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United States >> 2026 Gravel Earth Series >> Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer 2026 Ranxo Gravel by The Traka
 
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Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer Ranxo Gravel by The Traka in a world-class day of international gravel racing

The event held in Ponts brought together some of the world's top gravel specialists and once again confirmed its status as one of the key stops on the Gravel Earth Series calendar

Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer Ranxo Gravel by The Traka in a world-class day of international gravel racing

PONTS (Spain). Ranxo Gravel by The Traka once again placed Ponts at the epicentre of international gravel racing today. The town in the La Noguera region hosted a new edition of an event that has become firmly established within the Gravel Earth Series calendar, bringing together some of the world's leading gravel specialists for a day marked by high-level competition, fast racing and ideal weather conditions.

Under clear blue skies and with perfect temperatures for racing, participants tackled the gravel roads and tracks of La Noguera and La Segarra in a setting that showcased the region in its purest form. Vast horizons, fast-rolling gravel roads and the rural character that defines the identity of Ranxo Gravel once again took centre stage in a day that combined athletic performance, endurance and tactical racing.

The event maintained its flagship 160-kilometre course featuring 1,930 metres of elevation gain for the Large category, the stage for the PRO competition and the sporting benchmark of the event. It was on this route that both the men's and women's races unfolded, delivering on the expectations generated by one of the strongest fields of the season.

Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer Ranxo Gravel by The Traka in a world-class day of international gravel racing

Würtz Schmidt confirms his dominance in the Gravel Earth Series

The men's race was highlighted by the victory of Danish rider Mads Würtz Schmidt (Specialized Off-Road), who lived up to his status as the leader of the Gravel Earth Series by claiming victory in Ponts with a time of 4:34:53. The winner once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the leading figures in international gravel racing and strengthened his position at the top of the overall standings.

The battle for the podium was particularly intense. Swiss rider Kevin Kuhn (Heizomat-Cube) crossed the finish line in second place just over five minutes behind the winner, while Belgian rider Julian Siemons completed the podium after a tightly contested finish that saw several riders separated by only a handful of seconds.

Among the day's leading protagonists was also Frenchman Hugo Drechou (Gravel Nation), one of the riders expected to challenge for the Gravel Earth Series overall title, who finished fourth. Close behind came Joel Roth, Danny Van Lierop and Joris Nieuwenhuis in a race characterised by the remarkable competitiveness of the chasing group.

The men's Top 10 was completed by Alexander Miller, Jorge González Segurado and Jaro Bräunig, further highlighting the international depth and sporting quality on display at this year's edition.

Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer Ranxo Gravel by The Traka in a world-class day of international gravel racing

Rosa van Doorn triumphs in a thrilling women's battle

The women's race delivered one of the closest finishes of the day. Dutch rider Rosa van Doorn (BUFF-BH Team) claimed victory after completing the course in 5:19:01, edging out American rider Morgan Aguirre by just five seconds following an intense battle that lasted throughout the race.

Third place went to French rider Axelle Dubau-Prévot (Education First-Oatly), leader of the Gravel Earth Series women's standings, who crossed the finish line only 39 seconds behind the winner, keeping the fight for the international series wide open.

Among the standout performers were also British rider Sophie Wright, who finished fourth, and Austrian rider Jana Gigele, who claimed fifth place. The women's Top 10 once again reflected the event's international dimension, featuring riders from Europe, North America and Latin America.

Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa van Doorn conquer Ranxo Gravel by The Traka in a world-class day of international gravel racing

A strategic fixture within the Gravel Earth Series

Ranxo Gravel by The Traka once again demonstrated its importance within the international Gravel Earth Series calendar. The presence of series leaders, riders ranked among the world's best and several of the sport's most prominent teams confirmed the significant role the Catalan event has acquired within the global gravel scene.

The Ponts course offers a distinctive profile within the circuit. Unlike races defined by high mountains or highly technical terrain, Ranxo combines fast gravel roads, rolling terrain and accumulated fatigue, forcing riders to carefully manage their efforts for more than four hours of racing. This characteristic makes the event an ideal benchmark for assessing the form of the leading contenders for the Gravel Earth Series title.

Ponts reinforces its place on the International Gravel Map

With thousands of kilometres of gravel roads crossing the agricultural landscapes of La Noguera and La Segarra, Ponts once again became a meeting point for riders from across the world. Its local identity, strong connection to the territory and the organisational expertise of The Traka remain some of the defining features of an event that has carved out a unique personality within the rapidly growing international gravel calendar.

This year's edition also leaves the image of a perfect day with with sunshine, fast terrain and ideal racing conditions, reinforcing the connection between sport, landscape and community that defines Ranxo Gravel by The Traka.

2026 Ranxo Gravel by The Traka Top 10 PRO Men
 
1 Mads Würtz Schmidt (Specialized Off-Road) – 4:34:53
2 Kevin Kuhn (Heizomat-Cube) – 4:39:58
3 Julian Siemons (GVA Gold) – 4:40:02
4 Hugo Drechou (Gravel Nation) – 4:40:09
5 Joel Roth (BIXS Race Team) – 4:40:17
6 Danny Van Lierop (Heizomat-Cube) – 4:40:30
7 Joris Nieuwenhuis (Heizomat-Cube) – 4:43:50
8 Alexander Miller (SWATT Club) – 4:44:39
9 Jorge González Segurado (ARVO CLLCTV Orbea) – 4:44:40
10 Jaro Bräunig (Pushbikers) – 4:44:49
 
2026 Ranxo Gravel by The Traka Top 10 PRO Women
 
1 Rosa van Doorn (BUFF-BH Team) – 5:19:01
2 Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing) – 5:19:06
3 Axelle Dubau-Prévot (Education First-Oatly) – 5:19:40
4 Sophie Wright (Ribble Outliers) – 5:28:06
5 Jana Gigele – 5:32:18
6 Brody Chapman – 5:36:52
7 Mónica Calderón (Massi ISB Sport) – 5:38:12
8 Hanna Nilsson (ARVO Collective) – 5:47:37
9 Laura Martí Selles (Team Movistar Gravel Squad) – 5:47:54
10 Sofia Schugar (MAAP) – 5:48:49