Triumph in the Big Sugar Gravel 2025: Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe Seize Victory in the Shortened Race

Lightning storms and tornado warnings couldn’t stop an abbreviated Big Sugar Gravel 2025, with Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe taking decisive wins.

Screenshot (Photo: Alvin Holbrook/Velo)

Published October 18, 2025 12:21PM

The race was the last stop of the Life Time Grand Prix and Cam Jones took the overall win for the men by virtue of winning a reduced group sprint from the overall contenders. Sofia Gomez Villafañe had all but wrapped up the competition heading into the final, but Big Sugar Gravel 2025 was a cherry on top of the cake to net her third straight overall title.

The elite race was reduced from 100 miles to 50 miles within an hour of the start as violent storms were forecasted. The rumblings of course alterations began on Thursday and intensified as the reality of the weather became more and more apparent.

By all accounts, the final decision was the right one for the area that is under a tornado watch with the rain starting in the last hour of the action. That being said, the racing was unorthodox with 50 mile gravel races rare among the elite race calendars. Instead of being a dynamic race of attrition that Big Sugar normally is, it was much more in line with the punchiness of Chequamegon.

Men’s Race Results: Matt Beers takes off early, finishes in dominating fashion

(Photo: Life Time Grand Prix)

In the men’s event, the race dutifully kicked off with fury as the leaders crossed the mat of the first and only aid station at mile 29 an hour and ten minutes into the day. The leaders at the time were Beers, Riley Amos, and Matthew Wilson after they had forged clear in the first 10 miles.

Behind, the close race for the men’s overall kept most of the strongest riders closely marking one another behind, hindering the chase.. Without much distance to play with, the two-minute lead that Beers and company had was enough for them to settle the win between them, with Beers and Wilson dropping Amos with around 10 miles.

Behind the leaders, Griffin Easter and Julian Gagne made a move to try and steal a top five from the rest of the peloton and made quick work of the gap to Amos. Just as they made the link, the sky opened up and the long-promised rain began dumping, providing one final wrinkle for the Life Time Grand Prix peloton that is at the end of the road of a long season.

(Photo: Life Time Grand Prix)

Ultimately, an untimely mechanical sealed the result as Wilson was unable to follow Beers after suffering from what seemed an issue with his shifting. Under soggy skies, Beers was able to celebrate an emphatic solo win, his first Life Time Grand Prix win of the year, to wrap up a tumultuous year for the South African. Wilson was unable to weather his mechanical, losing out on a top finish in the end. Easter finished second, winning the sprint behind with Amos grabbing third and Gagne in fourth.

Crucially, Cam Jones managed to produce a massive sprint to claim the group sprint behind, finishing in fifth and doing enough to take the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix, the first man to beat Keegan Swenson in the four-year history of the competition.

The abbreviated course seemed to change the fortunes for specific riders, including Swenson, who told Velo he would’ve preferred a longer race overall. The sprint finish ended up being instrumental to the Life Time Grand Prix standings,

Women’s Race Results: Gomez Villafañe kicks hard enough to shake the chase group

(Photo: Alvin Holbrook/Velo)

The women’s overall competition may have been less close compared to the men’s, but the action-packed racing was the same as both races were cut down to 50-miles where gravel’s best were set to battle it out for the final big prize on the 2025 gravel calendar.

The women’s peloton stayed stuck together throughout the first half of the race. Over and over again, one rider would attack only to be brought back. The women, unbridled by a tense standoff for the Grand Prix title, were all racing to win the day.

Among the most active were Melisa Rollins and Cecily Decker, who were fighting for second in the Life Time Grand Prix, as well as Lauren Stephens. Yet none of them were able to push through and break up the race before the final climbs of the race, where a group of around 15 women were still in the mix.

Gomez Villafañe had been less prolific in the run to the final and that was for a reason as she finally broke the stalemate in sight of the line with a massive sprint. While the Argentine isn’t known as a sprinter – most of her Grand Prix wins have come solo – the kick was enough to emphatically clinch another Grand Prix title.

She won ahead of Lauren Stephens and Stella Hobbs, who put in a massive ride to net a podium finish at a Life Time Grand Prix.

Behind Gomez Villafañe, Cecily Decker did enough to claim the second place position, edging out Melisa Rollins by virtue of their finishes in the group sprint.

Life Time Grand Prix Overall Standings: Cameron Jones, Sofia Gomez Villafañe secure Grand Prix wins

The shortened Big Sugar might have lacked the usual 100-mile grind, but it hardly diluted the championship stakes. Cameron Jones’s steady rise culminated in his first overall Grand Prix crown, a surge to the top that few expected early into the season.

In the women’s series, Sofia Gomez Villafañe did more than secure another title — she stamped her authority across every surface and condition Life Time could offer. Grid consistency, tactical foresight, and the ability to thrive in chaos defined her 2025 campaign.

