From Paris-Roubaix to Girona’s gravel — Klöser wins Traka 360 while Würtz Schmidt sets course record

Mads Würtz Schmidt and Rosa Klöser delivered commanding solo victories at The Traka 360 gravel race in Girona, Spain, with Würtz Schmidt making history by becoming the first rider to complete the 325km course in under 10 hours. The event, known as the premier one-day race in the Gravel Earth Series, features a challenging route with 3,600 metres of elevation gain, stretching from Girona to the Pyrenees foothills. On a dry and fast day, both riders seized early opportunities to break away from their rivals, ultimately securing dominant wins in their respective categories. In the men’s race, Würtz Schmidt, the reigning European Gravel Champion, launched a decisive attack with around 100km remaining, distancing himself from a strong lead group that included notable names such as Romain Bardet and teammate Matt Beers. The Danish rider, who transitioned from road racing to gravel in 2025, maintained a relentless pace over the demanding terrain, finishing in 9 hours, 57 minutes and 38 seconds. This performance not only shattered the previous course record but also marked Würtz Schmidt as the first to achieve the “Traka Double,” having won the shorter Traka 200 the previous year. Hugo Drechou and Beers completed the podium, delivering a standout day for the Specialized Off-Road team. The women’s race featured a fierce contest between Rosa Klöser of Canyon-SRAM Zondacrypto and French rider Axelle Dubau-Prévot, sister of Tour de France Femmes champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. Klöser, who had recently competed at Paris-Roubaix Femmes and the Sea Otter Gravel event, overcame fatigue from a tough US race to dominate the Traka 360. She set a strong pace from the outset, quickly breaking away from the lead group and ultimately finishing nearly 13 minutes ahead of Dubau-Prévot. The victory reinforced Klöser’s status as a leading contender in the Gravel Earth Series, with Geerike Schreurs rounding out the top three. Both races highlighted the growing prominence of gravel racing as a proving ground for riders transitioning from road and other disciplines, with The Traka 360 serving as a key indicator ahead of major events like Unbound Gravel. The performances of Würtz Schmidt and Klöser underscore the increasing depth and competitiveness of the sport, as well as the strategic importance of early attacks and sustained solo efforts on challenging courses. The Gravel Earth Series will continue with the Ranxo Gravel race in Ponts, Spain, on 7 June, offering further opportunities for riders to test their form and tactics.