On Sunday 13 October, Asiago in Italy will be the venue for the 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships. The start list currently features the names of Greg Van Avermaet, Paul Voss and Carolin Schiff, among others.
Greg Van Avermaet’s name evokes wonderful memories for many cycling fans. After victories at the Olympic road race in Rio de Janeiro, Paris-Roubaix, Omloop het Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem and many other classics, Golden Greg ended his road racing career at the end of last year. He has since turned his attention with great enjoyment to gravel racing, including the European Championships in Asiago.
The German Paul Voss has a history in road racing and cyclo-cross, but the highpoint of his career has been on gravel. After a long 80 km solo, he took the Traka 200 title last year. A couple of months later, he finished 3rd at the 2023 UEC Gravel European Championships behind Jasper Stuyven and Tim Merlier. Let’s see if the German can do even better this year!
Germany’s Carolin Schiff has a lot in common with Paul Voss. Not only do they work together on the podcast AUT SAID, but she also won the Traka 200 in 2023. A few weeks ago, Schiff became German gravel champion for the second time. On 13 October, she will undoubtedly be doing everything she can to claim the European title as well.
Italy’s Letizia Borghesi will also be making her way to the picturesque Veneto. Wearing the colours of American EF – Oatly – Cannondale, she notched up some impressive results in the spring classics. With a stage win in the 2019 Giro d’Italia under her belt, Borghesi will be eager to fight for victory once again in her home country.
Next up in the battle for the European champion’s jersey on Italy’s gravel roads is Tessa Neefjes. After a horrific accident in 2016, she has slowly but surely climbed her way back to the top. 2022 was an absolute dream year for her when she won both the Dutch mountain bike marathon and the European beach racing championship.
Annabel Fisher will also be lining up at the start in Asiago. The British cyclist has already put together an impressive string of six consecutive podium finishes in gravel races this year. This run of success included victories at the Octopus Gravel in Switzerland and in the British Championships.
Last but not least, Asbjørn Hellemose will also be at the start. The 25-year-old Dane first showed what a talent he is in 2021 with a 5th place in the general classification in the Giro U23. In 2023, he competed in numerous World Tour races, including the UAE Tour and the Tour of Lombardy. Hellemose has already made his mark in a number of UCI Gravel races. Will a win at the European Gravel Championships be the next highlight?
The full start list will shortly be available via the button below:
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