{"id":2191122,"date":"2026-10-11T13:51:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T10:51:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2191122"},"modified":"2026-10-11T13:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T10:51:18","slug":"until-the-last-kilometre-i-did-the-perfect-race-florian-vermeersch-misses-defence-but-keeps-his-gravel-world-championships-podium-record-intact-in-nannup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2191122","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-2000-80.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\/eGNexTQnaaJPjk8xMqZjSe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eGNexTQnaaJPjk8xMqZjSe-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                                    As it happened: Frantic Gravel World Championships finale in Western Australia as Denmark take the rainbow jersey\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\/ZyE9qz6ynNWV5qvKXSACBj-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZyE9qz6ynNWV5qvKXSACBj-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\">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                                    Gravel World Championships: Marianne Vos solos to another rainbow jersey after Rosa Kl\u00f6ser crashes in finale of elite women&#8217;s race\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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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                                    Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race\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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup<\/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=\"2026-10-11T13:51:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint&#8217; says defending champion after coming second to Magnus Bak Klaris in a four-way charge to the line<\/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\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) hanging onto Keegan Swenson&#8217;s (United States) wheel on a climb during the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/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\" 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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-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b\">Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) came into the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships with a perfect podium record and as defending champion, and when he was coming toward the finish line with four riders, it looked like there was every chance he would spend another year in the rainbow stripes.<\/p>\n<p>That was even despite the challenge of a climb-heavy course, with 3,713 vertical metres of climbing across 144km, which in theory should have worked against the WorldTour Classics specialist who races for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was super tough,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to the podium to accept his third silver medal at the UCI Gravel World Championships.<\/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;I knew if I wanted to go for a good result today, I had to just follow the whole day and not waste any energy because, yeah, a guy of my weight is at a bit of a disadvantage on the climbs, and I think actually until the last kilometre, I did the perfect race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That perfectly played race, where he kept finding his way back to the front, even though there were times when he looked to be battling on the climbs, left him heading toward the line with fellow WorldTour professional Connor Swift, with the rider from Britain racing for Netcompany Ineos on the road, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark) and compatriot Magnus Bak Klaris. Neither of the gravel specialists were noted sprinters.<\/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\/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<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\/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<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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant Vermeersch had made it seamlessly through all the territory that was expected to leave him on the back foot, and now all he had to deliver in an area which was within his comfort zone, the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint. I sprinted for the win a few weeks ago in Belgium,&#8221; he said, referring to the Flandrien 0.0 Classic where he came third in a tight battle to the line. &#8220;And I felt after a hard race, my sprint was still quite okay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP 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\">Though gravel is nothing if not unpredictable and it was the rider who most probably least expected who won the day, Bak Klaris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the sprint, I made a small mistake by being on the wrong side of the wheel of the winner,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But he deserves all the credit, he was super strong all day, so he deserves to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The victory may have eluded Vermeersch this year, even though he came ever so close with second, despite the climbing on the course testing his limits, though next year there is the potential that the terrain of the Gravel World Championships could take it to even another level. Gravel will be part of the multi-discipline Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc World Championships and the race starts in Ch\u00e2tel, in the heart of the Chablais mountains. So will he be back to try and hit the podium five years running?<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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-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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Next year is in the French Alps with a lot of climbing, probably so I think that will be a different a different kind of race,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But we&#8217;ll see. First, I want to see the course, and then we&#8217;ll make a decision for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His more immediate cycling plans, however, are clear. It&#8217;s back to the road with UAE Team Emirates to race the Tour of Guangxi.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tonight I&#8217;m flying to China,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;There I go back to full domestique mode. We have Jhonny Narv\u00e1ez for GC. We have [Juan Sebasti\u00e1n] Molano for the sprints. So I think I&#8217;m in for a pretty fun week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time in China, and I look forward to it. It&#8217;s also the last week of the season, and one of my goals actually always is to finish the season on a high with a good level. I think it&#8217;s fair to say that&#8217;s the case also this year. So, yeah, I&#8217;m quite happy and looking forward to next week.&#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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP 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\/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\/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 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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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\/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>\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 Racing<\/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\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-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\">HG Cross: Michael Vanthourenhout scores solo victory in Dendermonde as Pauwels Sauzen go 1-2<\/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\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-320-80.