KAROLINA MIGON AND SIMEN NORDAHL SVENDSEN, KINGS OF THE GRAVEL EARTH SERIES

Ranxo Gravel crowned the champions of the Gravel Earth Series in Ponts after 20 thrilling races across 13 countries

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Ranxo Gravel became the stage for the grand finale of the Gravel Earth Series, closing an epic season that spanned 13 countries and explored some of the world’s most fascinating landscapes over the course of the 20 scheduled races. The rain that fell on Saturday, October 12, in Ponts, the epicenter of the event in the heart of Catalonia, left the terrain in ideal conditions for gravel racing. However, on Sunday, the best cyclists on the planet battled under a radiant sun for the final showdown. Ranxo Gravel crowned Norwegian Simen Nordahl Svendsen and Polish Karolina Migon as the new king and queen of the Gravel Earth Series, on a day when American Griffin Easteralso shone brightly.

The day promised excitement from the start. The Large course, spanning 160 kilometers with 1700 meters of elevation, would be the final chapter after months of competitions around the world, from the United States to Kenya passing through Europe and Latin America. Ranxo Gravel would test the endurance and skill of all participants with the title at stake. Victory in Ponts was the most coveted of the season, as it awarded extra points in a final classification that took into account the two best scores of the season plus the outcome of the Gravel Earth Final.

American Griffin Easter shone in Ranxo on the day Simen Nordahl Svendsen was crowned champion of the Gravel Earth Series

In the men’s category, many athletes had a shot at the ultimate glory of the Gravel Earth Series. There were numerous possible outcomes depending on the results of the various riders. However, as the kilometers passed, no clear favorite emerged. The race was led by a large group, which slowly lost riders, with all the favorites well-positioned. After the last checkpoint, just 20 kilometers from the finish, the race was still led by a group of nine cyclists, with chasers just seconds behind. In fact, the differences at the finish line were minimal.

The race was decided by small details, one of which was the extra strength of Griffin Easter. Attacks came one after another, but it was the American’s move that created a gap at the precise moment when there was no time for a response. He stopped the clock at 4h50m58s to claim the most prestigious victory of the season and move up to second place in the final standings of the Gravel Earth Series. He finished second because Norwegian Simen Nordahl Svendsen did not miss the opportunity to claim the coveted crown. He arrived in Ponts as the overall leader, alongside a competitive Hugo Drechou, who finished seventh and closed out the top five in the overall standings. The second place finish in Ponts allowed Svendsen to remain on top. He achieved this by sprinting past American Peter Stetina, who also took third place in the series standings. Both crossed the finish line a minute and thirty seconds behind Griffin Easter. From that point on, the gaps were insignificant: less than a minute separated second from ninth place. Finally, Italian Mattia de Marchi secured fourth place, closing the season in the same position.

Polish Karolina Migon secures a double victory in Ponts: Ranxo champion and Gravel Earth Series winner

In the women’s category, one name stood out above the rest: Karolina Migon. The Polish rider arrived in Ponts as the sole leader, but she did not play it safe, opting instead to race the Gravel Earth Final in search of another victory. It’s said that the best defense is a good offense. At the midpoint of the race, where some of the favorites encountered setbacks, Migon found herself in the lead alongside British Danielle Shrosbree, Danish Klara Sofie Skovgard, and American Morgan Aguirre. The four riders shared the spotlight for much of the course until the decisive moment arrived.

The last kilometers sealed the outcome. Klara Sofie Skovgard, in third place, and Danielle Shrosbree, in fourth, dropped from the lead group, while Morgan Aguirre continued to follow Karolina Migon, who appeared to have an extra edge. In the end, the American couldn’t keep up in the final stages, falling behind under the relentless attacks of the Polish rider. Karolina Migon celebrated her triumphant solo arrival in Ponts after 5h44m11s of effort, securing the double crown: she inscribed her name in the history of Ranxo Gravel while also claiming the Gravel Earth Series title. Morgan Aguirre crossed the line in second, less than a minute behind, which allowed her to climb to second place in the overall standings, an honor she shared with her compatriot Sarah Sturm, who finished fifth in the race. The top five of the overall Gravel Earth Series standings were completed by Klara Sofie Skovgard and Danielle Shrosbree, demonstrating the importance of a strong performance in Ranxo Gravel.

Ranxo Gravel was not only the conclusion of a historic season, but also a true celebration of the passion for gravel in its purest form. The endless landscapes and rich history of this Catalonian region provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable event. In addition to the Gravel Earth Final, the organization offered two additional courses to provide a complete experience for riders of all levels. The winners of the Medium course of 105 kilometers with 1300 meters of elevation were Daniel Bonello, finishing in 3h35m53s, and Elena Duskova, who crossed the line in 3h59m38s. Finally, the shortest and most explosive race of the day, the Short course of 67 kilometers with 1050 meters of elevation, saw Toni Comas finish in 2h25m17s and Victoire Brenez in 2h57m42s as the day’s standout riders.

The Gravel Earth Series go beyond competition, representing a unique opportunity to discover the world’s most stunning gravel destinations while enjoying the sport in its purest form. Every event on the calendar has not only offered a sporting challenge, but also the chance to share an unforgettable experience with a passionate community. Without the values of camaraderie that unite the cyclists, the Gravel Earth Series would not have the same meaning, as in each race the spirit of adventure and respect for nature are just as important as the pursuit of victory.