Martin Stošek of the Czech Republic and Sina Frei of Switzerland are the new 2024 European Gravel Champions, held this weekend in Asiago (Italy). Stošek, a mountain bike cross-country marathon specialist, outpaced road racing favorites, while Frei dominated the women’s elite race.
Stošek attacked on the second of three laps, leaving behind riders like Toby Perry (GBR) and Jenno Berckmoes (BEL). He secured the win, with Perry taking silver and Berckmoes bronze. Pre-race favorite Gianni Vermeersch (BEL) suffered mechanical issues and didn’t finish the race.
Frei, a multi-discipline champion, broke away on a climb in the last lap and crossed the finish line solo in the women’s race. She outpaced Italian teammates Silvia Persico and Alice Maria Arzuffi, who finished second and third, respectively.
The event was marred by tragedy when an older Italian rider suffered a fatal heart attack during the race. Following the rider’s passing, the race was neutralized, forcing the majority of participants to finish the event at a controlled pace.
