The 114 Gravel Race was a new introduction into the UCI World Gravel Series for 2025. This cross-border event saw fierce competition and road-like speeds from the main protagonists. Keen ‘fast gravel’ racer Jorge Padrones was there to take part in sent in a ride report from his day between the gravel race tapes. 

The UCI Gravel World Series held its second event of 2025 on the Iberian Peninsula with the 114 Gravel Race. This event is unique as it is the only one in the Gravel World Series that takes place between two countries. The start was from the Portuguese town of Elvas, while the finish was in Badajoz in Spain. More than 500 participants from 30 different countries took part.

The Military Museum grounds in the beautiful town of Elvas hosted the start of this race. It was a sunny day with very good temperatures. The beginning of the race took place through the city of Elvas with its typical cobbled Portuguese streets and then, outside the town, the off-road sections of the course began. The first part of the course was very fast and seemed to go always downhill which made the first hour fly by. In fact, the entire race was fast - when circling Badajoz on the highway towards the end of the race, my GPS marked speeds beyond 45 kilometers per hour.

Once we crossed into Spanish territory, the route followed the Guadiana River, which forms a natural border between the two countries. In the central part of the race, small hills were concentrated, which along with the high speeds and the strongly blowing wind, made it harder.

The race broke into small groups almost from the first moments. At the head of the men’s race, Jose Mari Sanchez, Enrique Morcillo and Matthew Holmes initially led the way. At the finish line Matthew Holmes and Jose Mari Sanchez sprinted for the line, with the British rider taking the victory. Enrique Morcillo came in next, securing third place on the podium. In the elite women’s race, a smaller field saw Lucía Gonzalez do battle with Annabel Fisher for the top step on the podium. By the finish, Gonzalez had a 21 second advantage. Third place went to Varvara Fasoi.

This race was a clear example of what ‘fast gravel’ is all about. The head of the race managed to achieve an average of 38 kilometers per hour on a route where road kilometers were very few. Not only that, the age group riders also achieved averages between 34 and 36 kilometers per hour, which shows the level of competition in these types of races.

This race also marked the competition debut of Aleix Espargaró with Lidl-Trek as a professional cyclist. He achieved a 7th place in the men’s elite category which qualifies him for a place at the Gravel World Championship which are to be held in October.

The finish took place in a park next to the Guadiana river where we enjoyed a wonderful and complete post-race with food and drink and a unique atmosphere. Many of the cyclists stayed for a long time, commenting on the race among the different groups. Without a doubt, the event was a great success by the organisation and we hope this race becomes a fixture in the UCI Gravel World Series calendar.

Images courtesy of @114 Gravel Race