In blister heat with the temperature climbing to a sweltering 90F on Saturday the 2026 USA Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) gravel series got underway at BWR Arizona in McDowell Mountain Park north of Phoenix.
American 2024 Olympic MTB silver medalist Haley Batten (SPECIALIZED FACTORY RACING) dropped all challengers to win the 101-mile women’s race solo with a massive 12 minute lead. The 27 year-old claimed her first BWR gravel title in 5:58:13. Haley Smith (6:11:22), Cecile Lejune (6:11:48), Alexis Skarda (6:19:58) and Holly Henry (6:36:32) rounded out the Top 5.
For the men it was 34 year-old American Russell Finsterward (LOOK) out-sprinting Andrew L’Esperance of Canada on the finish line to win in 5:17:38. Four minutes later Torbjorn Andre (5:21:42) rolled in to take the final podium step, followed by Lunchbox racing teammates Julien Gagne (5:23:32) and Andrew Dillman (5:25:08).
22 year-old Braeden Sellinger (DARK SKY DEVO) won on the shorter 65-mile Belgian Wafer route, defeating the age defying 70 year-old former MTB World Champion Ned Overend and Tanner Thornton in the race to the top of the podium.
The Wafer women’s race saw 47 year-old Kristen Smith (BAGHOUSE) solo in for the win at 4:03:37, followed by rising junior gravel stars and sisters Leah (16) and Anna (15) Morozowich, racing for the developmental Bear National Team.
Over 600 riders lined up at the start BWR Arizona, with many DNFs (Did Not Finish) due to the unseasonably hot conditions.
Next up in the series is BWR California on 3 May, followed by BWR Utah 13 June and BWR Montana 20 June.
Complete 2026 BWR Arizona results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/Belgianwaffleride
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