Vos and Vandeputte Take Victory at UCI 3RIDES Gravel Race in Germany
In a thrilling display of endurance and skill, the third edition of Germany’s 3RIDES Gravel race culminated in spectacular victories for Dutch cycling legend Marianne Vos and Belgian rising star Niels Vandeputte
The event, held in the picturesque landscapes surrounding Aachen, attracted over 1,100 gravel cycling enthusiasts, all vying for a coveted spot in the upcoming UCI Gravel World Championships.
Marianne Vos, the reigning 2024 UCI Gravel World Champion and a multi-time world champion as well as Olympic gold medalist, showcased her extraordinary prowess on the bike. The 38-year-old athlete powered away from her competitors, completing the grueling 122-kilometer course in an impressive time of 3:37:10. Vos's decisive move left her challengers in the dust, securing her place on the front row for this year's world championships.
“I felt strong throughout the race and knew I had to make my move at the right moment,” said Vos after her victory. “The 3RIDES Gravel race is a fantastic event, and I’m thrilled to have qualified for the world championships.”
Following Vos's commanding performance, Larissa Hartog and Kasper Romy fought fiercely to capture the remaining spots on the women’s podium, crossing the finish line just two minutes later. Their efforts highlighted the competitive spirit that characterized this year’s race.
In the men’s category, the battle was equally intense. A group of seven riders broke away during the final climb, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Niels Vandeputte, the 24-year-old Belgian cyclist from ALPECIN - DECEUNINCK, emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in 3:11:14, just four seconds ahead of his closest rivals, Jonas Koch and Felix Stihl.
“This race was incredibly challenging, but I pushed through to secure the win,” Vandeputte remarked. “Every second counts in gravel racing, and I’m excited to represent my country at the world championships next year.”
The 3RIDES Gravel race not only served as a platform for elite cyclists but also allowed participants to qualify for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships set to take place in the Netherlands next October. Cyclists finishing in the top 25% of their respective UCI age/gender categories earned their place in this prestigious event, further emphasizing the race’s significance in the global cycling calendar.
As the dust settles on this year’s 3RIDES Gravel race, anticipation builds for the upcoming world championships, where Vos and Vandeputte will undoubtedly be among the favorites to claim victory.
The start of the 3RIDES Gran Fondo had to be cancelled because of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Link to 2025 UCI 3RIDES Gravel Fondo Results: https://www.datasport.de/anmeldeservice/3rides2025/ergebnisse#2_4055C5