People cheering, flags in the sky and chanting crowds made cycling history witnessing cyclists turning into legends of the sport over the years. Likewise, people cheering, flags in the sky and chanting crowds made their appearance in the first weekend of October for a totally new and exciting event for the two-wheels enthusiasts.
We are talking about the very first UCI Gravel World Championships in the Veneto region of Italy. A show crossing the beautiful landscapes of the Italian countryside for 190 kilometers of mixed terrain and dirty roads between Vicenza and Cittadella, enhanced by the presence of names such as Peter Sagan, Mathieu Van der Poel, Zdenek Stybar and Greg Van Avermaet. Athletes born to race and win the most famous one-day races.
Not only riders from the world of road cycling were there. Accepting this new challenge, Champions from different disciplines attempted to conquer the gravel world champion jersey. The result was a peloton of riders with different personalities and different backgrounds who made this first edition unpredictable until the end. The final podium was made by top-level riders: the Belgian Gianni Vermeersch, our ambassador Daniel Oss and the tireless Mathieu Van der Poel got the most out of the sparkling atmosphere typical of the northern Monument races.
Moved by passion and grit the bravest are the ones who lead these races. Our Daniel got a sweet second place, riding this experience head-on, without fearing the tactics and the strategies of the rest of the pack. He freed his mind from the jump and lived the race to the best of his ability. He came with a clear goal in his mind: give everything he had, without second guessing any of his moves. Thanks to his experience gained in the classics of the north - his favorite races - he was really confident in his abilities. The rule was to stay ahead, anticipate, and set the pace to avoid being chased and caught.
However, Daniel wasn’t alone in his run. He spent most of the time with the Belgian Vermeersch, who skillfully overtook him only in the last 10 kilometers through a difficult terrain sector.
Oss regrets having missed the feat, but is proud of his beautiful second place, achieved in the most beautiful way: riding his bike with his famous Just Ride philosophy in mind.
“I ran upfront to not suffer the pace of the other riders. A break of two was unexpected and one of the longest of my career. Maybe with 4 or 5 more riders on the move it would have been more exciting and open. During the last few kilometers I was exhausted and felt in my legs the fatigue of countless attacks. I have no regrets as it was a great experience: I breathed in the beautiful support of my fans. It was an incredible starting point - an event with lots of big smiles and wonderful people”.
Right after his effort Daniel was really satisfied and excited, proud of a result not taken for granted. This season for the Italian rider was very harsh and brutal due to an important injury while riding the Tour de France.
The comeback Daniel has done perfectly embodies his rock soul. He has once again shown that he’s really able to stay true to himself and ride hearthfully
What a second place for Daniel! You rock!!
And congratulations to all the riders who took part in the first edition of the Gravel World Championship.
