AUVINEN AND HENTTALA WIN IN FINLAND, THE LAST BATTLE BEFORE THE GRAVEL EARTH FINAL
Riders traversed stunning UNESCO geopark landscapes in the heart of Finland
Falling Leaves Lahti was the final chance to secure crucial points before the Gravel Earth Final
The Falling Leaves Lahti in Finland marked the final event of the Gravel Earth Series calendar before the highly anticipated Gravel Earth Final in Ponts, Spain, set to take place over the weekend of October 12-13. The Ranxo Gravel will crown the second-ever champions of one of the planet’s most prestigious gravel racing circuits. The final standings will be determined by the riders’ best two scores of the season, combined with their performance in the Grand Final.
The Finnish challenge, held on Saturday, September 21, was the last opportunity for riders to secure crucial points heading into the final showdown. As one of the five races classified as a Gravel Earth Global event, it awarded a significant 1,000 points to the winners of both the men’s and women’s categories, making it a pivotal race for anyone aiming to improve their standings ahead of the Gravel Earth Final. A strong performance in Finland could catapult competitors up the rankings.
The Falling Leaves Lahti took place in the stunning Lahti and Salpausselkä UNESCO Geopark region, offering a beautiful backdrop as riders raced through autumn-colored gravel roads, forest paths, and challenging trails. The area provided a memorable blend of pristine scenery and tough competition, as cyclists pushed through demanding terrains amidst fields, forests, and breathtaking fall foliage.
The men’s victory stayed at home, with Finland’s Markus Auvinen crossing the finish line first with a time of 5h00m18s. Auvinen held off fierce competition from France’s Andre Mifsud, who finished second, and Belgian riders Greg Van Avermaet and Julian Siemons, who came third and fourth, respectively. Swiss rider Nils Correvon rounded out the top five. The race was nothing short of a thriller, with less than a minute separating the top six riders. It was a closely fought battle where the last kilometers made all the difference.
In the women’s race, Lotta Henttala claimed the top spot with a time of 6h33m39s. The Finnish rider secured a narrow victory over Britain’s Maddy Nutt, who finished just over a minute behind. Reigning Gravel Earth Series champion Annabel Fisher, also from Britain, took third place in a highly competitive field. With such impressive performances, all eyes will be on these top riders as they head into the series’ Gravel Earth Final in Ponts.
After 19 races held in 13 countries around the globe, only the Grand Final at Ranxo Gravel remains to decide who will be crowned the new king and queen of the Gravel Earth Series.
