In a course distance not coincidentally called 'The Abyss', Chase Wark (Lunchbox Racing) and Maddy Nutt (Lauf Cycles) claimed victories in the new 330km trial at The Rift Gravel Race in Iceland, which the British rider outlined in no uncertain terms was 'not fun' but 'suffering'.
The 200km elite challenge, now in a seventh season, was also a big test with 2,600 metres of elevation gain, rather than the 4,600 metres of the longer test, and many riders facing race-ruining mechanicals. Anton Stensby (FARA) prevailed to win the elite men's race in 6:16:51 while Haley Smith (Factor Racing) fought back after a crash to claim the elite women's race in 7:25:50.