Matej Mohorič’s Pursuit of a Third-Place Finish at Gravel World Championships Amid Unfavorable Conditions

World Championships, battling fatigue and illness to secure a respectable third-place finish.">

October 14, 2025

Beek, netherlands – Slovenian cyclist Matej Mohorič secured a hard-fought third-place finish at the UCI Gravel World Championships, despite battling meaningful fatigue and a recent illness. The race, held from Beek to Maastricht, presented a stark contrast to Mohorič’s triumphant 2023 performance, where he claimed the rainbow jersey amidst a season of consistent victories.

A Season of Struggle

Mohorič openly admitted to feeling the strain of a demanding season. “I am tired,” he told reporters, emphasizing the exhaustion extended beyond the race itself. He confessed that this marks the first year he eagerly anticipates an extended break from cycling, despite his deep passion for the sport.

The athlete faced adversity even before the competition began, falling ill just two days prior to the event. This setback,coupled with seasonal fatigue,forced him into a relentless pursuit throughout the race. He found himself constantly trying to rejoin the leading groups after being repeatedly caught out by the aggressive positioning tactics of other competitors.

Battling to the Podium

Despite the challenges, Mohorič remained resilient. He teamed up with Félix Stehli of Switzerland, and together they attempted to close the gap on the leading trio of Florian Vermeersch, floris Van Tricht, and Frits Biesterbos. unfortunately, Stehli struggled to maintain pace and was unable to continue the pursuit.

Mohorič ultimately finished 1 minute and 23 seconds behind the winner, Florian Vermeersch, and 43 seconds behind second-place finisher, Frits Biesterbos, after Vermeersch dropped Biesterbos 19 kilometers from the finish line. The result wasn’t a season-defining victory, but a commendable achievement given the arduous circumstances.

Rider	Country	Finish Time
florian Vermeersch	Belgium	Winner
Frits Biesterbos	Netherlands	+43 seconds
Matej Mohorič	Slovenia	+1 minute 23 seconds

Mohorič acknowledged Vermeersch’s strength, stating he likely wouldn’t have been able to defeat him even with peak performance. He also reflected on a season characterized by near misses, including second-place finishes at the Tour de la Provence and the Tour de France, but lacking a major win.

Looking Ahead

The Slovenian rider is scheduled to compete in the Japan Cup, his final race of the year. He expressed a desire to learn from the challenges of this season,acknowledging both his peak conditioning and the frustrating consistency of unfortunate events that prevented him from securing victories. Mohorič aims to refine his approach and achieve stronger results with his Bahrain Victorious team in the future.

“I learned many things this year,” Mohorič explained. “I had the worst year of my career, results wise, but I was in my best ever condition on more than one occasion.” He added, “The level is getting better every year, and I still think I got the level on a few occasions where I could actually win a WorldTour race, but it’s just that the stars didn’t align.”

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The Rise of Gravel Cycling

Gravel cycling has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, blending elements of road cycling and mountain biking. Cycling Weekly reports this growth is fueled by the desire for adventure and accessibility, offering riders a versatile experience on varied terrain. The UCI Gravel World Championships highlight the sport’s increasing recognition and competitive level.

did you know? Gravel bikes often feature wider tires and more relaxed geometry than conventional road bikes, enhancing comfort and control on uneven surfaces.

Pro Tip: Proper tire selection is crucial for gravel racing. Consider factors like tread pattern, width, and puncture protection to optimize your performance and grip.

Frequently asked Questions about Matej Mohorič and Gravel Cycling

• What is UCI Gravel World Championships? It’s a global championship event recognizing the best gravel cyclists, a relatively new discipline gaining rapid popularity.
• What challenges did Matej Mohorič face in this race? He battled fatigue from a long season and recovered from a recent illness, impacting his performance.
• What are the key differences between gravel and road cycling? Gravel cycling incorporates unpaved roads and trails, requiring different bike setups and riding skills.
• What is Matej Mohorič’s future plan? He will participate in the Japan Cup and aims to refine his approach for improved results next season.
• How does fatigue affect a cyclist’s performance? Fatigue reduces power output, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of errors, considerably impacting race outcomes.