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\">HG Cross: Lucinda Brand lays down the power in Dendermonde to take first win on first day of racing in 2026\/27 season<\/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\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-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;It&#8217;s the last day of racing so you just give it your all&#8217; &#8211; Per Strand Hagenes closes out the year with solo win in Paris-Tours<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-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\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes completes clean sweep to seal overall victory on stage 3<\/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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-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;It&#8217;s a great dream to really be able to compete against Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step towards his man-made destiny 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\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-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;Biggest day out I&#8217;ve ever had, numerically ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 George Bennett reveals power data from mega Il Lombardia breakaway<\/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\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paul Seixas to compete in Roc d&#8217;Azur CIC mountain bike race one day after historic Il Lombardia win<\/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\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-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 haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short 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>\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\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-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>Paris-Tours: Per Strand Hagenes wins with late solo move<\/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>HG Cross: Michael Vanthourenhout scores solo victory in Dendermonde as Pauwels Sauzen go 1-2<\/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;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup<\/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>HG Cross: Lucinda Brand lays down the power in Dendermonde to take first win on first day of racing in 2026\/27 season<\/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>The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup<\/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=\"2026-10-11T13:51:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint&#8217; says defending champion after coming second to Magnus Bak Klaris in a four-way charge to the line<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 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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\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) hanging onto Keegan Swenson&#8217;s (United States) wheel on a climb during the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Zac Williams\/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\" 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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-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b\">Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) came into the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships with a perfect podium record and as defending champion, and when he was coming toward the finish line with four riders, it looked like there was every chance he would spend another year in the rainbow stripes.<\/p>\n<p>That was even despite the challenge of a climb-heavy course, with 3,713 vertical metres of climbing across 144km, which in theory should have worked against the WorldTour Classics specialist who races for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was super tough,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to the podium to accept his third silver medal at the UCI Gravel World Championships.<\/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;I knew if I wanted to go for a good result today, I had to just follow the whole day and not waste any energy because, yeah, a guy of my weight is at a bit of a disadvantage on the climbs, and I think actually until the last kilometre, I did the perfect race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That perfectly played race, where he kept finding his way back to the front, even though there were times when he looked to be battling on the climbs, left him heading toward the line with fellow WorldTour professional Connor Swift, with the rider from Britain racing for Netcompany Ineos on the road, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark) and compatriot Magnus Bak Klaris. Neither of the gravel specialists were noted sprinters.<\/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\/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<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\/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<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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant Vermeersch had made it seamlessly through all the territory that was expected to leave him on the back foot, and now all he had to deliver in an area which was within his comfort zone, the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint. I sprinted for the win a few weeks ago in Belgium,&#8221; he said, referring to the Flandrien 0.0 Classic where he came third in a tight battle to the line. &#8220;And I felt after a hard race, my sprint was still quite okay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP 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\">Though gravel is nothing if not unpredictable and it was the rider who most probably least expected who won the day, Bak Klaris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the sprint, I made a small mistake by being on the wrong side of the wheel of the winner,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But he deserves all the credit, he was super strong all day, so he deserves to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The victory may have eluded Vermeersch this year, even though he came ever so close with second, despite the climbing on the course testing his limits, though next year there is the potential that the terrain of the Gravel World Championships could take it to even another level. Gravel will be part of the multi-discipline Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc World Championships and the race starts in Ch\u00e2tel, in the heart of the Chablais mountains. So will he be back to try and hit the podium five years running?<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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-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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Next year is in the French Alps with a lot of climbing, probably so I think that will be a different a different kind of race,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But we&#8217;ll see. First, I want to see the course, and then we&#8217;ll make a decision for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His more immediate cycling plans, however, are clear. It&#8217;s back to the road with UAE Team Emirates to race the Tour of Guangxi.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tonight I&#8217;m flying to China,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;There I go back to full domestique mode. We have Jhonny Narv\u00e1ez for GC. We have [Juan Sebasti\u00e1n] Molano for the sprints. So I think I&#8217;m in for a pretty fun week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time in China, and I look forward to it. It&#8217;s also the last week of the season, and one of my goals actually always is to finish the season on a high with a good level. I think it&#8217;s fair to say that&#8217;s the case also this year. So, yeah, I&#8217;m quite happy and looking forward to next week.&#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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Teams &amp; Riders<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP 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\/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\/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 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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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\/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>\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 Racing<\/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\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KuZhJaRxFDFdVR7Nd2Xcod-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\">HG Cross: Michael Vanthourenhout scores solo victory in Dendermonde as Pauwels Sauzen go 1-2<\/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\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sLHUgbEfhvmivv6G4pBgV9-320-80.