Speed, Strategy and Standout Performances: The Traka 360 & 200 Define a Key Week in Girona
Girona once again delivered one of the most important weeks in the global gravel calendar, as The Traka 360 and The Traka 200 showcased two distinct yet equally decisive chapters of the Gravel Earth Series.
From long-distance domination to explosive sprint finishes, both races reflected the evolution of modern gravel: fast, tactical, and fiercely competitive.
The Traka 360: Early Moves and Total Control
The longest competitive race of the weekend set the tone from the very beginning. Following rainfall the previous day, riders were met with compact terrain and fast-rolling gravel roads—conditions that led to an exceptionally high pace across the 325 km course with over 4,150 metres of elevation.
From the opening kilometres, the race fragmented quickly. Positioning and pacing became decisive factors, and the strongest riders imposed their rhythm early, shaping the outcome long before the final sectors.
In the women’s race, Germany’s Rosa Klöser delivered one of the most commanding performances of the season. Riding at the front throughout the day, she made her decisive move on the climb of Els Metges and never looked back, crossing the line solo in 11:27:58.
Behind her, Axelle Dubau-Prévot and Geerike Schreurs completed the podium, underlining the depth of the field in a notably faster edition compared to previous years.
The men’s race followed a similar narrative of control and timing. Denmark’s Mads Würtz Schmidt confirmed his status as one of the strongest riders in the discipline, riding within the lead group before launching a decisive move later in the race to secure victory in 9:57:38.
He was followed by Hugo Drechou and Matthew Beers, who battled closely for the remaining podium positions.
Beyond the results, the 360 once again highlighted what makes Girona unique: a landscape where there are no extreme gradients, but where rhythm, efficiency and endurance define the race.
The Traka 200: High Speed and a Dramatic Finale
If the 360 was about control and endurance, The Traka 200 brought intensity and explosive racing to the forefront.
Under sunny skies and on similarly fast terrain, the 202 km course with 2,650 metres of elevation created the perfect scenario for aggressive racing and tactical battles from the very start.
In the women’s race, the spotlight fell on a thrilling head-to-head battle between Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Larissa Hartog. Riding together for most of the day, the race was ultimately decided in the final moments, with Gomez Villafañe taking victory in 6:54:42—securing back-to-back wins at The Traka 200.
Hartog crossed just seconds later, while Nele Laing completed the podium.
The men’s race delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the week. A strong leading group stayed together into the final kilometres, setting up a high-speed sprint where Austria’s Lukas Pöstlberger emerged victorious in 6:04:41.
Behind him, Bradyn Lange and Martin Stošek crossed the line in the same time, highlighting the intensity and depth of competition at this distance.
Girona at the Heart of the Gravel Earth Series
Across both races, Girona once again proved why it is considered one of the world’s premier gravel destinations. Fast, flowing roads reward consistency and positioning, turning every moment into a tactical decision.
With nearly 5,000 riders from 75 countries taking part across all distances, The Traka continues to grow as a cornerstone of the international gravel scene.
As part of the Gravel Earth Series calendar, both the 360 and 200 play a crucial role in shaping the overall standings, adding momentum and narrative to an increasingly competitive global season.
From dominant solo efforts to sprint finishes decided in seconds, The Traka 2026 once again delivered a defining moment in the series—where speed meets strategy, and where the fight for the overall title continues to take shape.
Gravel Earth Series Standings after The Traka
The results in Girona have significantly reshaped the overall rankings, reinforcing some leaders while bringing new names into contention.
Men – Top 10
- Mads Würtz Schmidt (DNK) – 160 pts
- Hugo Drechou (FRA) – 135 pts
- Petr Vakoc (CZE) – 107 pts
- Bradyn Lange (USA) – 100 pts
- Matthew Beers (ZAF) – 80 pts
- Romain Bardet (FRA) – 75 pts
- Celestin Guillon (FRA) – 75 pts
- Wout Alleman (BEL) – 73 pts
- Benjamin Perry (CAN) – 60 pts
- Magnus Bak Klaris (DNK) – 57 pts
Women – Top 10
- Axelle Dubau-Prévot (FRA) – 146 pts
- Geerike Schreurs (NED) – 118 pts
- Larissa Hartog (NED) – 110 pts
- Sofia Gomez Villafañe (ARG) – 100 pts
- Sophie Wright (GBR) – 97 pts
- Morgan Aguirre (USA) – 96 pts
- Hanne Van Loock (BEL) – 80 pts
- Nele Johanna Laing (DEU) – 79 pts
- Elena Hartmann (SUI) – 74 pts
- Elena Dušková (SVK) – 63 pts
