The 2026 USA Gravel season started in earnest last weekend, with the first of five California Grasshopper Series races ending in a spirited sprint and Alex Wild victorious in Ukiah.

After 59 miles of mucky gravel, dirt and ice-bridge racing 34 year-old Wild powered to a sprint victory by a tire’s width in 3:13:47. U23 riders Marcus Shelton, Caden Kroettinger, Dan English and Yoann Perrodin finished in that order with the same time. Former WorldTour pro Ted King, 43, finished 10th and last year’s champion Peter Stetina rolled in 28th overall.

Jen Tave, 36, won the women’s race in 3:36:42, followed by Larissa Connors (3:40:234) and Laurel Quinones (3:41:57).

Most impressive was up-and-coming gravel star Shane Curtis, 16, finishing an impressive 13th overall in 3:18:30 and handily winning the Junior category.

Next up in the series is Huffmaster on 28 February, followed by King Ridge 28 March, Jackson Forest 25 April and Ukiah Mendo Epic 24 May.

Complete Low Gap Gravel results HERE

Photo Credit: Brian Tucker

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