Alex MacQuoid
Bardet Dominates Monaco Gravel World Series
Romain Bardet delivered a commanding performance at the Monaco UCI World Series gravel event on Sunday, April 19, securing his third victory of the season. The French rider crossed the finish line more than three minutes ahead of the second-place finisher in the demanding 120-kilometer race.
The Auvergnat’s transition to gravel racing has gained momentum since retiring from professional road cycling at the end of the Critérium du Dauphiné in June 2025. This Monaco win extends an impressive early campaign that includes victories at Castellon, Spain, in February and at the Unboung gravel 200 in Australia during January.
Strong Margins Over Challengers
Paul Voss and Sascha Weber of Germany secured the remaining podium positions. Voss finished 3 minutes 14 seconds behind Bardet, while Weber trailed by 3 minutes 32 seconds. The decisive advantage underscored the Factor Racing rider’s technical control throughout the course.
Bardet characterized the Monaco event as valuable preparation for longer gravel distances. His five race starts in 2026 have yielded three victories and a second-place overall finish at the Santa Vall two-day stage event in Spain.
Women’s Race: Wright Breaks Frain’s Streak
Sophie Wright of Great Britain won the women’s competition, ending Nicole Frain‘s three-race winning sequence. Frain finished second, with Jade Wiel of FDJ United-SUEZ rounding out the podium in third place.
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