Liv Racing Collective athlete Tessa Neefjes powered to an emotional and hard-fought win at the UCI Gravel World Series event in Galloway Forest, Scotland, riding to the top step of the podium in the Elite Women’s race.
The Gralloch is known for its demanding course, and this year was no exception. Riders faced a 111-kilometer route winding through the rugged beauty of southern Scotland, with over 1,700 meters of climbing across remote gravel tracks. The competition brought together some of the top gravel racers in the world, and the women's race culminated in a dramatic sprint finish among a leading group of four.
Neefjes, returning from a collarbone injury that sidelined her early in the season, showed grit and resilience throughout the race. Her determination paid off in the final kilometers, where she held her own against strong contenders to secure the win.
“I was really excited before the race. I absolutely love this course and this event, so I’d been looking forward to it for a long time,” Neefjes shared. “At the same time, I was a bit nervous. It was only my second race of the year, and I wasn’t feeling 100% after being a bit under the weather. The race kicked off with a tough 20-minute climb right from the start, so I knew it would be full-on from the start.”
Despite those nerves and early pressure, Neefjes was able to stay composed and race with focus. “I’m really happy to take this win at the UCI Gravel World Series in Scotland—The Gralloch,” she said. “The course, the atmosphere, and the setting were just incredible. Despite some challenges on the day, I managed to stay focused and enjoy the ride—and that made all the difference.”
With this standout performance, Neefjes not only takes a major win in the UCI Gravel World Series but also signals a strong return to form as the season continues.
