GRAVEL DESERT MONEGROS 2025: HIGH SPEED IN THE HEART OF THE MONEGROS DESERT
For the first time, Gravel Desert Monegros joined the Gravel Earth Series calendar, bringing riders to the spectacular Monegros Desert in Aragón for a true test of speed and endurance. The 2025 edition challenged participants with 169 km and 1,440 m of elevation gain, demanding both strength and strategy from start to finish.
This debut was more than just a race – it was an opportunity to showcase one of Spain’s most striking territories. The endless tracks, open horizons, and the stark, arid beauty of the Monegros Desert created the perfect stage for a day of intense competition. Racing here is a unique experience where tactics, teamwork, and determination shape the outcome.
From the first kilometer, the pace was fast and unrelenting. The lead group stayed tight until the final stretch, where everything came down to a dramatic sprint finish that defined the podium.
Men’s Results
The men’s race ended with a thrilling three-way finish. Tim Wollenberg (BIXS Far Out Cycling) claimed the inaugural Gravel Desert GES victory in 04:38:10 at an impressive 33.86 km/h average speed. Arno Van Den Broeck (Classified x Rose) and Ole Bjørn Smisethjell (Molde CK) crossed the line with the same time, taking second and third place.
Top 10 Men:
4. Corey Davis – BIXS Far Out Cycling – 04:38:17
5. Haimar Zubeldia Agirre – Zarautzko Zikloturista Elkartea – 04:38:17
6. Roth Joel – BIXS Far Out Cycling – 04:43:20
7. Griffin Easter – Opicure Foundation Gravel p/b Orbea and Castelli SOG – 04:43:20
8. Bruno Garcés Latre – Huesca La Magia – 04:43:22
9. Stanley Ngugi – Team Amani – 04:43:23
10. Benjamin Metcalfe – Independent – 04:46:56
Women’s Results
The women’s race saw Esmée Peperkamp take a commanding win, completing the course in 05:14:52 with an average speed of 29.92 km/h. Lucía González Blanco (Nesta-MMR Cycling Team) and Gabby Traxler (Enough Cycling Collective) battled closely for the remaining podium spots, finishing just six seconds apart.
Top 7 Women:
4. Lucy Hempstead – Classified Rose – 05:21:39
5. Elena Duskova – Independent – 05:27:38
6. Nicolien Luijsterburg – UPV Women’s Cycling Team – 05:32:39
7. Sofía Rodríguez Revert – Nesta-MMR Cycling Team – 05:48:53
A Memorable Debut
The first appearance of Gravel Desert Monegros in the Gravel Earth Series was a celebration of Aragón’s iconic Monegros Desert. The combination of high-speed racing, challenging terrain, and a breathtaking setting made this debut one to remember for riders and fans alike.
Next stop: Ranxo Gravel – September 28, Ponts. The Last Dance.
