{"id":2189734,"date":"2026-10-10T08:28:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T05:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2189734"},"modified":"2026-10-10T08:28:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T05:28:48","slug":"matt-beers-ready-to-chase-a-medal-of-any-kind-as-he-picks-shot-at-gravel-world-championships-glory-over-life-time-grand-prix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2189734","title":{"rendered":"Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-2400-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bEqbM25pk83yhqUdBq6XqT-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I don\u2019t think it\u2019s my responsibility to finance that&#8217; \u2013 Gravel pros forced to buy their own kit and fund travel to Australia for World Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Beers\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T08:28:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">South African also says if his Specialized Off-Road teammates are out front on Sunday, &#8216;I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Michal Cerveny\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d2804a3a-c46b-11f1-9171-59bcfcbed14d\">When we asked Matt Beers what he still wanted to achieve in his career, there was no hesitation: &#8220;A World Championship medal is the one thing that had alluded me&#8217;. The UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup has provided the perfect opportunity for the gravel rider and mountain biker to change that.<\/p>\n<p>The South African hasn&#8217;t been a regular at the UCI Gravel World Championships, which is usually dominated at the pointy end by road riders, last riding the event in the opening year of 2022 and instead keeping his focus on the Life Time Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2804a3a-c46b-11f1-9171-59bcfcbed14d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, though, offered a compelling reason to change course, not just for Beers but in fact for the whole Specialized Off-Road team who had mapped out attending the race in Western Australia at the start of the season. So Beers made the trip, with a couple of weeks pre-race to get settled, a support team, plus fellow Life Time competitors and leaders Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e, and European-based Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Geerike Schreurs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Australia is kind of a level playing field for everyone,&#8221; Beers told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>at the Specialized team&#8217;s Nannup base, a peaceful abode just out of town where they were relaxing after having been out riding the final loop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We all have to deal with jet lag, we all have to deal with the travel, the terrain is different to everyone, besides obviously the Australians with local knowledge, but I think that it really does level it out for the Europeans and the US riders, or myself as a South African, because you&#8217;re always stronger on home turf. It&#8217;s the same food, the climate,&#8221; said Beers, adding that there was also that he had never been to Australia and &#8220;it looked awesome&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Clash of the calendars \u2013 Systems collide with riders forced to choose between Life Time Grand Prix and UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And Beers has committed fully to the task. Most of his fellow Life Time Grand Prix competitors at the race were using Little Sugar MTB as their one permitted drop round for the six-race series, Beers however decided to give the prior Chequamegon a miss as well, which meant he was out of the series which for many years has been a core of his season, along with the Cape Epic which he has won four times.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I decided I had make a call on the Grand Prix, just because of travel and it was kind of &#8216;Should I just be average at everything, or really put focus on the World Champs and try my best on a course that I think I can do quite well at&#8217;,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;And I chose that path. Whether it&#8217;s the right one, we don&#8217;t know. We&#8217;ll see. But that&#8217;s the bed I&#8217;ve made.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You could question both ways of doing it, if I decided to do Life Time, I would maybe be like, &#8216;Oh man, I could have had a World Champ by now&#8217;&#8230; I don&#8217;t know, it can kind of be both ways.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with the decision made and the Life Time Grand Prix now waiting for next year, Sunday will be the arbiter when he lines up in the kit of South Africa on a course that is 85% gravel and 144km long with 3,713m of vertical gain.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"not-riding-for-nor-against-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Not riding for, nor against<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e64fcbc-c46c-11f1-bd77-4d64a3a96028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a race that in many ways Beers says favour his style, with smaller numbers and no &#8220;crazy bunches&#8221; to deal with as the rider chases his target of a &#8220;medal of any kind&#8221;, but what about all the climbing?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of climbing, but it&#8217;s the kind of climbing I&#8217;m used to \u2013 five to eight minutes is the longest climb,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;I would say it&#8217;s very mountain bike-esque, just the way the terrain is &#8230; It&#8217;s not climbing where it&#8217;s accumulated in two climbs. It&#8217;s just multiple.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be hard on the longer climbs for me to hang on to the little 60 kilo whippets. But eight minutes, I would say, is kind of my max of what I can hang on. So I&#8217;m quite confident that I&#8217;ll be able to follow most of the moves if I ride smart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year has been another strong one for Beers, who as well as winning at Cape Epic with partner Tristan Nortje, has come second at Unbound and third at The Traka, while also being an extraordinarily valuable teammate for winner W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even though it is Specialized Off-Road that is supporting the team riders to come out to this race, and it lines up with three key favourites in Beers, Swenson and W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, the reality on Sunday is that they will all be wearing different jerseys \u2013 those of South Africa, the United States and Denmark.