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United States >> 2026 Trek UCI Gravel World Series >> Nicole Frain and Jarno Bellens fastest at 2026 UCI Turnhout Gravel
 
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Nicole Frain and Jarno Bellens fastest at 2026 UCI Turnhout Gravel

The 2026 edition of Turnhout Gravel delivered fast, tactical and aggressive racing on the forest trails and canal paths around Turnhout in Belgium

Nicole Frain and Jarno Bellens fastest at 2026 UCI Turnhout Gravel

Both the men’s and women’s elite categories offered exciting finales, shaped by decisive moves in the closing kilometers of the 144km race.

The men’s elite race saw the main selection form during the second lap, where a group of 11 riders got away. Attacks came frequently, but no rider was able to break clear until the final approach along the canal.

With 6 km to go, Jarno Bellens launched a powerful attack. Supported by teammate Robbe Mellaerts, who disrupted the chase behind, Bellens instantly opened a gap. The chasing group failed to organize, allowing Bellens to extend his lead all the way to the finish. He crossed the line with a 29-second advantage, securing a strong and well-timed victory.

Jarno Bellens launched a powerful attack. Supported by teammate Robbe Mellaerts

The women’s race remained compact deep into the final lap, with several teams well represented. Along the canal, the pace increased sharply, causing Kirstie Van Haaften, Maaike Colje, and Romy Kasper to lose contact before the decisive run-in to Turnhout. Australian Nicole Frain won in a time of 4:09:17 ahead of Anne Knijnenburg of the Netherlands crossed the line one second later in second, with compatriot Wendy Oosterwoud completing the podium in third place.

Australian Nicole Frain won in a time of 4:09:17 ahead of Anne Knijnenburg of the Netherlands crossed the line one second later in second, with compatriot Wendy Oosterwoud completing the podium in third place.

In the 72km race for masters, Belgian Ronnie Gerts was fastest in a time of 2:07:26, French women Emmanuelle Farcy was fastest in a time of 2:10:07.

From a field of over 2500 competitors, those finishing in the top 25% of their UCI age/gender category qualified for worlds championships taking place on October 10 - 11, 2026 in Nannup, Western Australia.

2026 UCI Turnout Gravel Top 10 Men

1. BELLENS Jarno 3:37:58 
2. PLUTO Martinš 3:38:27 
3. LOOCKX Lander 3:38:28 
4. PIOTR Havik 3:38:28
5. HABETS Jordan 3:38:29
6. REYNDERS Jens 3:38:29
7. DEJONGHE Len 3:38:30
8. MERLÖV Ville 3:38:31
9. MELLAERTS Robbe 3:38:31
10. PONSAERTS Thibaut 3:38:32

2026 UCI Turnout Gravel Top 10 Women

1. NICOLE FRAIN Nicole 4:09:17
2. KNIJNENBURG Annesh 4:09:18
3. OOSTERWOUD Wendy 4:09:19
4. VAN HAAFTEN Kirstie 4:09:27
5. COLJÉ Maaike Finish 4:09:28
6. KASPER Romy Finish 4:09:33
7. SERNÉ Elisa Finish 4:09:50
8. LUNDMARK Clara 4:09:58
9. GRÉGOIRE Julia 4:09:59
10. MARIBO Julie Emilie 4:10:01

Link to 2026 UCI Turnout Gravel Results: https://www.acn-timing.com/?lng=NL#/events/2156215316811229/ctx/20260322_gravel/cms/CAP

UCI Gravel World Series News