Jenna Rinehart and Brennan Wertz emerged victorious at the Highlands Gravel Classic, the only US round of the 2024 UCI Gravel World Series. Rinehart crossed the finish line in 3:51:55, just 25 seconds ahead of Maude Farrell and over four minutes ahead of Flavia Oliveira Parks in the women’s category. Wertz, who had also won the Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race the previous weekend, finished in 3:25:20, just 12 seconds ahead of Cobe Freeburn.
In an Instagram post, Wertz expressed his excitement at winning the race and qualifying for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Belgium in October. Despite a busy schedule of three races in two different locations over nine days, Wertz remained determined to continue working towards his goals for the year. Similarly, Rinehart faced a setback early in the race when her chain came off, causing her to fall behind Farrell and Oliveira Parks. However, she managed to catch up and ultimately finished first in the women’s category.
The Highlands Gravel Classic covered a 67.6 mile course with 7,000 ft of climbing, consisting of 95% gravel roads. The race began and ended on a farm outside Fayetteville, Arkansas. The challenging course led to intense competition among both men and women. Overall, it was a successful event for both Wertz and Rinehart, showcasing their skills and determination in the sport of gravel cycling.
