Swiss gravel privateer Simon Pellaud took overall victory in the 128km Gran Fondo men’s race at the UCI Gravel World Championips qualifier in Chía on Sunday, a highland municipality just north of Bogotá that sits more than 2,500 metres above sea level. Pellaud crossed the line in 03:44:37, holding off a strong Colombian contingent led by Camilo Gomez, who finished 9 minutes 23 seconds behind, with Carlos Julián Quintero a further 2 seconds back in third.
In the women’s Gran Fondo, Natalia Franco claimed the elite title in 04:37:58, well clear of second place rider Valentina Ovalle. The result was overshadowed by the disqualification of Nora Williams, who posted the fastest raw time of the day (03:42:55) before being removed from the results for reportedly cutting the course.
Colombian riders dominated the shorter 70km Medio Fondo events. Luis Alberto Aconcha Kom won the men’s race in 02:19:49, while Laura Galvis claimed the women’s title in 02:52:08, finishing more than an hour ahead of the runner-up.
Sunday’s race came after months of upheaval on the South American gravel calendar. The event was originally scheduled for late May but was postponed after organisational issues forced a late relocation within the Chía area, a change that also saw the planned Medellín gravel race removed from the 2026 calendar.
The result qualifies riders finishing in the top 25% in their age category for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for 10-11 October in Nannup, Western Australia, where Pellaud will look to convert his strong gravel form into a bid for the rainbow jersey.
UCI Bogotá Gravel results HERE
Photo Credit: UCI Gran Fondo Colombia
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