Belgian Gianni Vermeesch, the first gravel world champion

the Belgian Gianni Vermeersch He was proclaimed the first world champion in history in the new gravel modality after a test held in Veneto (Italy) with a route of 194 km where sections of dirt tracks and asphalt roads were mixed.

Vermeersch (Roeselare, 29 years old) made a great show of strength on a circuit with only 800 meters of accumulated difference in altitude, but demanding every kilometer. The Belgian, running on the road with Alpecin Deceuninckcapitalized on a good test escape and finally managed to reach the finish line alone.

The cyclist of the Belgian team raised his arms in the straight time for the celebration, because his last escape partner, the Italian daniel oss, crossed the line 43 seconds behind the first gravel world champion. He set a record of 5:10:38, at an average of 37.5 km/hour.

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A group of distinguished runners joined in the chase, but Vermeersch’s lack of understanding and strength rendered any effort useless. Oss hung up the silver medal and the Dutchman Mathieu van der Poelthe four-time cyclocross world champion and favorite in Veneto, had to settle for bronze after losing by 1.26 minutes, with the Belgian Greg van Avermaet on your wheel.

“I preferred to arrive alone, although the final straight was convenient for me. It was not convenient for me to wait too long because the pursuers could approach dangerously. I decided to go flat out and give everything, and it went very well,” rainbow gravel jersey said.

Reward for the risk and bravery of Vermeersch, who made an escape with Daniel Oss at km 20 of the race. They were both 6 minutes ahead. The difference in the attacks of the favorites in the big group decreased, but overconfidence left victory for the rebels.

6 km from the last line where Vermeersch attacked to leave Oss’s company. A breakaway of 175 did not diminish the Belgian forces. He has enough to go down in history. With 3 victories on the road, he made his debut in the gravel world championship.

The Spanish Charles Verona it is the 26th.