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How does that work on the gravel roads of the Blackwood Valley as all three chase a world title?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I guess we don&#8217;t really know, but I mean for sure, we&#8217;re not going to ride for each other, but we&#8217;re also not going to ruin each other&#8217;s chances per se,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;If Mads or Keegan is off the front, I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Clash of the calendars \u2013 Systems collide with riders forced to choose between Life Time Grand Prix and UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m kind of nervous&#8217; \u2013 Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Young USCX champion Tofik Beshir in ICU at Tennessee hospital after &#8216;head-on crash&#8217; on gravel ride<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty: I don&#8217;t feel burdened by the rainbow jersey, I just feel like I&#8217;m trying to honour it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At the end of the day, you can only try&#8217; \u2013 Despite puncture and a late crash, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser claws back silver at UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Il Lombardia: Paul Seixas puts in stunning solo ride to claim first Monument<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;At the end of the day, you can only try&#8217; \u2013 Despite puncture and a late crash, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser claws back silver at UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Beers\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T08:28:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">South African also says if his Specialized Off-Road teammates are out front on Sunday, &#8216;I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Michal Cerveny\/SWpix.com)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d2804a3a-c46b-11f1-9171-59bcfcbed14d\">When we asked Matt Beers what he still wanted to achieve in his career, there was no hesitation: &#8220;A World Championship medal is the one thing that had alluded me&#8217;. The UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup has provided the perfect opportunity for the gravel rider and mountain biker to change that.<\/p>\n<p>The South African hasn&#8217;t been a regular at the UCI Gravel World Championships, which is usually dominated at the pointy end by road riders, last riding the event in the opening year of 2022 and instead keeping his focus on the Life Time Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2804a3a-c46b-11f1-9171-59bcfcbed14d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, though, offered a compelling reason to change course, not just for Beers but in fact for the whole Specialized Off-Road team who had mapped out attending the race in Western Australia at the start of the season. So Beers made the trip, with a couple of weeks pre-race to get settled, a support team, plus fellow Life Time competitors and leaders Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e, and European-based Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Geerike Schreurs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Australia is kind of a level playing field for everyone,&#8221; Beers told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>at the Specialized team&#8217;s Nannup base, a peaceful abode just out of town where they were relaxing after having been out riding the final loop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We all have to deal with jet lag, we all have to deal with the travel, the terrain is different to everyone, besides obviously the Australians with local knowledge, but I think that it really does level it out for the Europeans and the US riders, or myself as a South African, because you&#8217;re always stronger on home turf. It&#8217;s the same food, the climate,&#8221; said Beers, adding that there was also that he had never been to Australia and &#8220;it looked awesome&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Clash of the calendars \u2013 Systems collide with riders forced to choose between Life Time Grand Prix and UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And Beers has committed fully to the task. Most of his fellow Life Time Grand Prix competitors at the race were using Little Sugar MTB as their one permitted drop round for the six-race series, Beers however decided to give the prior Chequamegon a miss as well, which meant he was out of the series which for many years has been a core of his season, along with the Cape Epic which he has won four times.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I decided I had make a call on the Grand Prix, just because of travel and it was kind of &#8216;Should I just be average at everything, or really put focus on the World Champs and try my best on a course that I think I can do quite well at&#8217;,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;And I chose that path. Whether it&#8217;s the right one, we don&#8217;t know. We&#8217;ll see. But that&#8217;s the bed I&#8217;ve made.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You could question both ways of doing it, if I decided to do Life Time, I would maybe be like, &#8216;Oh man, I could have had a World Champ by now&#8217;&#8230; I don&#8217;t know, it can kind of be both ways.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with the decision made and the Life Time Grand Prix now waiting for next year, Sunday will be the arbiter when he lines up in the kit of South Africa on a course that is 85% gravel and 144km long with 3,713m of vertical gain.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"not-riding-for-nor-against-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Not riding for, nor against<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e64fcbc-c46c-11f1-bd77-4d64a3a96028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a race that in many ways Beers says favour his style, with smaller numbers and no &#8220;crazy bunches&#8221; to deal with as the rider chases his target of a &#8220;medal of any kind&#8221;, but what about all the climbing?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of climbing, but it&#8217;s the kind of climbing I&#8217;m used to \u2013 five to eight minutes is the longest climb,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;I would say it&#8217;s very mountain bike-esque, just the way the terrain is &#8230; It&#8217;s not climbing where it&#8217;s accumulated in two climbs. It&#8217;s just multiple.