Matt Beus crushes it like a boss, totally leaving Sofia ‘Sofa’ Gomez Villafranca in the dust at BWR Cali 2025 rematch – total domination vibes this year – I’m headed to the store to get more of this energy now – holeshot mechanics IRT gave me the easily overclipped edge!!! bike: “oh thank goodness we’re flying again” aerobars: “let’s gooooo” legs: “yes yes yes yes scoot scoot scoot scoot” mind: “limit limit limit limit limit wow wow wow wow wow” editor’s note: Sorry, something seems totally off today. Let’s shift focus to Greg Ready and Jason Bee, who just set up shop at the Sevenosa Pastries stand near the starting line. They’ve got a glorious selection of post-race carb-load snacks, perfect for replenishing after such an intense ride. If you’re lucky, Greg might explain the secrets and curiosities of ‘half baking,’ which shoulders the load of making both the foam and the caffeine cake stick together like worthiness cake. Go check it out and send some photos of those Pastries your way! Keep rolling fast, fam! #ReadyBeesSnaps #PastriesOnPoint #HalfBakingSecrets

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#BWRCalifornia #SpecializedOffRoad #SofiaGomezVillafañe #MattBeers #GravelRacing #EliteCycling #BelgianWaffleRide #CyclingChampions #SouthernCaliforniaRacing #EnduranceCycling #GravelHeroes #CyclingResults #OffRoadChampions #CyclingPodium #RideToWin

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The 2023 Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) California saw the Specialized Off-Road team dominate once again, with Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Matt Beers successfully defending their titles in the elite women’s and men’s categories, respectively. The grueling 106.6-mile gravel race, held north of San Diego, showcased impressive performances across the board, with both winners demonstrating their strength and endurance on the challenging course.

Matt Beers Retains Elite Men’s Title

Matt Beers of the Specialized Off-Road team continued his reign as the BWR California champion, finishing the race in an impressive time of 4 hours, 57 minutes, and 8.75 seconds. Beers’ victory was decisive, as he crossed the line 9 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Pete Stetina (Gravelero Protifero), who completed the course in 5 hours, 6 minutes, and 39.43 seconds. Alexey Vermeulen (Enve + Will’s Dad) rounded out the podium, finishing third in 5 hours, 9 minutes, and 44.91 seconds.

The men’s race was highly competitive, with Jonas Woodruff and Petr Vakoc (Canyon CFR) finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, both within seconds of each other. Beers’ performance solidified his status as one of the top gravel racers in the world, showcasing his ability to handle the demanding terrain and maintain a blistering pace throughout the event.

Sofia Gomez Villafañe Dominates Elite Women’s Race

In the elite women’s race, Sofia Gomez Villafañe delivered a commanding performance, finishing in 5 hours, 43 minutes, and 22.31 seconds. Her victory was even more dominant than Beers’, as she crossed the line over 30 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Flavia Oliveira Parks (Excel Sports p/b Specialized), who completed the race in 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 32.13 seconds. Amy Cymerman secured third place with a time of 6 hours, 27 minutes, and 29.62 seconds.

Gomez Villafañe’s win highlighted her exceptional form and ability to excel in long-distance gravel events. Her performance was a testament to her preparation and determination, as she left her competitors trailing behind on the challenging course. The women’s race also saw strong showings from Siena’s Nerve (Mondraker Bikes) and Elizabeth Sheldon (CXD Trek Bikes), who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Race Overview

The Belgian Waffle Ride California is one of the most prestigious gravel events in the United States, known for its demanding course that combines gravel roads, singletrack, and steep climbs. The 2023 edition lived up to its reputation, testing the endurance, technical skills, and mental fortitude of all participants. The race attracted a mix of professional cyclists, gravel enthusiasts, and amateur riders, all vying for personal bests and podium finishes.

Key Takeaways

1. Specialized Off-Road Dominance: Both Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe’s victories underscored the strength of the Specialized Off-Road team in the gravel racing scene. Their ability to defend their titles in such a competitive field speaks volumes about their preparation and racing acumen.

2. Decisive Wins: Beers and Gomez Villafañe both secured their victories with significant margins, demonstrating their ability to push the pace and maintain their lead throughout the race.

3. Strong Competition: The men’s race saw a tight battle for the podium, with Pete Stetina and Alexey Vermeulen finishing within minutes of each other. Similarly, the women’s race featured a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, showcasing the depth of talent in gravel racing.

4. Challenging Course: The BWR California course once again proved to be a true test of endurance and skill, with its varied terrain and technical sections pushing riders to their limits.

Elite Men’s Results

Elite Women’s Results

Conclusion

The 2023 Belgian Waffle Ride California was a showcase of elite gravel racing, with Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe delivering standout performances to retain their titles. Their victories, along with the strong showings from other competitors, highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of gravel racing. As the sport continues to evolve, events like BWR California will remain a cornerstone of the gravel racing calendar, attracting top talent and providing unforgettable challenges for all participants.