THE SOUL OF GRAVEL BEATS STRONG IN CANADA
From the endless skies of Alberta to the raw gravel tracks of Thorsby, Festivus of Gravel was more than a race — it was a celebration of grit, connection, and wild spirit.
WELCOME TO THORSBY
The small town of Thorsby — named after the Norse god Thor — welcomed the gravel community with open arms. Surrounded by the scenic backroads of Leduc, Brazeau and Parkland counties, the event offered riders not only a course, but a feeling — the sense that gravel is about more than distance. It’s about depth, nature, and the people you ride alongside.
The conditions? Spectacular. Clear skies, dry roads and that distinctive Canadian light that stretches forever — the perfect backdrop for a day that would test both legs and soul.
Festivus, the Canadian Way
The route lived up to expectations: 190 kilometers and 1,400 meters of elevation, winding through rolling fields, stretches of forest and wide gravel corridors. From the very start, it was clear that the pace would be high — and the performances, memorable.
At the front of the men’s field, Swiss rider Simon Pellaud of Tudor Pro Cycling proved unstoppable, crossing the line after 5 hours and 37 minutes of full-throttle gravel. Just behind him, teammate Jan Stöckli secured second place, reinforcing the Swiss team’s dominance on Canadian soil. Canadian Benjamin Perry closed the podium in third, only seconds behind, riding under the banner of Guava x Castelli S.O.G.
The top five rounded out with solid efforts from Ethan Pauly and Theo De Groote, while local icons like Cory Wallace and Adam Boyko brought grit, experience and crowd support to a highly competitive field. The level was high, but the camaraderie even higher.
In the women’s category, Lucy Hempstead, riding for Classified Rose, delivered a standout ride, finishing her 190K journey in 7 hours and 11 minutes. Behind her, Sarah McMaster and Wanda Mauricio pushed through the demanding course with resilience and determination, representing the spirit of gravel with every pedal stroke.
A COMMUNITY ON WHEELS
More than the results, it was the feeling at the finish line that defined the day: dusty smiles, shared hugs, and stories told under the watchful gaze of Thor’s statue in the heart of town. Riders came from across North America and beyond, bringing their own reasons to ride — and leaving with something shared.
Festivus captured everything gravel stands for: raw challenge, mutual respect, a connection with the land, and the joy of pushing boundaries in good company.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With Canada in our hearts, we move south to the next chapter of the Gravel Earth Series: Lost and Found in California. A new landscape. A new test.
See you on the next start line.
