MADS WÜRTZ SCHMIDT AND ROSA VAN DOORN MAKE THEIR MARK AT RANXO GRAVEL BY THE TRAKA
Ponts hosts the fifth stop of the Gravel Earth Series and the last Spanish race on the 2026 calendar
Ranxo Gravel by The Traka once again turned Ponts into one of the key stages of the international gravel season. As the fifth stop of the 2026 Gravel Earth Series and the last Spanish event on the calendar, the race brought together a world-class field for a fast, tactical and highly competitive day across the gravel roads of La Noguera and La Segarra.
Under clear skies and ideal racing conditions, riders faced the 160-kilometre Large course, with 1,930 metres of elevation gain. A route built around speed, endurance and strategy, Ranxo once again proved why it has become one of the most distinctive races in the series.
Würtz Schmidt sends a clear message in Ponts
In the men’s race, Mads Würtz Schmidt delivered a major statement. The Danish rider from Specialized Off-Road took victory in 4:34:53, confirming his status as the current rider to beat in the Gravel Earth Series.
With his victory in Ponts, Würtz Schmidt further strengthened his position at the top of the Gravel Earth Series standings. The Dane leaves Catalonia as the clear reference point of the men’s competition.
But the championship is not decided.
Behind him, Kevin Kuhn finished second in 4:39:58, 5:05 behind the winner. Julian Siemons completed the podium in 4:40:02 after a tight battle with Hugo Drechou, Joel Roth and Danny Van Lierop, with only 28 seconds separating third and sixth place.
Men’s Top 10 – PRO Large
- Mads Würtz Schmidt — 4:34:53
- Kevin Kuhn — 4:39:58
- Julian Siemons — 4:40:02
- Hugo Drechou — 4:40:09
- Joel Roth — 4:40:17
- Danny Van Lierop — 4:40:30
- Joris Nieuwenhuis — 4:43:50
- Alexander Miller — 4:44:39
- Jorge González Segurado — 4:44:40
- Jaro Bräunig — 4:44:49
Rosa van Doorn wins a thrilling women’s battle
The women’s race delivered one of the closest finishes of the day. Rosa van Doorn claimed victory after an intense battle with Morgan Aguirre, crossing the line just five seconds ahead of the American rider.
Van Doorn completed the course in 5:19:01, with Aguirre finishing in 5:19:06. Axelle Dubau-Prévot, current leader of the Gravel Earth Series women’s standings, took third place in 5:19:40, only 39 seconds behind the winner.
It was another strong reminder of the depth and international level of the women’s field, with riders from Europe, North America and Latin America represented inside the Top 10.
Women’s Top 10 – PRO Large
- Rosa van Doorn — 5:19:01
- Morgan Aguirre — 5:19:06
- Axelle Dubau-Prévot — 5:19:40
- Sophie Wright — 5:28:06
- Jana Gigele — 5:32:18
- Brody Chapman — 5:36:52
- Mónica Calderón — 5:38:12
- Hanna Nilsson — 5:47:37
- Laura Martí Selles — 5:47:54
- Sofia Schugar — 5:48:49
A key race before the series heads to California
Ranxo Gravel by The Traka was not only a major race in its own right. It also marked an important moment in the wider Gravel Earth Series narrative.
As the fifth stop of the season and the last Spanish race of the calendar, Ponts offered another clear picture of where the main contenders stand. The fast gravel roads, rolling terrain and constant tactical tension made it a perfect test before the series continues internationally.
This week, attention moves across the Atlantic to Lost & Found Gravel Festival in California, where the next chapter of the Gravel Earth Series will unfold.
Ponts confirms its place in global gravel
Ranxo Gravel has its own identity within the series. It is not defined by huge mountain passes or extreme technical sections, but by speed, positioning, endurance and the ability to manage effort over several hours of racing.
That character makes it a race where small differences matter. Every move, every group and every moment of hesitation can shape the final result.
With another successful edition completed, Ponts once again confirmed its place on the global gravel map. Ranxo Gravel by The Traka continues to bring together elite racing, local identity and the raw spirit of gravel in one of Spain’s most authentic gravel territories.
The season continues, and after Ponts, one thing is clear: Mads Würtz Schmidt has taken a big step forward. But the championship is not decided.