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\">HG Cross: Lucinda Brand lays down the power in Dendermonde to take first win on first day of racing in 2026\/27 season<\/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\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-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;It&#8217;s the last day of racing so you just give it your all&#8217; &#8211; Per Strand Hagenes closes out the year with solo win in Paris-Tours<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AVSkLRFYez6iU8uACqqZcP-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\">Tour of Chongming Island: Lorena Wiebes completes clean sweep to seal overall victory on stage 3<\/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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MJh5MQpTLS3PSdttXLars-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;It&#8217;s a great dream to really be able to compete against Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas takes another step towards his man-made destiny 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\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5FAYM95zsAtD9B3saarBki-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;Biggest day out I&#8217;ve ever had, numerically ridiculous&#8217; \u2013 George Bennett reveals power data from mega Il Lombardia breakaway<\/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\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dKVPGmV7XC39MsdtMYsSoL-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paul Seixas to compete in Roc d&#8217;Azur CIC mountain bike race one day after historic Il Lombardia win<\/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\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4XWyqQGQSpjEWa6kujHKua-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 haven&#8217;t found my top form since the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel comes up short 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>\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\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yCYztjaYv67oTyYBacDnZj-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>Paris-Tours: Per Strand Hagenes wins with late solo move<\/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>HG Cross: Michael Vanthourenhout scores solo victory in Dendermonde as Pauwels Sauzen go 1-2<\/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;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup<\/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>HG Cross: Lucinda Brand lays down the power in Dendermonde to take first win on first day of racing in 2026\/27 season<\/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>The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Gravel World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Until the last kilometre I did the perfect race&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch misses defence but keeps his Gravel World Championships podium record intact in Nannup<\/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=\"2026-10-11T13:51:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint&#8217; says defending champion after coming second to Magnus Bak Klaris in a four-way charge to the line<\/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, 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\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-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b\">Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) came into the Nannup UCI Gravel World Championships with a perfect podium record and as defending champion, and when he was coming toward the finish line with four riders, it looked like there was every chance he would spend another year in the rainbow stripes.<\/p>\n<p>That was even despite the challenge of a climb-heavy course, with 3,713 vertical metres of climbing across 144km, which in theory should have worked against the WorldTour Classics specialist who races for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-774cfde0-c577-11f1-b20d-0b8c370ee76b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was super tough,&#8221; Vermeersch told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> after going to the podium to accept his third silver medal at the UCI Gravel World Championships.<\/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;I knew if I wanted to go for a good result today, I had to just follow the whole day and not waste any energy because, yeah, a guy of my weight is at a bit of a disadvantage on the climbs, and I think actually until the last kilometre, I did the perfect race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That perfectly played race, where he kept finding his way back to the front, even though there were times when he looked to be battling on the climbs, left him heading toward the line with fellow WorldTour professional Connor Swift, with the rider from Britain racing for Netcompany Ineos on the road, Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt (Denmark) and compatriot Magnus Bak Klaris. Neither of the gravel specialists were noted sprinters.<\/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\/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<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\/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<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\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cNnfmrn6YxTfKNbDSp2KAe-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\">Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling elite men&#8217;s race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">That meant Vermeersch had made it seamlessly through all the territory that was expected to leave him on the back foot, and now all he had to deliver in an area which was within his comfort zone, the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was actually pretty confident I could do a good sprint. I sprinted for the win a few weeks ago in Belgium,&#8221; he said, referring to the Flandrien 0.0 Classic where he came third in a tight battle to the line. &#8220;And I felt after a hard race, my sprint was still quite okay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tVKNedRDdEC6wauU5WgwEP 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\">Though gravel is nothing if not unpredictable and it was the rider who most probably least expected who won the day, Bak Klaris.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;In the sprint, I made a small mistake by being on the wrong side of the wheel of the winner,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But he deserves all the credit, he was super strong all day, so he deserves to win.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The victory may have eluded Vermeersch this year, even though he came ever so close with second, despite the climbing on the course testing his limits, though next year there is the potential that the terrain of the Gravel World Championships could take it to even another level. Gravel will be part of the multi-discipline Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc World Championships and the race starts in Ch\u00e2tel, in the heart of the Chablais mountains. So will he be back to try and hit the podium five years running?<\/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\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Eqx6ykzqUc6ZDcGT92aUNV-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\">The gravel specialist gets it \u2013 A surprise win for Magnus Bak Klaris breaks domination of road pros on top step of Gravel World Championships podium<\/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\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QEjaD6M7HSpBTWv8MzTgRF-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 messed up that sprint a little bit&#8217; \u2013 Connor Swift &#8216;pretty gutted&#8217; to miss out on closest shot at rainbow at 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-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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Next year is in the French Alps with a lot of climbing, probably so I think that will be a different a different kind of race,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;But we&#8217;ll see. First, I want to see the course, and then we&#8217;ll make a decision for next year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His more immediate cycling plans, however, are clear. It&#8217;s back to the road with UAE Team Emirates to race the Tour of Guangxi.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Tonight I&#8217;m flying to China,&#8221; said Vermeersch. &#8220;There I go back to full domestique mode. We have Jhonny Narv\u00e1ez for GC. We have [Juan Sebasti\u00e1n] Molano for the sprints. So I think I&#8217;m in for a pretty fun week.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my first time in China, and I look forward to it. It&#8217;s also the last week of the season, and one of my goals actually always is to finish the season on a high with a good level. I think it&#8217;s fair to say that&#8217;s the case also this year. So, yeah, I&#8217;m quite happy and looking forward to next week.&#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\/racing\/until-the-last-kilometre-i-did-the-perfect-race-florian-vermeersch-misses-defence-but-keeps-his-gravel-world-championships-podium-record-intact-in-nannup\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fSc3WucmXLQq3Z5VpSzBTF-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Frantic Gravel World Championships finale in Western Australia as Denmark take the rainbow jersey 2 Gravel World Championships: Marianne Vos solos to another rainbow jersey after Rosa Kl\u00f6ser crashes in finale of elite women&#8217;s race 3 Gravel World Championships: Magnus Bak Klaris sprints to huge victory in thrilling [&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-2191122","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\/2191122","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=2191122"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2191122\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2191122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2191122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2191122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}