Three-time Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer hosted America’s hardest mass start gran fondo road race on Saturday, the 140-mile Growler in Northern California, with gravel specialists Lauren De Crescenzo and Keegan Swenson claiming victory and each taking home $10,000 in winnings as part of a $55,000 prize purse.

In cool, wet, windy conditions, including snow, De Crescenzo won commandingly, finishing the grueling route in 7:18:53, well ahead USA Gravel National Champion Lauren Stephens (7:30:45) and Belgian Waffle Ride winner Sarah Sturm (7:40:25).

After 140 miles and six-and-a-half hours, the men’s competition came down to a final sprint battle between SBT GRVL champion Keegan Swenson and former WordTour pro Lawrence Naesen, with Swenson having just enough kick left to come out on top. Another WorldTour rider, 2016 Brabantse Pijl champion Petr Vokoc, finished third in 6:44:03.

Just under 1000 riders participated in the event, riding one of seven routes from The Growler’s monumental 140-miles down to an 11-mile Family Fondo.

Complete Levi’s Gran Fondo results HERE.

Photo Credit: Instagram/levisgranfondo

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