Despite weather disruptions and a radically altered course, there was no shortage of drama, grit, and shocking weather conditions that made the race a surprise overall.

Men’s Big Sugar Gravel 2025 results (top 20)

Women’s Big Sugar Gravel 2025 results (top 20)

Results courtesy of athlinks.com

How did teh course alteration too 75 miles impact the race strategy for competitors?

Race Overview & Course Adjustments

The 2025 Big Sugar Gravel race, held in Bentonville, Arkansas, concluded with notable victories from Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe. However, the event wasn’t without itS challenges. Due to severe weather conditions – specifically, localized flooding impacting key sections of the planned route – organizers made the difficult decision to shorten the course. The original 100-mile route was reduced to approximately 75 miles, prioritizing rider safety and ensuring a competitive, albeit modified, race experience. This alteration substantially impacted race strategy, favoring riders with strong sustained power rather than those specializing in longer endurance efforts. The shortened distance also increased the intensity, making tactical decisions crucial for success in the gravel racing event.

Men’s Race Recap: Beers Dominates

Matt Beers (Attitude Sports) delivered a commanding performance, securing the win in the men’s race. He consistently applied pressure throughout the shortened course, ultimately distancing himself from the competition.

* Key Moments: Beers launched a decisive attack approximately 40 miles into the race, building a considerable lead on a especially challenging climb.

* Final Results (Top 3):

1. Matt Beers – Attitude Sports
2. Peter Stetina – Canyon
3. Russell Finsterwald – Clif Pro Team

* Beers’ Strategy: Beers focused on maintaining a high power output and minimizing time spent in the group,anticipating the impact of the reduced distance. His ability to execute this strategy proved pivotal. The Big Sugar Gravel course, even shortened, demanded technical skill and physical endurance.

* Equipment Choices: Beers rode a Specialized Diverge, equipped with 40mm tires, optimized for the mixed-terrain conditions.

Women’s Race Recap: Gomez Villafañe’s Strength Shines

Sofia Gomez Villafañe (Specialized/Rapha) showcased her extraordinary strength and skill, claiming victory in the women’s race. She navigated the challenging terrain with confidence and precision, ultimately taking the top spot on the podium.

* Key Moments: Gomez Villafañe established a lead early in the race,consistently increasing her gap over the chasing pack. Her technical descending skills were particularly impressive.

* Final Results (Top 3):

1. Sofia Gomez Villafañe – Specialized/Rapha
2. Kaitlin Armstrong – Trek
3. Emily Newsom – Clif Pro Team

* Gomez Villafañe’s Approach: Gomez villafañe emphasized the importance of tire pressure and bike handling in the wet and muddy conditions. She expertly managed her energy, capitalizing on her strengths in technical sections.This gravel bike race highlighted the importance of all-around cycling ability.

* Equipment Choices: Gomez Villafañe also opted for a Specialized Diverge, with similar tire specifications to Beers, demonstrating a shared understanding of optimal equipment for the course.

Impact of the Shortened Course

The course modification significantly altered the dynamics of the race. The reduced distance favored riders with explosive power and strong climbing abilities.Endurance specialists,who typically excel in longer events,found themselves at a disadvantage.

* Tactical shifts: Riders were forced to adopt more aggressive tactics, prioritizing immediate gains over long-term pacing strategies.

* Increased Intensity: The shortened course led to a higher average speed and a more intense overall race effort.

* Equipment Considerations: Tire choice and suspension setup became even more critical, as riders sought to maximize grip and comfort on the challenging terrain. Gravel tires were a key component for all riders.

Bentonville’s Growing Gravel Scene

Bentonville, Arkansas, continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for gravel cycling. The Big Sugar Gravel race is a testament to the region’s commitment to developing world-class cycling infrastructure and attracting top-tier athletes. The area boasts an extensive network of gravel roads and trails, making it an ideal location for both racing and recreational riding. The local community’s support for cycling events further enhances the appeal of Bentonville as a cycling destination.

Preparing for future Gravel Races: Practical Tips

For aspiring gravel racers, here are some key takeaways from the 2025 Big Sugar Gravel:

1. Train for Variable Terrain: Gravel races frequently enough involve a mix of surfaces, including gravel, dirt, pavement, and even mud. Incorporate diverse terrain into your training regimen.
2. Master Bike Handling Skills: Technical descending and cornering are crucial skills for navigating gravel roads. Practice these skills regularly.
3. Optimize Tire Choice: Select tires that provide a balance of grip,rolling resistance,and puncture protection. Consider tubeless setups for added reliability.
4. Develop a Nutrition Strategy: Fueling properly is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout a long race. Experiment with different nutrition