RIDERS from the Mid Devon Cycling Club demonstrated exceptional grit and talent at the UCI The Gralloch 2025, conquering a demanding 110km gravel course amidst challenging conditions.
The relentless terrain, featuring varied gravel from small stones to large, bike-shaking rocks, combined with 5800 feet of climbing, tested the riders' physical and mental fortitude over approximately four hours of intense effort.
Temperatures reached a sweltering 23°C and that combined with dry and sunny weather created exceptionally dusty conditions, adding another layer of difficulty to the already arduous race.
Despite facing mechanical setbacks, including punctures for James Williams, Ian Gaffney, and Jason Kettle, the team persevered. Kettle even had the added challenge of an exploding gel bottle, forcing him to stop and clean up mid-race. The constantly transitioning course, offering no respite from climbs to technical gravel descents, demanded unwavering focus and endurance from all participants.
Their tenacity and skill paid off, with an impressive four Mid Devon Club riders qualifying to compete in the prestigious UCI Gravel World Championship, to be held in Holland in October.
The outstanding results for the Mid Devon Club riders are as follows:
- Ian Gaffney: 36th place out of 148 riders in the 35-39 Age Group – UCI Qualified
- James Williams: 47th place out of 209 riders in the 45-49 Age Group – UCI Qualified
- Jason Kettle: 35th place out of 318 riders in the 50-54 Age Group – UCI Qualified
- David Allen: 88th place out of 220 riders in the 55-59 Age Group – Finished just 30 places (14 minutes) away from UCI qualification.
- Robin Delve: 1st place out of 51 riders in the 65-69 Age Group – UCI Qualified
Robin Delve's remarkable first-place finish in his age group highlights the depth of talent within the Mid Devon Club. The club's strong performance at The Gralloch underscores the dedication and training of its members and marks a significant achievement for the local cycling community.
Rob Woodger, vice chairman, commented: "We are incredibly proud of the resilience and success of our riders at such a challenging event. To have four members qualify for the UCI World Championship is a testament to their hard work and the supportive spirit of the Mid Devon Cycling Club.”
Rising star Lauren Fox continued her impressive performance this week, achieving a commendable 3rd place in the highly competitive national omnium series held at the Newcastle under Lyme Track.
The omnium, a demanding event comprising five distinct races, saw Fox demonstrate exceptional skill and determination. Notably, she powered to victories in both the sprint race and the scratch race, showcasing her speed and tactical prowess within the discipline.
Her strong showing across all five events culminated in a well-deserved podium finish, solidifying her position amongst the top athletes in the national series.