'It's great to put my off-road skills to good use' – Wout van Aert and Lorena Wiebes take honours at Marly Grav UCI Gravel World Series race

Wout van Aert and Lorena Wiebes claimed victory at the Marly Grav race, part of the UCI Gravel World Series, held on a challenging 150km course around Valkenburg in the Netherlands. Van Aert, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, executed a commanding 20-kilometre solo breakaway to secure the men’s title, while Wiebes, wearing her world champion’s rainbow jersey, successfully defended her women’s crown with a sprint win from a small leading group. Both riders faced strong competition, underscoring the high calibre of the event despite its relatively recent inception. Van Aert approached the race with a relaxed mindset, aiming primarily to enjoy the experience rather than target victory. However, his form was evident as he joined a select front group past the halfway mark before launching a decisive solo attack that left world champion Florian Vermeersch unable to respond. Crossing the finish line with a 44-second advantage, Van Aert praised the race’s demanding nature and the opportunity to utilise his off-road skills in a fair and competitive environment, signalling his intention to participate in more gravel events in the future. The women’s race was equally competitive, featuring a strong lead group that gradually whittled down to five riders. Wiebes demonstrated not only her renowned sprinting prowess but also resilience in covering multiple attacks throughout the race. She ultimately powered away from rivals such as Larissa Hartog and Nele Laing to claim a clear victory, expressing pride in winning on home soil and appreciation for the route and vibrant atmosphere. The Marly Grav event highlights the growing prestige of gravel racing within the cycling calendar, attracting top-tier talent from road and off-road disciplines. With the UCI Gravel World Series continuing this weekend with races in Australia and Scotland, the momentum behind gravel racing shows no signs of slowing. Van Aert and Wiebes’ performances reinforce their versatility and adaptability, further bridging the gap between traditional road racing and the expanding gravel scene.