Liv Grassroot's, who completed the race in an impressive 5:13:46. Eisen’s achievement highlights the rising talent in the sport and the growing competitiveness of gravel racing.

The UCI Marly Grav Race also featured a 100km Medio route, which was won by Guyon De Garde in a time of 3:20:22. Marijke De Smedt, the reigning 2025 UCI Worthersee Gravel Medio Fondo Champion, was the first woman to finish the event, clocking in at 3:44:57.

The stakes were high, as riders finishing in the top 25% of their respective UCI age and gender categories earned qualification for the upcoming 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, set to take place in Limburg, Netherlands, on October 11-12, 2025. 

Link to 2025 UCI Marly Grav Race Results: https://live.ultimate.dk/mobile/front/?eventid=7100