UCI Gravel World Series: Brendan Johnston and Tiffany Cromwell claim victory at SEVEN as field samples World Championships course

Brendan Johnston and Tiffany Cromwell secured victories at the SEVEN gravel race in Nannup, Western Australia, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. Johnston, riding for Giant, defended his title with a time of just under four hours, narrowly beating 2025 winner Mark O’Brien by seven seconds in a tightly contested men’s elite race. Meanwhile, Cromwell, representing Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto, claimed her third win at the event, finishing over two minutes ahead of her closest rivals in the women’s elite category. The 125km SEVEN course, which features more than 3,000 metres of vertical ascent and is predominantly gravel terrain, provided a challenging preview of the upcoming Gravel World Championships scheduled for October. The men’s race saw a leading trio form midway, with Johnston, O’Brien, and Harrison Bebbington breaking clear after sustained pressure on the climbs. Johnston’s strength in the final stretch proved decisive, while Cromwell broke away from the women’s lead group with around 14 kilometres remaining to secure a commanding solo victory. Both winners reflected on the race dynamics and the challenges ahead. Johnston highlighted the strength of his rivals, particularly O’Brien’s climbing prowess, but emphasised his confidence in the finish that suited his abilities. Cromwell acknowledged the depth of the women’s field despite its smaller size and spoke candidly about the course’s demanding climbs, which she does not consider her strongest suit, but remains determined to contest the rainbow jersey at the World Championships. The SEVEN race not only tested the riders’ endurance and tactical acumen but also offered valuable insights into the terrain and conditions they will face in October. With the World Championships looming, the performances of Johnston and Cromwell position them as key contenders, though both recognise the formidable competition ahead. Their victories in Nannup underscore their current form and set the stage for an exciting gravel racing season in Australia.