FALLING LEAVES LAHTI 2025: NORDIC GRAVEL, TIGHT FINISHES, AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Finland showed once again that gravel racing can be as dramatic as it is beautiful. The NGS Falling Leaves Lahti, held on September 6th in Nastola, Päijänne Tavastia, challenged riders with a 180-kilometer course and +2,000 meters of elevation through forests painted in autumn colors. The route unfolded along quiet gravel roads framed by the clear waters of Lake Päijänne, endless pine forests, and rolling ridges shaped by glaciers, where the crisp Nordic air and fiery September tones created a breathtaking stage for competition. As one of the Gravel Earth Series’ +10% point events, the race attracted a stellar field of international and Nordic riders eager to leave their mark.
A sprint finish among men’s elites
The men’s race turned into one of the closest battles of the season. After almost five hours of intense gravel racing, no less than seven riders crossed the line within just four seconds. In the final sprint, Frederik Rassmann (Rose Racing Circle) edged out Romain Bardet and Lawrence Naesen, both finishing a single second behind.
Top 5 Men – Elite Overall
- Frederik Rassmann (Rose Racing Circle) – 4:44:23
- Romain Bardet – 4:44:24 (+0:01)
- Lawrence Naesen (Next Level Racing) – 4:44:24 (+0:01)
- Tobias Kongstad (PAS Racing) – 4:44:25 (+0:02)
- Julian Siemons (GVA GOLD) – 4:44:26 (+0:03)
A women’s race defined by grit and seconds
If the men’s finish was breathtaking, the women’s race was no less thrilling. Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx-Protime) secured the win in 5:31:19, only two seconds ahead of former world champion Annika Langvad (Specialized Off-road). Canadian rising star Lucy Hempstead (Classified Rose) completed the podium after an impressive solo chase.
Top 5 Women – Elite Overall
- Geerike Schreurs (SD Worx-Protime) – 5:31:19
- Annika Langvad (Specialized Off-road) – 5:31:21 (+0:02)
- Lucy Hempstead (Classified Rose) – 5:36:46 (+5:27)
- Hanna Nilsson (Sartoria Ciclistica Squadra Corse) – 5:37:00 (+5:41)
- Maisa Tuliniemi (Motion Finland) – 5:47:21 (+16:02)
Nordic Gravel, international flavor
The NGS Falling Leaves Lahti once again confirmed its place as one of the most unique stops in the Gravel Earth Series. Riders battled on rugged terrain surrounded by pristine lakes and pine forests, embodying the spirit of Nordic gravel. With both local heroes and international stars lighting up the race, Finland delivered an unforgettable chapter in the 2025 season.
Next Stop:
On September 13th, the Gravel Earth Series continues with two very different but equally spectacular races:
- Gravel Desert Monegros (Spain) – 169 km and +1,440 m around Grañén, in the heart of Aragón. This race is set in the Monegros desert, a land of ochre horizons and wide open plains where the tracks cut through dry riverbeds and rolling plateaus. It’s an environment that tests endurance under the sun, offering riders the unique sensation of crossing a European desert on gravel.
- Saga Gravel Race (Chile) – 153 km and +3,000 m of pure Scandinavian gravel. The course winds through deep forests, shimmering lakes, and steep ascents that showcase the raw beauty of Sweden’s landscapes. Saga is about both performance and community, blending the toughness of Nordic terrain with the warmth of cycling culture. It’s a race that celebrates nature as much as competition.
Two races, two countries, one date. From the fiery horizons of Aragón to the serene wilderness of Sweden, the Gravel Earth Series is about to experience an unforgettable double chapter.
