UCI Gravel World Championships – Matej Mohorič Takes Bronze

At the UCI Gravel World Championships in the hilly southwest of the Netherlands, Matej Mohorič delivered a standout ride to claim the bronze medal. Representing Slovenia and racing for Team Bahrain Victorious, he remained consistently among the top ten before powering to third place aboard Merida’s new race gravel bike.

The championships took place on a demanding 180.9 km course around Maastricht and Valkenburg, one of the most undulating areas of the Netherlands, featuring repeated climbs and few flat sections. After what he described as a challenging season, Mohorič came to the race motivated to finish the year on a high note.

True to his reputation for embracing innovation, the 2023 world champion once again lined up on new equipment. Two years after racing a prototype of Merida’s Silex, he competed this time on a yet-to-be-launched race gravel and multi-surface model, customised with green accents reflecting Slovenia’s national colours. The new bike is set to be released in early November. Teammate Matevž Govekar also rode the same model.

From the start, the pace was relentless. Early attacks quickly reshaped the race, with Florian Vermeersch and Frits Biesterbos establishing the decisive breakaway. Mohorič led the chase, dropping all but Swiss rider Felix Stehli before ultimately distancing him to secure third place as Vermeersch took the win ahead of Biesterbos.

Govekar’s race was hampered by early misfortune, leaving him out of the front group. He finished 32nd, nearly eleven minutes down on the winner.

RESULT:
4TH UCI GRAVEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: BEEK - MAASTRICHT, 180.9 KM
1. Florian Vermeersch, BEL, in 4:39.12 hours
2. Frits Biesterbos, NED, + 0.40
3. Matej Mohoric, SVN, + 1.23

Photos: Sprint Cycling Agency