The Belgian Waffle Ride mass start gravel race series rolled into Southern Utah USA on Saturday, along with a late season winter storm, forcing organizers to shorten the 126 mile race down to 103. In an epic battle against the elements and a committed chasing pack, former WorldTour rider Peter Stetina held on to win the event for a third time as windy, snowy and frigid conditions battered riders throughout the day.

After winning in 2021 and 2022, Stetina (Canyon Waffeleurs & Ale Drinkeurs) was very familiar with the Utah terrain and course, but was not expecting to ride the final hour into a 25mph headwind, “holy hell I died a thousand deaths in those final 20 miles holding off a group of four chasers,” he told Velo.

Stetina, 36, won in 4:53:48, with Adam Roberge (4:54:33) and Andrew L’Esperance (4:55:14) next. Former WorldTour pro Tom Danielson, twice banned for doping, finished 20th in 5:08:48.

Sophia Gomez Villafañe, 29, dominated the women’s race, winning in 5:19:03, over 13 minutes ahead of Courtney Sherwell (5:32:14) and Emily Newsom (5:32:58).

The Belgian Waffle Ride flagship race, BWR California, is next up in the series, taking place 28 April in the mountains of Northern San Diego County.

Complete BWR Utah results HERE

Photo Credit: Twitter-X/peterstetina

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