Former Junior Australian Champion Wins Elite Women's Race

At the UCI Gravel World Series round in Seymour, Australia, former junior Australian gravel champion Ruby Taylor claimed the elite women's victory while Olympic silver medallist Harry Leask secured the elite men's category win at the muddy Gravelista event. The race, held on October 27, 2026, served as a qualifier for the 2027 UCI Gravel World Championships.

The day brought muddy and wet conditions, requiring the original 135km course to be shortened to a 97.1km route with an elevation gain of 1,154m. Taylor, only 19 years old, dominated the field, finishing with a time of 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 36 seconds. This performance marked her first elite victory in the UCI Gravel World Series, showcasing her impressive skill, particularly as she had previously won the junior Australian gravel title two years ago. She crossed the line with a margin of nearly nine minutes ahead of Laura Tomlinson, who competed in the 19-34 year age-group category.

Following Taylor was Belen Lopez Morales, a rider aged 40-44 and a former Spanish time trial champion, who finished next. Numerous competitors from the 35-39 age category, including Philippa Birch, Hayley Simmonds, and others, pressed for the remaining spots on the podium. Ultimately, Birch emerged victorious in the sprint for that section, followed by elite category riders Karoline Risager Schmidt and Amanda Poulsen, who secured the second and third places respectively.

For Taylor, this achievement was part of a successful year during which she transitioned from the junior ranks into the elite category, outperforming many seasoned rivals. She also garnered notable successes, including victories at the Tour of Tasmania and an U23 Australian XCO Mountain Bike title.

In the elite men's race, also held in Seymour, Leask—a former rowing Olympic medallist—claimed victory in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds. He executed a crucial early move with competitors Mark O'Brien and Tasman Nankervis after the significant climb at the 30km mark. Following a decisive gap created in the final 6-7 km, Leask crossed the finish line solo, defeating Nankervis by a mere 23 seconds and O'Brien, who finished shortly after in third place.

Following the leaders, a group of four riders contested for fourth, with Oliver Johnston leading that contingent. The Gravelista event marked a significant early qualifier for those aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming UCI Gravel World Championships, scheduled for August 26 and 27, 2027, in Châtel.