UCI Gravel World Series: Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright surge to victory in opening French round at Wish One

Hugo Drechou and Sophie Wright emerged victorious at the Wish One Millau Grands Causses, the opening French round of the UCI Gravel World Series. Drechou, the French national champion, secured the men’s title after a closely contested finish, narrowly beating Jente Michels by four seconds. The 130km course, featuring over 2,000 metres of climbing, was completed by Drechou in just over four hours, with 2023 winner Toby Perry taking third place. In the women’s race, Sophie Wright delivered a commanding solo performance, breaking away before the halfway point and extending her lead over challenging climbs and technical gravel sections. Wright crossed the line more than 23 minutes ahead of Sofia Schugar, with Leonie Laubig finishing third. This win marked Wright’s second victory of the season in the series, following her earlier success at Monaco Gravel, while it was Drechou’s first UCI Gravel World Series triumph in 2024. The Wish One Millau Grands Causses has been a staple on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar since its inception in 2022, serving as a key event in the lead-up to the World Championships. The next French round, the Pyrénées Catalanes Gravel Tour, is scheduled for late September and will act as a qualifier for the World Championships, which will take place in Nannup, Western Australia, in October. Both Drechou and Wright’s performances position them as strong contenders heading into the final stages of the series. The race highlighted the growing competitiveness and prestige of gravel racing within the cycling world, with riders demonstrating endurance and technical skill across demanding terrain. Drechou’s narrow victory and Wright’s dominant solo ride underscore the tactical variety and physical demands of gravel events. As the series progresses, attention will turn to how these athletes build on their form and adapt to upcoming challenges on the road to the World Championships.