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#BelgianWaffleRide #BWR2025 #GravelRacing #KeeganSwenson #RussellFinsterwald #SofiaGomezVillafane #CyclingVictory #ScottsdaleRacing #GravelCycling #BWRCA #QuadTripleCrown #CyclingChampions #EliteCyclists #CyclingCommunity #DesertGravelRacing
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The first Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) of the year, BWR AZ, took place outside Scottsdale, Arizona, and saw top gravel racers battling it out in a challenging desert course. Keegan Swenson, a three-time Life Time Grand Prix winner, continued his dominance by securing the elite men’s title in a thrilling finish, while Sofia Gomez Villafañe asserted her supremacy in the elite women’s race with a commanding performance.
Men’s Race: Swenson Edges Finsterwald in Nail-Biting Finish
Keegan Swenson, representing Santa Cruz Bicycles/SRAM, claimed victory in the elite men’s race with a time of 5 hours, 21 minutes, and 56.89 seconds. The race was a tightly contested battle between Swenson and Russell Finsterwald (Trek Driftless), with Swenson ultimately prevailing by just three seconds. The duo had been neck-and-neck throughout the race, showcasing their strength and tactical prowess in the grueling 103.5-mile course.
Andrew L’esperance finished third, rounding out the podium. The course, which featured 7,062 feet of climbing through desert terrain, is one of the more gravel-focused routes in the BWR series. While Swenson and Finsterwald broke away early, the race for third saw L’esperance narrowly outpace a competitive field. Zach Calton (Ventum-Shimano) and Lance Haidet (Specialized/SRAM/Velocio) also delivered strong performances, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
Women’s Race: Gomez Villafañe Dominates the Field
In the elite women’s race, Sofia Gomez Villafañe (Specialized Off-Road) continued her winning streak, finishing over 20 minutes ahead of second-place rider Courtney Sherwell (Santa Cruz SRAM). Gomez Villafañe’s performance was a testament to her exceptional form and ability to handle the demanding course. Cecile Lejeune (CCB p/b LLG) secured third place, further solidifying her status as a top contender in the gravel racing scene.
The women’s race saw a mix of seasoned riders and emerging talents. Haley Smith (Trek Driftless) and Hannah Shell (Vantage Racing) finished fifth and sixth, respectively, while Ruth Holcomb (Santa Cruz HTSQD) and Katja Verkerk (CYNISCA Cycling) also put in strong performances. Gomez Villafañe’s dominant win sets the tone for her 2024 season, as she aims to defend her Life Time Grand Prix title.
Course and Series Overview
The BWR AZ course is known for its gravel-heavy routes, with riders navigating through challenging desert terrain. This year’s event featured 103.5 miles of racing, including significant elevation gain and technical sections that tested the riders’ endurance and bike-handling skills. The BWR series has grown significantly since its inception, with events that vary in terrain and challenge, offering riders a diverse range of experiences.
The BWR series continues next month with BWR CA in Southern California, the original event that launched the North American series over a decade ago. The series now includes seven events and an omnium competition called the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel, which adds an extra layer of competition for riders participating in multiple events.
Key Takeaways
- Keegan Swenson demonstrated his gravel racing prowess with a narrow victory over Russell Finsterwald, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s top riders.
- Sofia Gomez Villafañe asserted her dominance in the women’s field, finishing decisively ahead of her competitors and setting the stage for another strong season.
- The BWR AZ course provided a challenging test with its gravel-heavy route and significant climbing, showcasing the versatility and endurance required in gravel racing.
- The BWR series continues to grow, with BWR CA next on the calendar and the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel adding an exciting dimension to the competition.
Results Highlights
Elite Men:
- Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz Bicycles/SRAM) – 5:21:56.89
- Russell Finsterwald (Trek Driftless) – +0:03
- Andrew L’esperance – +5:12
- Defeated a hugo (Number 31 by cyclist cafe) – +7:01
- Zach Calton (Ventum-Shimano) – +9:22
Elite Women:
- Sofia Gomez Villafañe (Specialized Off-Road) – 6:10:13
- Courtney Sherwell (Santa Cruz SRAM) – +20:33
- Cecile Lejeune (CCB p/b LLG) – +22:50
- DUBAU-PREVOT Axelle (Number 31 by cyclist cafe) – +23:48
- Haley Smith (Trek Driftless) – +25:13
Looking Ahead
The BWR AZ event set the tone for an exciting season of gravel racing, with top riders continuing to push the limits of their endurance and skill. As the series moves to Southern California for BWR CA, the competition is expected to intensify, with riders vying for both individual race victories and overall series standings. With Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafañe leading the charge, the 2024 gravel racing season promises to deliver more thrilling battles and unforgettable moments.
