Ginia Caluori and Cat Ferguson earn top spots for women in gravel debuts at The Traka 100 while Matyáš Kopecký wins men's division from five-rider sprint

The Traka 100, the final race of the 2026 European gravel series held in Girona, saw impressive performances from both debutants and seasoned riders. Matyáš Kopecký of Unibet Rose Rockets clinched the men’s title in a dramatic finish, out-sprinting four other competitors after more than three hours of racing. The victory was particularly notable given Kopecký’s recent focus on road classics such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. He narrowly edged out former professional road racer Geoffrey Soupe by just one second, with Eduardo Talavera Fernandez completing the podium. In the women’s race, road cyclists made a strong impression in their gravel debuts. Ginia Caluori of NEXETIS dominated the event, breaking away 40 kilometres in and maintaining a commanding lead to finish over four minutes ahead of Movistar’s Cat Ferguson. Ferguson, who has a background in mountain biking and cross-country, mounted a late charge but was unable to close the gap. The top five also included Spanish cyclo-cross champion Sofia Rodriguez Revert and Gravel One Fifty winner Yeal Prenger, both demonstrating the growing crossover between different cycling disciplines and gravel racing. The course itself was a challenging mix of terrain, beginning with steep climbs in the Gavarres mountain range before transitioning to gravel and dirt trails. The 100-kilometre route featured 1,350 metres of elevation gain, testing riders’ endurance and technical skills. The race’s structure, with early ascents spreading out the field, set the stage for tactical battles and intense competition, culminating in a flat finish near the River Ter in central Girona. Riders expressed enthusiasm about their gravel racing experiences, highlighting the event’s demanding nature and vibrant atmosphere. Ferguson described the race as “super hard” but rewarding, noting the strong community support and her eagerness to return next year. With The Traka now concluded, attention in the gravel world shifts to the upcoming Unbound Gravel event in late May, which promises to be another key fixture in the international off-road calendar.