The 2026 Gravel Earth Series season moved into its third chapter with the return of Gravel Desert by The Traka, a race that once again transformed the vast landscapes of Los Monegros into a high-speed battlefield for some of the world’s strongest gravel riders.
Set in one of Europe’s most distinctive territories, the event offered a unique combination of fast terrain, open horizons and raw desert atmosphere, bringing together elite competition and community in a setting that continues to grow in international relevance .
Across the Gravel Earth Series distance – 167 km and 1,500 m+ – riders faced a course defined not by steep climbs, but by relentless pace, exposure and positioning, where small differences could quickly become decisive.
Under cloudy skies that softened the usual harsh desert conditions, the race unfolded at an exceptionally high speed from the very first kilometres, setting the tone for a day where tactics and endurance would prove just as important as raw power .
Würtz Schmidt takes control in the desert
In the men’s race, part of the Gravel Earth Series, Mads Würtz Schmidt (Specialized Off-Road) delivered a commanding performance to secure victory in 4:21:32.
The Danish rider made the decisive move with a solo breakaway, opening a gap that would prove impossible to close. Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium positions remained tight until the finish line, with Hugo Drechou (Gravel Nation) and Célestin Guillon (Gravel Nation) sprinting for second and third, separated by just seconds.
The result confirms Würtz Schmidt’s strong start to the season, reinforcing his position as one of the key contenders in the Gravel Earth Series overall ranking.
Further back, a large and competitive chasing group completed the top positions, reflecting both the high level of the field and the tactical complexity of racing in such fast and exposed terrain.
Schreurs dominates the women’s race
In the women’s competition, Geerike Schreurs (Specialized Off-Road) controlled the race with authority, securing victory in 5:12:51.
The Dutch rider built a decisive advantage over the course, managing her effort with precision to stay ahead of Axelle Dubau-Prévot (EF Education–Oatly) and Hanne Van Loock (Reverb Cycling Team), who completed the podium after a strong and consistent performance.
The race once again highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of the women’s field, with a tightly contested top 10 and increasingly strategic racing dynamics within the Gravel Earth Series.
Los Monegros: a defining gravel landscape
Beyond the results, Gravel Desert once again confirmed the unique identity of Los Monegros as a gravel destination.
Wide open tracks, salt lagoons and endless horizons created a racing environment where riders had to constantly manage exposure, positioning and rhythm. The absence of major elevation did not make the course easier — instead, it amplified the importance of strategy and endurance.
From the early morning light to the stark desert atmosphere, the event delivered a distinctive experience that continues to set it apart within the international calendar .
The Gravel Earth Series begins to take shape
With three events now completed, the Gravel Earth Series standings are starting to define the early contenders for the 2026 title.
Men – Top 10 after Gravel Desert by The Traka
- Mads Würtz Schmidt – 100 pts
- Hugo Drechou – 84 pts
- Petr Vakoc – 84 pts
- Célestin Guillon – 72 pts
- Bradyn Lange – 58 pts
- Romain Bardet – 42 pts
- Matthew Beers – 36 pts
- Jonas Lindberg – 32 pts
- Wout Alleman – 31 pts
- Diego Rosa – 31 pts
Women – Top 10 after Gravel Desert by The Traka
- Axelle Dubau-Prévot – 95 pts
- Hanne Van Loock – 80 pts
- Geerike Schreurs – 74 pts
- Sophie Wright – 73 pts
- Larissa Hartog – 68 pts
- Morgan Aguirre – 58 pts
- Elena Duskova – 51 pts
- Sofia Gomez Villafane – 50 pts
- Elena Hartmann – 47 pts
- Nele Johanna Laing – 43 pts
The results in Los Monegros have further intensified the competition, with several riders consolidating their positions while others continue to close the gap.
Gravel Desert 2026 has once again demonstrated the essence of gravel racing: speed, strategy and adaptation to the terrain.
From decisive solo attacks to tightly contested podiums, the race delivered a compelling chapter in the Gravel Earth Series calendar, reinforcing its status as a key event on the international gravel scene.
As the season progresses, the battle for the overall title continues to build, with each race adding new layers to an increasingly competitive narrative.
