UCI Gravel World Series: Tobias Konig and Giorgia Vettorello claim victory at Giro Sardegna Gravel

Tobias König and Giorgia Vettorello emerged victorious at the Giro Sardegna Gravel, one of the key Italian rounds of the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series. König, representing RSC Auto Brosch Kempten, secured the men’s title ahead of Anton Albrecht and Albert Gathemann, while Vettorello claimed the women’s race, finishing ahead of Tessa Neefjes and Nicolien Luijsterburg. The event marked the third edition of this challenging 110km gravel race, which featured a demanding course with nearly 1,300 metres of elevation gain on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. The race route combined fast coastal roads with inland dirt tracks, offering a mix of asphalt and gravel terrain. Competitors navigated a flat coastal section before tackling rolling hills and a significant climb, passing scenic landmarks such as the Flumendosa River and local ponds. The finish line was set outside Hotel Torre Salinas in Muravera-Villasimius, capping off a week of competition that also included six days of classic road racing on the island. The gravel event was an optional finale to this extensive racing programme. This round of the UCI Gravel World Series also served as a qualifier for the upcoming UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled to take place in Australia in October. Performances here are crucial for riders aiming to secure their place at the global event. Notably, Tessa Neefjes, who had recently finished fourth at Gravel One Fifty, continued to demonstrate strong form by taking second place in the women’s race, highlighting the competitive depth of the field. The Giro Sardegna Gravel continues to grow in stature within the gravel racing calendar, attracting a diverse international field and testing riders with its varied terrain and strategic demands. With the UCI Gravel World Series expanding its reach, events like this play a vital role in shaping the emerging discipline and preparing athletes for the world championships later in the year. The results from Sardinia will undoubtedly influence selections and strategies as the gravel season progresses.