Over the weekend, Brennan Wertz and Jenna Rinehart emerged as the winners of the Highlands Gravel Classic, the only US round of the 2024 UCI Gravel World Series. Wertz, who also won the Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race the previous weekend, crossed the finish line in 3:25:20, 12 seconds ahead of Cobe Freeburn. Nicholas Roche finished in third place, 34 seconds behind Wertz. The race encompassed canopy-covered gravel roads and more than a dozen climbs as it navigated through the changing terrain of the Ozarks.
In an Instagram post, Wertz expressed his excitement at winning the race and qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Belgium later in the year. Despite facing challenges after her chain came off early in the race, Rinehart managed to catch up with Maude Farrell and Flavia Oliveira Parks. Rinehart ultimately surged ahead, finishing in 3:51:55, 25 seconds before Farrell and over four minutes ahead of Oliveira Parks.
The Highlands Gravel Classic covered a 67.6 mile (109km) course with 7,000 ft (2,100 m) of climbing, comprised 95% gravel, and began and ended on a farm outside Fayetteville, Arkansas. Rinehart and Wertz’s victories at the race showcased their strong performance and determination, solidifying their positions in the elite cycling world.