West Coast gravel racing resumed in the United States on Saturday 6 March in Northern California at the Shasta Gravel Hugger, where professional Peter Stetina ditched his road bike and cruised to a snowy victory aboard a Canyon Grail gravel bike.

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With three inches of fresh snow on the ground, 14,000ft Mt. Shasta looming above, bright blue sunny skies in every direction and 12 epic gravel sectors ahead, 327 graveleurs enjoyed a long awaited day grinding gravel.

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The race started fast, requiring a vigilant eye to make key selections and avoid mayhem.  Joined by two others, Stetina rode away from the field and eventually dropped his companions to claim victory.  His winning time on the 100-mile course was 4:44:38.  47 year-old Jonathan Baker finished second at 4:49:59 and “The Kid”, 19 year-old Luke Lamperti, rounded out the podium for third place at 5:02:24.

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Maude Farrell (5:26:10.9) outsprinted breakaway companions Moriah Wilson (5:26:11.7) and USA National Cyclocross Champion Clara Honsinger (5:26:11.8) to win the Women’s 100-mile race.

In the Men’s 100km race, Lance Heppler was first in 3:31:54. Only two seconds behind was Matt Russell (3:31.56) with John Craft third at  3:32:17.

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In the 100km Women’s race, Laura Coombs won with a time of 4:07:2. Second went to Chanda Willse at 4:08:43 and third was Ryan Levering who had a time of 4:11:19.

Complete Shasta Gravel Hugger Results here.

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