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be hard on the longer climbs for me to hang on to the little 60 kilo whippets. But eight minutes, I would say, is kind of my max of what I can hang on. So I&#8217;m quite confident that I&#8217;ll be able to follow most of the moves if I ride smart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year has been another strong one for Beers, who as well as winning at Cape Epic with partner Tristan Nortje, has come second at Unbound and third at The Traka, while also being an extraordinarily valuable teammate for winner W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even though it is Specialized Off-Road that is supporting the team riders to come out to this race, and it lines up with three key favourites in Beers, Swenson and W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, the reality on Sunday is that they will all be wearing different jerseys \u2013 those of South Africa, the United States and Denmark.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How does that work on the gravel roads of the Blackwood Valley as all three chase a world title?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I guess we don&#8217;t really know, but I mean for sure, we&#8217;re not going to ride for each other, but we&#8217;re also not going to ruin each other&#8217;s chances per se,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;If Mads or Keegan is off the front, I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Simone Giuliani<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Clash of the calendars \u2013 Systems collide with riders forced to choose between Life Time Grand Prix and UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MVtqzhWvzb32RYrgoaDdYY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m kind of nervous&#8217; \u2013 Will mystery knee injury hold Isaac del Toro back at Il Lombardia?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fvAgnU8cnGkJ8JiE4srbUF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Young USCX champion Tofik Beshir in ICU at Tennessee hospital after &#8216;head-on crash&#8217; on gravel ride<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qhs6334bZszt2HmfKua4xk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty: I don&#8217;t feel burdened by the rainbow jersey, I just feel like I&#8217;m trying to honour it<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C7qBcpExXYhBCiWiF7qni8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It hasn&#8217;t been the easiest year&#8217; &#8211; Marianne Vos finishes a tough season on a history-making high at the UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXN9E7GUobkWJzTvSxAh8X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mtKRYapwNVkaT8V2HBW9de-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gwtEjRDggNChVLEcA5v9Tb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fayEpGax7Ddqc5ru9qDCEd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;At the end of the day, you can only try&#8217; \u2013 Despite puncture and a late crash, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser claws back silver at UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrhZGa5L52b2bE5vEGCdpK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A lot of eyes have been on me and I need to learn how to deal with that&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock adjusts to favourite status ahead of Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bR4LcV4WJFdZbkWwgZCHmL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Il Lombardia: Paul Seixas puts in stunning solo ride to claim first Monument<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Bauke Mollema, Pello Bilbao and other retiring riders receive guard of honour send-off at Il Lombardia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I just had nothing to lose&#8217; \u2013 Tiffany Cromwell delivers feisty farewell in Nannup at home UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;At the end of the day, you can only try&#8217; \u2013 Despite puncture and a late crash, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser claws back silver at UCI Gravel World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Riders stage remarkable protest at Il Lombardia as Evenepoel delivers speech on safety<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMatthew Beers\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Matt Beers ready to chase &#8216;a medal of any kind&#8217; as he picks shot at Gravel World Championships glory over Life Time Grand Prix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-10T08:28:48Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">South African also says if his Specialized Off-Road teammates are out front on Sunday, &#8216;I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] 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The UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup has provided the perfect opportunity for the gravel rider and mountain biker to change that.<\/p>\n<p>The South African hasn&#8217;t been a regular at the UCI Gravel World Championships, which is usually dominated at the pointy end by road riders, last riding the event in the opening year of 2022 and instead keeping his focus on the Life Time Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d2804a3a-c46b-11f1-9171-59bcfcbed14d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, though, offered a compelling reason to change course, not just for Beers but in fact for the whole Specialized Off-Road team who had mapped out attending the race in Western Australia at the start of the season. So Beers made the trip, with a couple of weeks pre-race to get settled, a support team, plus fellow Life Time competitors and leaders Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e, and European-based Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt and Geerike Schreurs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Australia is kind of a level playing field for everyone,&#8221; Beers told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>at the Specialized team&#8217;s Nannup base, a peaceful abode just out of town where they were relaxing after having been out riding the final loop.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We all have to deal with jet lag, we all have to deal with the travel, the terrain is different to everyone, besides obviously the Australians with local knowledge, but I think that it really does level it out for the Europeans and the US riders, or myself as a South African, because you&#8217;re always stronger on home turf. It&#8217;s the same food, the climate,&#8221; said Beers, adding that there was also that he had never been to Australia and &#8220;it looked awesome&#8221;.