🇺🇸 Gravel Worlds (USA) – A High-Speed Battle

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to bounce back with a strong revenge ride from Leadville, but sometimes the body decides otherwise. Here is the recap from a blazing fast edition of Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.

The Course & Dynamics

It was a lightning-fast day in the land of corn. We raced 240 kilometers in just over 6 hours, averaging a massive 39 km/h! Due to heavy rain the night before the event, the organizers opted for the "wet route." This meant bypassing all the notoriously sticky Minimum Maintenance Roads (MMR), or as we call them, Mega Muddy Roads. Because of this change, the event felt much more like a highly tactical, high-speed road race than a traditional gravel grinder.

The Physical Battle

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to perform at my absolute best. I suffered from severe stomach issues, perhaps the local tap water, for the first 200 kilometers. It caused a complete gastric blockage, leaving me with absolutely no energy in my legs. When racing at 40 km/h on rolling terrain, not being able to fuel properly makes every pedal stroke a massive challenge. It became a mental game of pure resilience just to stay in the mix with the front group.

The Finale & The Takeaway

Thankfully, my sensations finally started to improve a bit in the final hour of racing. However, I unfortunately missed the decisive move when Torbjørn Røed and a few others launched a strong attack about 30 kilometers from the finish line. With the breakaway up the road, the dynamic shifted. I fought to the end and crossed the line in 14th place, finishing within the main group that was sprinting for the 3rd spot on the podium.

While it is frustrating not to capitalize on my current form, holding on at that extreme pace while battling a 200km stomach block is a solid takeaway. A huge thank you to all of you, the equipment handled the intense speeds perfectly, even when my body was struggling to keep up.

What’s next?

I am channeling all this frustration into motivation for the next battle.
Next stop is Gravel Worlds on August 22nd, here in the USA. I will be lining up with fire in my legs.

Thank you for standing by me, through the highs and the lows.

Ride the Line,