HISTORIC MOMENT IN LITHUANIA: MEGRE GRAVEL HOSTS GRAVEL EARTH SERIES
The prestigious international Gravel Earth Series circuit visited the Baltic countries for the first time
Lithuanians Eimantas Gudiskis and Daiva Ragazinskiené won at Megre Gravel in Zarasai
The Megre Gravel took place this past Saturday, August 3rd, in Zarasai, Lithuania, captivating participants and spectators alike. This event, recognized as the most competitive gravel race in the country, offered various race distances. The 150 km challenge for men and the 100 km challenge for women was part of the Gravel Earth Series, specifically, the 14th of 20 scheduled races on the calendar. Lithuanian athletes were the main protagonists of the day, with Eimantas Gudiskis and Daiva Ragazinskiené leading the rankings.
The race marked a significant milestone as the Gravel Earth Series visited the Baltic countries for the first time, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase the gravel culture and the stunning landscapes of the region. The challenge tested the endurance and skill of the riders, while the vibrant local community provided a warm and supportive atmosphere. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Zarasai Island, one of Lithuania’s most beautiful natural corners, the event highlighted the region’s charm.
The women’s battle was led by Lithuanian Daiva Ragazinskiené, who stopped the chronometer at 3h21m35s. Swedish Hanna Johansson crossed the finish line three minutes later, while Lithuanian Meike Uiterwijk closed the podium eight minutes behind the leader. The men’s podium also had a Lithuanian presence, with Eimantas Gudiskis taking first place after completing the challenge in 4h39m05s. It was a heart-stopping finish, with a sprint involving four riders. Gudiskis won in the last meter over his compatriot Rokas Kmieliauskas, who came in second, and Belgian Arno Van den Broeck, who finished third.
The winners of the Megre Gravel added 750 points to their totals, continuing to climb the overall Gravel Earth Series rankings, which consider the two best scores of the year in addition to the Gravel Earth Final result. The circuit will remain in the Baltic region, moving to Latvia for the Gravel Weekend from August 9th to 11th. This event will offer a new opportunity to celebrate gravel racing in a part of the world that has recently become the center of attention for the international gravel community.