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/trNo5fgL72aJ22UyY2R2cL-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ58iV2uim5GWjjMgNqsTR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Clash of the calendars \u2013 Systems collide with riders forced to choose between Life Time Grand Prix and UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x8GLYyjaz7KKEftEVKyh2m-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m here to just go all-out and race without any regret&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch prepared for Gravel Worlds title defence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And Beers has committed fully to the task. Most of his fellow Life Time Grand Prix competitors at the race were using Little Sugar MTB as their one permitted drop round for the six-race series, Beers however decided to give the prior Chequamegon a miss as well, which meant he was out of the series which for many years has been a core of his season, along with the Cape Epic which he has won four times.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I decided I had make a call on the Grand Prix, just because of travel and it was kind of &#8216;Should I just be average at everything, or really put focus on the World Champs and try my best on a course that I think I can do quite well at&#8217;,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;And I chose that path. Whether it&#8217;s the right one, we don&#8217;t know. We&#8217;ll see. But that&#8217;s the bed I&#8217;ve made.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-W4zoHRwfvPV4NpUHb3QrTf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You could question both ways of doing it, if I decided to do Life Time, I would maybe be like, &#8216;Oh man, I could have had a World Champ by now&#8217;&#8230; I don&#8217;t know, it can kind of be both ways.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, with the decision made and the Life Time Grand Prix now waiting for next year, Sunday will be the arbiter when he lines up in the kit of South Africa on a course that is 85% gravel and 144km long with 3,713m of vertical gain.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"not-riding-for-nor-against-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Not riding for, nor against<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-0e64fcbc-c46c-11f1-bd77-4d64a3a96028\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s a race that in many ways Beers says favour his style, with smaller numbers and no &#8220;crazy bunches&#8221; to deal with as the rider chases his target of a &#8220;medal of any kind&#8221;, but what about all the climbing?<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mmzr2QzgBHE8tLaEtw7naV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Field building for far-flung 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, key Life Time Grand Prix competitors among expected starters despite Little Sugar MTB clash<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AbEmgGQ3FERp3A8urwV5oQ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full focus on World Championships&#8217; \u2013 Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt chasing a set of rainbow bands to add to The Traka and Unbound titles in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vczz4mjRzZDWb9GT2aYWy3-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I expect a very hard race with big time gaps&#8217; \u2013 A UCI Gravel World Championships title defence for Florian Vermeersch in Nannup<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of climbing, but it&#8217;s the kind of climbing I&#8217;m used to \u2013 five to eight minutes is the longest climb,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;I would say it&#8217;s very mountain bike-esque, just the way the terrain is &#8230; It&#8217;s not climbing where it&#8217;s accumulated in two climbs. It&#8217;s just multiple.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be hard on the longer climbs for me to hang on to the little 60 kilo whippets. But eight minutes, I would say, is kind of my max of what I can hang on. So I&#8217;m quite confident that I&#8217;ll be able to follow most of the moves if I ride smart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year has been another strong one for Beers, who as well as winning at Cape Epic with partner Tristan Nortje, has come second at Unbound and third at The Traka, while also being an extraordinarily valuable teammate for winner W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Even though it is Specialized Off-Road that is supporting the team riders to come out to this race, and it lines up with three key favourites in Beers, Swenson and W\u00fcrtz Schmidt, the reality on Sunday is that they will all be wearing different jerseys \u2013 those of South Africa, the United States and Denmark.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">How does that work on the gravel roads of the Blackwood Valley as all three chase a world title?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I guess we don&#8217;t really know, but I mean for sure, we&#8217;re not going to ride for each other, but we&#8217;re also not going to ruin each other&#8217;s chances per se,&#8221; said Beers. &#8220;If Mads or Keegan is off the front, I&#8217;m not going to sit on the front and pull them back.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of the UCI Gravel World Championships, alongside the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/matt-beers-ready-to-chase-a-medal-of-any-kind-as-he-picks-shot-at-gravel-world-championships-glory-over-life-time-grand-prix-finale\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FUbYDmC86uaoy5Y4gzPDBK-2400-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;I don\u2019t think it\u2019s my responsibility to finance that&#8217; \u2013 Gravel pros forced to buy their own kit and fund travel to Australia for World Championships 2 True grit specialists primed to challenge the run of road pro rainbow jerseys \u2013 Analysing the Gravel World Championships contenders 3 The gravelliest UCI [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2189734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2189734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2189734"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2189734\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2189734"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2189734"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2189734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}