Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx-Protime) and Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team) claimed victory at the second edition of Eislek Gravel Luxembourg on Sunday 21 June, a 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships qualifier held in the hills above Vianden.
Wiebes, the reigning UCI Elite Women’s Gravel World Champion, powered to a commanding solo victory in her rainbow jersey under scorching conditions, with temperatures reaching 37°C. She completed the 111 km women’s race in 04:03:08 at an average speed of 27.4 km/h. Sophie Wright (Ribble Outliers) finished second, 1 minute 16 seconds behind, while Femke Gerritse (Team SD Worx-Protime) completed the podium a further 1 minute 34 seconds back, 2 minutes 50 seconds behind Wiebes.
In the men’s race, Belgian gravel champion Niels Vandeputte won a five-rider sprint in 03:25:24, edging Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) by 1 second. Petr Vakoc finished on the same time in third, with Hugo Drechou and Magnus Bak Klaris completing the lead group. The winning average speed was 32.4 km/h.
The race marked the second edition of Eislek Gravel Luxembourg, which debuted in 2025 as the country’s first UCI gravel event.
Last year’s inaugural champions, Mathijs Loman and Rosa Klöser, did not return to defend their titles. The Vianden course remains known for its cobbled opening climb to the historic castle before riders head into the surrounding forests, reaching a high point of approximately 510 metres.
Just under 800 riders participated in the race, with those finishing in the top 25 percent of their age-group category qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia, in October.
UCI Eislek Gravel results HERE
Photo Credit: Grand-Ducal Cycling Photography
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