UCI Gravel World Series: Romy Kasper and Kamiel Notebaert win at Gravel One Fifty

Kamiel Notebaert and Romy Kasper emerged victorious at the Gravel One Fifty race in Roden, Netherlands, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. Notebaert, riding for Bataia Brigade, secured the elite men's title after a closely contested sprint involving five riders, edging out Tijmen Eising and Rick Ottema. Meanwhile, Kasper, a former professional road cyclist, claimed the elite women's race with a decisive solo attack in the final 10 kilometres, finishing almost a minute ahead of her nearest rival, Clara Lundmark. The race covered 150 kilometres on predominantly flat and exposed terrain, featuring challenging deep sand sections that tested the riders’ endurance and technical skills. Kasper described the course as tough, particularly due to the sand, and credited her teammate Wendy Oosterwoud for initiating a critical move that reduced the leading group. Kasper then seized the opportunity to break away alone, maintaining her lead to the finish line, while the men's race remained tightly contested until the sprint finish. Notebaert’s win marked a significant achievement, especially as he had finished second in the previous year’s edition of the event. The Belgian rider demonstrated tactical acumen and sprinting strength to prevail in the final moments against a competitive field. The race also highlighted strong performances from other riders, including Eising and Ottema, who completed the podium in the men’s category. These results contribute valuable points towards qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for October in Nannup, Western Australia. The Gravel One Fifty was one of two World Series events held over the weekend, alongside the Highlands Gravel Classic in the United States, underscoring the growing prominence and international reach of gravel racing within the UCI calendar. The series continues to attract a diverse and talented field, signalling an exciting future for the discipline.