WILDERNESS, GRIT AND GLORY IN OREGON
Five stages. One adventure. Countless memories.
From June 25th to 29th, Bend once again delivered one of the most iconic multi-stage gravel races in the world: the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder. Set in the untamed forests and high desert of the American Pacific Northwest, this five-day race is more than just a competition—it’s a journey into raw endurance, camaraderie, and nature.
Riders sleep in tents at the campsites each night, immersed in the wild beauty of the region, sharing meals and stories under the stars. This pioneer-style setup is part of what makes Oregon Trail a unique pillar in the Gravel Earth Series: it’s about racing, yes—but also about living the experience together, day after day, pedal stroke after pedal stroke.
Stage by Stage Through Oregon
- Stage 1: 100 km +1,000 m
- Stage 2: 148 km +1,450 m
- Stage 3: 49 km +915 m (22 km of timed segments)
- Stage 4: 133 km +2,900 m
- Stage 5: 116 km +2,080 m
The stages took riders through towering pines, dusty switchbacks, alpine meadows, and brutally steep climbs. Oregon doesn’t hold back—and neither did the riders.
Dominant Performances and Unshakable Focus
In the Pro Elite Women’s field, Sofía Gómez Villafañe was unstoppable. The Argentinian rider won all five stages with impressive consistency and clarity of purpose. Only Cécile Lejeune and Sarah Sturm were able to remain within striking distance, but Sofía left no doubt: her focus and hunger for victory are unmatched.
Top 5 Pro Elite Women
- Sofía Gómez Villafañe (Specialized Off-Road) – 20:09:14
- Cécile Lejeune (CCB p/b LLG) – +02:35
- Sarah Sturm (Specialized/SRAM/Rapha) – +13:00
- Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing x Orbea) – +43:08
- Danni Shrosbree (Castelli SOG / Argon 18) – +1:15:41
In the Pro Elite Men’s field, Cameron Jones (Scott Sports USA) made his intentions clear from the very first stage: he came to win. Fresh off a big result at Unbound, he charged through the Oregon terrain with strength and precision. Skyler Taylor remained dangerously close, and Robert Britton, a rider who always thrives when the stages get longer and tougher, delivered a solid third place.
Top 5 Pro Elite Men
- Cameron Jones (Scott Sports USA) – 17:21:59
- Skyler Taylor (Above Category / Sarto / Q36.5) – +02:18
- Robert Britton (Factor – OVRLND pb Castelli SOG) – +10:16
- Payson McElveen (Allied Cycle Works) – +19:13
- Griffin Easter (OpiCure Gravel p/b Orbea and Castelli SOG) – +25:56
More Than a Race
The Oregon Trail Gravel is a reminder that gravel can still be wild. That a race can also be a personal quest. That sharing a campsite under Oregon’s starry sky with fellow racers is just as memorable as standing on the podium. It’s not just about the finish line—it’s about every moment in between.
This is what Gravel Earth Series is made of.
