Kloser and Loman Claim Victory at the Inaugural UCI Eislek Gravel in Luxembourg

Mathijs Loman of SWATT CLUB and Rosa Kloser of CANYON FACTORY RACING emerged victorious at the inaugural UCI Eislek Gravel event held on Saturday morning

This landmark race not only showcased the best of gravel cycling talent but also served as the first qualifying opportunity for the highly anticipated 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships.

From a sold-out field of 1,500 gravel cyclists, Mathijs Loman (Swatt Club), a 25-year-old Dutchman, secured first place in the men’s category after an exhilarating 115 km race that culminated in a dramatic three-way sprint. Loman crossed the finish line alongside Petr Vakoc (Canyon) and Mees Hendrikx (Heizomat Herrmann), all three clocking in at an impressive 3:27:40. The nail-biting finish highlighted the competitive spirit and tenacity of these elite athletes.

“I can’t believe it! It was an intense race right from the start, and I’m thrilled to have come out on top,” said Loman, still catching his breath post-race. “The atmosphere here in Luxembourg is electric, and I’m excited to be part of history as the first winner of the Eislek Gravel.”

In the women’s category, Rosa Kloser (Canyon Factory Racing Team), 28, made a last-minute decision to enter the race and delivered a phenomenal solo performance, finishing with a time of 3:49:50. Kloser’s victory was marked by her impressive lead over the competition, with Larissa Hartog (ZZPR.nl Orange Babies Cycling Team) of the Netherlands finishing second at 3:55:19, followed by Axelle Dubau-Prevot (Numéro 31 Par Café Du Cycliste) of France at 3:59:58.

“I’m so glad I decided to participate! Winning this race means everything to me,” Kloser remarked. “The course was challenging, but the support from the crowd and my fellow competitors pushed me to give my best effort.”

The Eislek Gravel also featured a 70 km race for older masters, where Belgians Serge Compere (Wolfpack) clinched victory for the men with a time of 2:29:21, and Marijke De Smedt (Vanomobil MTB Cycling Team) took home the women’s title, finishing in 2:37:28.

Participants who finished in the top 25% of their respective age and gender categories have now qualified to compete in the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships, set to take place next October in the Netherlands.