UCI Gravel World Series: Former junior Australian gravel champion steps up to claim elite women's win at a muddy Gravelista while rowing Olympic medallist sails away for elite men's victory

October 27, 2026

Nineteen-year-old Ruby Taylor secured her first elite UCI Gravel World Series victory at Gravelista, the opening 2027 Australian qualifier, after finishing in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 36 seconds. Taylor, who claimed the junior Australian gravel title two years ago, arrived at the finish line nearly nine minutes ahead of the nearest women's competitor, Laura Tomlinson, who was racing in the 19-34 age group.

The race conditions were challenging, with cool spring weather forcing the course to be reduced from 135km to 97.1km, retaining 1,154m of elevation gain. Taylor's recent form has been impressive across disciplines, including two stage wins in the Tour of Tasmania and an U23 Australian XCO Mountain Bike title where she overcame a one-minute start-line deficit to beat all elite women except Rebecca Henderson.

In the men's elite category, Great Britain's Harry Leask, an Olympic silver medallist in rowing who also competed in the America's Cup, claimed the win. Leask, who had previously finished second at Devils Cardigan, made a decisive early move alongside Tasman Nankervis and Mark O'Brien after the main climb at the 30km mark.

He extended his lead in the final 6-7km to cross the line solo. The field also included former Australian gravel champions Connor Sens and Mark O'Brien, as well as past series winner Tasman Nankervis.