CORE4 2025: MUD, MIDWEST LANDSCAPES AND SPRINT FINISHES IN IOWA
The Gravel Earth Series crossed the Atlantic once again, this time landing in Iowa City, USA, for the fourth edition of CORE4. Known for its demanding mix of gravel, singletrack and, this year, thick layers of Midwest mud, the race delivered drama and decisive battles across both elite categories. Riders faced not only the rivals on their wheels but also the rolling farmland, green cornfields, and forest trails that shape the unique identity of this event.
As the sun broke through heavy clouds, the course offered a raw mix of wide-open gravel roads and technical wooded sections, with the changing conditions turning CORE4 into an unforgettable experience for riders and spectators alike. Adding extra spice, CORE4 debuted on the Gravel Earth Series calendar with 10% bonus points, making every pedal stroke even more valuable.
Women’s Race: Klöser edges Schreurs in a WorldTour showdown
In the women’s elite field, the spotlight was on two of Europe’s finest road and gravel specialists. Rosa Klöser (Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto) showed once again that she is in remarkable form, outsprinting Dutch rival Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx–Protime) after more than five hours of racing.
The pair battled through muddy stretches and across the lush Iowa countryside, offering a contrast of grit and beauty that defines CORE4. It was Klöser’s second consecutive victory in the Gravel Earth Series, confirming her as one of the strongest riders of the season. Behind the leading duo, consistency paid off for Emily Joy Newsom (PAS Racing), who secured third place, just ahead of teammate Morgan Aguirre. Sarah Sturm (Specialized/SRAM/Rapha) rounded out the top five.
Men’s Race: Gagne powers clear in the mud
The men’s race turned into a showcase of raw power and tactical patience. Canadian rider Julien Gagne (DEVINCI) attacked on the muddiest sections of the back half of the course, carving his way through forested tracks and sweeping gravel roads. With every turn, the race reflected the Midwest’s rugged charm—fields stretching to the horizon, muddy trails that tested bike handling, and a finish framed by Iowa’s local community spirit.
Adam Roberge (Felt UN1TD) fought hard to secure second, while Denmark’s Tobias Kongstad (PAS Racing) crossed in third place. Even with third, Kongstad was among the day’s big winners, as the podium moved him closer to the top spots of the overall Gravel Earth Series standings, still led by Piotr Havik (Classified Factory Team).
Results – CORE4 2025
Women
- Rosa Klöser (Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto) – 5:12:38
- Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx–Protime) – 5:12:41
- Emily Joy Newsom (PAS Racing) – 5:18:32
- Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing) – 5:19:38
- Sarah Sturm (Specialized/SRAM/Rapha) – 5:24:57
Men
- Julien Gagne (DEVINCI) – 4:36:54
- Adam Roberge (Felt UN1TD) – 4:38:56
- Tobias Kongstad (PAS Racing) – 4:39:30
- Hugo Drechou (Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste) – 4:48:09
- Ethan Overson (PRO.FWD) – 4:49:43
A series that grows stronger
With CORE4 now part of the Gravel Earth Series calendar, riders and fans experienced the authentic spirit of Midwest gravel: endless horizons, farm roads that turn to mud in an instant, and a community that embraces every rider. Iowa’s natural scenery gave CORE4 a character of its own, mixing toughness with beauty.
For Klöser and Gagne, victory in Iowa was a statement of strength. For the Gravel Earth Series, it was proof that gravel knows no borders—whether on European cobbles, African savannahs, or the heartland landscapes of the United States.
Next stop: Gravel Worlds
The journey across American gravel is far from over. On 23 August 2025, the series heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, for the legendary Gravel Worlds. Riders will face 241.5 km with 3,050 m of elevation, earning +20% points on the standings.
From Iowa’s muddy trails to Nebraska’s rolling hills and endless horizons, Gravel Worlds will set the stage for another decisive battle in this year’s Gravel Earth Series.