What did you think of Mohorič’s performance given his circumstances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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How did the adverse weather conditions specifically impact race tactics at the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships?

Matej Mohorič’s Grit: Securing Third at Gravel Worlds Despite Treacherous Conditions

Matej Mohorič’s performance at the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships in Treviso, Italy, was a masterclass in resilience adn tactical riding. Battling relentless rain, muddy courses, and a fiercely competitive field, the Slovenian champion secured a hard-fought third-place finish. this article delves into the specifics of Mohorič’s race, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to reach the podium in such unfavorable conditions. We’ll explore the impact of the weather on the gravel racing event, his bike setup, and key moments that defined his ride.

The Treviso Tempest: Weather’s impact on the Race

The 2025 Gravel World Championships were promptly defined by the weather.Persistent rainfall transformed the already challenging gravel roads of Treviso into a slippery,muddy mess. This dramatically increased the difficulty, favoring riders with extraordinary bike handling skills and a willingness to embrace the chaos.

* Reduced Speeds: The slick surfaces significantly reduced average speeds, turning the race into a grueling test of endurance and power.

* Increased Mechanicals: Mud and water infiltration led to a spike in mechanical issues – punctures, drivetrain problems, and brake failures were commonplace. Gravel bike maintenance became critical.

* Tactical Shift: The conditions forced a shift in tactics. Aggressive early attacks were less effective, and riders focused on conserving energy and avoiding crashes. Gravel racing tactics had to adapt.

* Bike Choice Importance: The selection of appropriate tires and bike setup became paramount.

mohorič’s Bike & Equipment Choices for Muddy Gravel

Mohorič’s equipment choices were clearly geared towards maximizing grip and minimizing mechanical issues. He opted for wider tires with a more aggressive tread pattern then many of his competitors.

* Tire Selection: He ran 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires, known for their excellent mud clearance and grip. This was a key decision in navigating the treacherous course. Gravel tire pressure was also carefully managed, running lower pressures for increased traction.

* Drivetrain Protection: His team meticulously applied protective coatings to the drivetrain to prevent mud buildup and ensure smooth shifting.

* Brake Performance: Hydraulic disc brakes were essential, providing consistent stopping power even in the muddy conditions.

* Frame & Fork: Mohorič rode a custom-built gravel frame designed for comfort and stability on rough terrain. Gravel bike geometry played a crucial role in his handling.

Key Moments & Tactical Decisions

Mohorič didn’t immediately position himself at the front of the race. Instead, he adopted a conservative approach, conserving energy and observing the moves of his rivals.

1. Early Neutralization: The initial stages were characterized by a series of crashes and mechanicals. Mohorič skillfully navigated the chaos, avoiding trouble and staying within the main group.
2. Mid-Race Selection: As the race progressed, a small group of riders, including eventual winner Mathieu van der Poel and silver medalist Tom pidcock, began to pull away.Mohorič initially struggled to match their pace, but he refused to give up.
3. Strategic Bridge: With approximately 50km remaining, mohorič launched a powerful attack, bridging the gap to the leading group. This was a pivotal moment, demonstrating his strength and determination.
4. Final Sprint Battle: In the final kilometers, Mohorič found himself in a three-man sprint for the podium. Despite being visibly fatigued, he dug deep and held off a late charge from his rivals to secure third place. Gravel sprint tactics were crucial in this final push.

The Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Extreme Conditions

Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration was particularly challenging given the cold, wet conditions. Mohorič’s team focused on providing him with easily digestible energy sources and warm fluids to prevent hypothermia and maintain performance.

* high-Carb Intake: Frequent intake of energy gels,bars,and carbohydrate-rich drinks was essential to fuel his muscles.

* Warm Beverages: Hot tea and soup were provided at feed zones to help him stay warm and hydrated.

* Electrolyte Balance: Maintaining electrolyte balance was crucial to prevent cramping and fatigue. Sports nutrition for gravel racing is frequently enough overlooked but vital.

Mohorič’s Gravel Racing Palmarès & Future Outlook

This podium finish adds to Matej Mohorič’s growing reputation as a versatile and formidable cyclist. While primarily known for his road racing prowess