THE RIFT 2025: WHERE THE EARTH CRACKS
On July 19th, the small town of Hvolsvöllur, in southern Iceland, once again became the epicenter of one of the most intense and wild events on the international gravel calendar: The Rift 2025. With 200 kilometers and 2,600 meters of elevation gain, this race not only offers extra points for the Gravel Earth Series (+10%) but also delivers a raw experience that challenges both body and mind.
Between Lava, Ice, and Wind
The Rift is more than a race – it’s a journey through one of the planet’s most extreme landscapes. Riders crossed moss-covered lava fields, glacial rivers, endless volcanic plains, and mountains that seemed carved by another world. The route cuts across an active tectonic rift – hence the name – making every pedal stroke feel symbolically significant: moving forward where the Earth itself is breaking apart.
As always in Iceland, the weather was unpredictable: side winds, light rain, and bursts of sunshine that revealed distant glaciers. A mix of beauty and brutality that makes this race one of the most epic on the calendar.
A Clash of Titans
The 2025 edition delivered a thrilling duel between Danish rider Magnus Bak (PAS Racing) and Portuguese legend Tiago Ferreira (BF Vousela). The two set the pace early, trading attacks across the volcanic terrain and riding solo through long stretches. In the final kilometers, Bak managed to open a small but decisive gap, crossing the finish line in 6h 19’45”, just 51 seconds ahead of Ferreira.
Czech rider Petr Vakoč (Canyon CFR), one of the pre-race favorites, claimed third place with a strong and steady performance. Norwegian Tobias Mørch (PAS Racing) and Dutchman Adne Koster (Giant/Liv Benelux Offroad) completed the top five, finishing just four seconds apart after a tight battle to the end.
German Power in the Women’s Race
In the women’s field, it was all about German rider Rosa Klöser (MAAP / Canyon), who rode a measured and dominant race to finish in 7h 33’42”, with no rivals threatening her lead. Dutch powerhouse Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx – Protime) took second, over six minutes back, while American Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing / Orbea) claimed third with a smart ride through the more technical sectors.
Danish champion Annika Langvad (Specialized Off-Road), a legendary figure in MTB, secured fourth place, while Sophie Wright (Ribble Collective) rounded out the top five after a consistent effort across the rugged terrain.
Top 5 – The Rift 2025
Men’s Results
- Magnus Bak (PAS Racing) – 6:19:45
- Tiago Ferreira (BF Vousela) – +0:51
- Petr Vakoč (Canyon CFR) – +6:24
- Tobias Mørch (PAS Racing) – +10:25
- Adne Koster (Giant/Liv Benelux Offroad) – +10:29
Women’s Results
- Rosa Klöser (MAAP / Canyon) – 7:33:42
- Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx – Protime) – +6:33
- Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing / Orbea) – +9:18
- Annika Langvad (Specialized Off-Road) – +16:55
- Sophie Wright (Ribble Collective) – +25:40
The Rift and the GES: Where Gravel Reveals Its True Nature
The Rift is not just another race. It’s a rite of passage for any gravel rider willing to test their limits in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. It’s the purest expression of what the Gravel Earth Series stands for: wild nature, self-sufficiency, epic effort, and true community.
Once again, Iceland reminded us that there are no great feats without great landscapes. And those who crossed the finish line at The Rift 2025 did so transformed – stronger, more grounded, and more connected to the Earth beneath their wheels.
