Victor Bosoni defends men's title at The Traka Adventure while Maddy Nutt earns women's victory in 560km endurance test

Victor Bosoni successfully defended his men’s title at The Traka Adventure, completing the grueling 560km endurance race in 22 hours and 11 minutes. The French rider, representing Factor Racing, overcame multiple mechanical setbacks and a fierce challenge from Max Agut, who finished just seven minutes behind. Norwegian Ole Bjørn Smisethjell claimed third place, trailing Bosoni by over an hour. Bosoni’s performance was marked by resilience, particularly after a water bottle malfunction left him with only 1.5 litres of water for the final 150km, which allowed Agut to briefly take the lead before a late mechanical issue cost Agut the race. Maddy Nutt of Q36.5 Off Road Racing secured victory in the women’s category on her debut at the event, finishing in 27 hours and 27 minutes. Nutt had previously placed seventh in the 360km race last year but stepped up to the longest distance this time around. Her win came after a critical moment when Marei Moldenhauer crashed shortly after sunset, enabling Nutt to close the gap and ultimately edge ahead by just 14 minutes. Jana Kesenheimer completed the women’s podium in third place, with all three top finishers posting times faster than last year’s winner, Svenja Betz, who did not compete this year. The Traka Adventure is the longest and most demanding race within the Gravel Earth Series, featuring 9,269 metres of elevation gain and a non-stop format that challenges riders to navigate through day and night. Starting early in Girona, the event tests endurance, technical skill, and mental toughness over a course that has quickly gained prestige in European gravel racing. This was only the second edition of the 560km race, and times this year showed a notable improvement over the inaugural event. Bosoni reflected on his victory with a sense of accomplishment, noting that last year’s win was one of his best performances and that he was determined to prove himself again. His time this year was nearly two hours faster than his previous effort, underscoring his growth as a rider. The close contest with Agut and the challenges faced during the race highlight the unpredictable nature of ultra-endurance gravel events, where mechanical issues and resource management can be as decisive as physical strength. Looking ahead, The Traka Adventure continues to solidify its reputation as a premier test of endurance cycling, attracting top talent and pushing the limits of the sport. Both Bosoni and Nutt’s victories will likely inspire more riders to tackle the demanding course, while the race organisers may look to build on the event’s success with further innovations and expanded participation in future editions.