MUD, PURE GRAVEL AND SPECTACULAR DEBUT IN TREVISO.

March 29th, Treviso (Italy) — Expectations were high for the very first edition of The Hills, and what unfolded last weekend went far beyond imagination. Rain, mud, and 180 kilometers with 2,000 meters of elevation gain turned this race into an experience as tough as it was unforgettable. A spectacular debut in the Gravel Earth Series calendar.

 

A demanding course. A day to remember.

The Veneto landscape set the perfect stage for a true gravel challenge. The terrain was wet and heavy, the climbs were steep, and every kilometer demanded focus and grit — but the views, the atmosphere, and the spirit of the race made it all worth it.

Riders gave it everything, pushing through deep mud with determination and finishing with faces covered in dirt and eyes full of pride. This was one of those days that sticks with you.

 

A global gravel celebration

With more than 1,000 participants and riders representing over 20 different nationalities, The Hills brought together a truly international field. From amateurs to pros, the gravel scene’s top athletes shared the start line — including several of the best riders in the world. It wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of the sport and the community that makes it thrive.

 

Big names, big performances

In the men’s race, Toby Perry (GBR, Classified x Rose) claimed the win in 6h14’28”, ahead of Diego Rosa (ITA, FOL MTB Racing Team) and Jasper Ockeloen (NED, Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam). Not far behind, a strong group of riders including Petr Vakoč, Tim Wollenberg, Daan Soete and Thomas De Gendt added even more prestige to the top 10.

In the women’s field, Morgan Aguirre (USA, PAS Racing / Orbea) rode with strength and control to take the win in 7h26’38”, followed by Debora Piana (ITA) and Geertje Schreurs (NED). Also shining in the top 10 were Danielle Shrosbree (GBR), Karolina Migoń (POL), Wendy Oosterwoud (NED), Anna Gabrielle Traxler (CAN), and Nathalie Eklund (SWE), showing the incredible depth of talent in this year’s field.

 

Mud everywhere. And smiles too.

Riders crossed the finish line unrecognizable — completely covered in mud, exhausted, and absolutely thrilled. Shoes full of clay, bikes twice their usual weight, and yet: high-fives, laughs, and shared looks of “Did we really just do that?” The Hills wasn’t just a race. It was a ride to remember. An honest, hard-earned day of gravel that brought riders together in the best possible way.

 

Next Stop: Terra de Campos (Spain)

The Gravel Earth Series rolls on. From Treviso’s soaked trails to the wide, dry plains of Spain, the landscape will shift — but the passion won’t.

See you out there.