Joe Goettl and Flavia Oliveira Parks Triumph at BWR Utah in Cedar City
The 6th edition of the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Utah unfolded this past weekend in the red-dirt hills of southern Utah, participants prepared for a day of grit, determination, and suffering over 118 gruelling miles. through the baking dessert
This year’s BWR did not disappoint, delivering challenges that riders have come to expect: singletrack, exposed and windswept gravel, and heart-pounding moments. From the first pedal strokes, the energy was palpable as riders surged off the line, navigating the course’s infamous mix of gravel, sand, and tarmac. Feed zones offered an oasis for riders to refuel with water, snacks before diving back into the relentless grind.
The course featured a knarly singletrack section after 52 miles, complete with a jump that tested hardened riders technical skills. The race lived up to its “Hell of the South" reputation, with riders battling both the competition and the unforgiving desert elements and high temperatures into the 80's.
Attacks came thick and fast throughout the day. Daxton attacked on a downhill section after 86 miles of racing and got a gap, behind Joe Goettl and a small group of chaser caught him after 95 miles. Goettl put in a huge attack and got away and soloed to the finish.
Equipped with aero wheels Goettl soloed across the finish line, arms raised securing his first BWR title. “I wasn’t thinking about winning, just trying to stay out of trouble, eat, drink, and push when it mattered.”
His attack paid off finishing 4 minutes ahead of second placed Carter Anderson and third placed Griffin Hoppins.
In the women’s race, Flavia Oliveira Parks finally claimed the her elusive BWR victory. “Finally I've got the monkey off my back! It’s my first win at BWR, and it feels amazing.” The course, characterized by its dusty, technical terrain, suited climbers and rouleurs willing to attack.
Flavia focused on survival in the early stages, stating, “I wasn’t thinking about the winning either, I was just trying to stay fuelled and hydrate, it never lets up out there.” Her performance was not just strong; it was dominant. Behind, Courtney Sullivan Mamis p/b Incycle finished second and Melissa Aitken third some 15 minutes behind.
Friends, and families gathered along the dusty roads to cheer, hand out water, and provide that extra ounce of motivation to all the riders.
Yet again, Cedar City brought suffering, strategy, and stories that define the essence of U.S. gravel racing.
Thanks to Almsthre.com for capturing the race below.
VIDEO: BWR Utah 2025
2025 BWR Utah Men's Top 10
1- Joe Goettl (GoettlMedia/Pain Academy/GoodLife) 5h 29m 293s
2- Carter Anderson (Ventum/First Endurance) 5h 33m 28s
3- Griffin Hoppin (Dirt Camp Racing) 5h 33m 28s
4- Kyle Trudeau (Ventum, Tenac Coaching) 5h 34m 56s
5- Sean Topel 5h 35m 12s
6- Nate Knowles (ProTerra Racing) 5h 36m 26s
7- Ethan Shirey (Rouleur Development) 5h 37m 37s
8- Cassius Anderson (Marin Service Course/Argonaut) 5h 37m 37s
9- Cody Cupp (GoodLife Brands / Ari Bikes) 5h 41m 28s
10- Ryker Brand (Maybird Cycling) 5h 52m 26s