'That’s kind of the story of my life': Geerike Schreurs helps team secure one-two but has to settle for second again at Unbound Gravel

Dutch rider Geerike Schreurs once again finished second at the Unbound Gravel race, continuing a pattern of near misses at one of gravel racing’s most prestigious events. Despite her consistent high-level performances, including victories in the UCI Gravel Series and other notable races such as The Gralloch and Gravel Desert, Schreurs has yet to claim a breakthrough win at Unbound Gravel. On this occasion, she played a crucial role in securing a one-two finish for the Specialized Off-Road team, with her teammate Sophia Gomez Villafañe taking the victory. The 2026 edition of Unbound Gravel was particularly challenging due to muddy sectors that turned the race into a grueling test of endurance and strategy. Schreurs remained well positioned throughout, spending much of the race in the breakaway and pushing the pace when cooperation among the front group faltered. Her efforts helped whittle down the leading group to a smaller, more committed selection that stayed clear until the finish, setting the stage for a tactical sprint on the final straight. Despite her aggressive racing and attempts to attack before the sprint, Schreurs was unable to break free and was ultimately boxed in during the final moments. She acknowledged that she might have needed to start her sprint earlier but accepted the pre-race agreement to support Gomez Villafañe’s bid for the win. Reflecting on her repeated second-place finishes, Schreurs admitted that mental strength remains an area for growth, recognising the importance of self-belief in converting podium places into victories. Although uncertain about her return to Unbound Gravel next year, Schreurs expressed pride in the team’s overall performance, highlighting Specialized’s dominance in both the women’s and men’s races. The weekend marked a significant success for the team, with the men’s podium also swept by Specialized riders on the new S-Works Crux model. Schreurs’s contribution to this strong team showing underlined her status as a key figure in the sport, even as she continues to chase that elusive first victory at gravel racing’s marquee event.