UCI Gravel World Series: Jenna Rinehart and Daxton Mock win Highlands Gravel in the United States

Jenna Rinehart and Daxton Mock claimed solo victories at the Highlands Gravel Classic, the opening round of the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The challenging 67-mile course, featuring nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain and predominantly gravel terrain, tested the riders’ endurance and tactical acumen. Rinehart, representing Rene Herse Cycles, finished the women’s elite race with a significant lead of 4 minutes and 40 seconds over Emily Newsom, while Mock of Trek Driftless secured the men’s title with a 1 minute 46 second advantage over Lance Lakoski. Rinehart described her winning move as somewhat opportunistic, breaking away on a steep climb around mile 33 despite not initially planning to attack so early. She acknowledged Newsom’s strength and race savvy, expecting a potential chase, but managed to maintain and extend her lead by pushing hard on the descents. Meanwhile, Mock’s victory came after he distanced himself from a leading group of four riders before the final climb, aiming to avoid a decisive uphill sprint where he felt less confident. His strategy paid off, allowing him to hold off Lakoski and Colombian Oscar Mauricio Pachon Melo, who finished third. The Highlands Gravel Classic’s demanding profile, with over a dozen climbs packed into the route, played a crucial role in shaping the race dynamics. Both winners capitalised on their climbing and descending skills to create decisive gaps. The event also highlighted the growing prominence of gravel racing in the United States, with strong performances from domestic riders and international competitors alike. The series will continue later this year with another US round at Mammoth TUFF in September, promising further exciting competition. Rinehart and Mock’s performances underline their status as leading contenders in the emerging gravel racing scene, demonstrating tactical intelligence and physical resilience. Their wins set the tone for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series, which continues to attract a diverse and competitive field. As gravel racing gains momentum globally, these results contribute to raising the profile of the discipline and showcasing the depth of talent across both men’s and women’s fields.