Estonian Markus Pajur takes top podium place at FNLD GRVL, Tiffany Cromwell remains undefeated

Lahti 15th June 2024 - GRVL Events, the organizers of SBT GRVL, RADL GRVL and FNLD GRVL welcomed international gravel cyclists and the Finnish cycling community to Lahti this week for the second edition of FNLD GRVL. The event is a partnership between SBT GRVL co-founder and owner Amy Charity, F1 driver and Lahti local Valtteri Bottas, and his Australian pro rider partner Tiffany Cromwell.

Windy racing conditions on the world-class gravel of Lahti made for fast-paced racing packed with punchy attacks in the men’s PRO race. Despite multiple attempts at break-aways early on, a core group of 10 male riders dominated at the front. It was neck and neck right down to the line - ending in a bunch sprint led by winner Markus Pajur (EST). In the women’s PRO race Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) took control of the women’s race on Zipp segment and Wahoo FNL CLMB after close racing all day against Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen (DEN) and Mie Pedersen (DEN)

Fast paced racing on rolling gravel tracks invited punchy attacks from German rider and UCI Gravel World World Series Giro Sardegna winner Frederik Rassmann and Asbjørn Hellemose (DEN) early on - but by 50km into the 177km course a lead pack of approx 20 riders consolidated their lead. At 110km a 3 man breakway held clear for 35km before getting caught again by the grupetto consisting of race favorites Andre Greipel (DEN), Greg van Avermaet (BEL) Petr Vakoč (CZE) Tobias Kongstad (DEN) Asbjørn Hellemose (DEN) Frederik Rassmann (DEN), Antti-Jussi Juntunen (FIN) and undiscovered Estonian multi-disciplinarian Markus Pajur. The group held a firm lead over the chasing grupetto, dropping sprint favorite Andre Greipel on the final hill – ending in a thrilling sprint to the finish line with Markus Pajur (EST) in first place, Tobias Kongstad (DEN) in second and Frederik Rassmann (GER) in third.

There were no secrets as to the Women’s Pro favorite. All eyes were on Tiffany Cromwell (AUS), last year’s champion and FNLD GRVL co-founder, to see if she would be capable of fighting off Scandinavian PAS Racing Teammates Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen (DEN) and Mie Pedersen (DEN). It was clear after 50km that Skovgård Hansen and Pedersen were not going to make Cromwell’s life easy by relentlessly staying on her wheel or taking the lead. However, the experienced Canyon SRAM road captain seized her opportunity on the last climb of the day to secure a 10 second lead over the other two female riders. She consolidated her lead over the final 5km to cross the line in first place, 40 seconds ahead of Skovgård Hansen.

FNLD GRVL combines fun with fiercely competitive racing on pristine Finnish gravel. Participants can choose from the 42km Forest Route, the 114km Lake Route or the challenging 177 km Midnight Sun route.

The event comprises 4 days packed with fun group rides and entertainment that kicks off with the Pas Normal Studios Midnight Ride on Wednesday 12.06 from Lahti Harbour at 21:00. Thursday and Friday were jam-packed with social rides hosted by international cycling brands such as Zipp, SRAM and Canyon and the spectator friendly Fjällräven HLL CLMB on Thursday evening where riders turn up in fancy dress costumes.

##ENDS##

International: Fiola Foley fiola@4seasoncollective.com +353 87 411 6099

Finland Media: kkotiranta@gmail.com

FNLD GRVL is a world-class gravel race and experience that debuted on June 10th, 2023 in Lahti, Finland and will return Summer 2025. The brainchild of Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas and the team behind SBT GRVL, the event features three course distances with a 20k Euro prize purse and hundreds of riders from around the world.

Founded in 2019 in Steamboat, Colorado SBT GRVL is the premiere gravel event in the USA, attracting 3,000 riders over 4 course distances and 4 days of family friendly rides, expos, athlete panel, and festivities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

In 2022 SBT GRVL Owner Amy Charity partnered with F1 driver and gravel cyclist Valtteri Bottas, and Professional Cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, with the mission of bringing a GRVL event to Valtteri’s hometown of Lahti, Finland. In its inaugural year FNLD GRVL drew 800 riders from 27 countries with World Tour professionals competing for a 20,000 Euro prize purse, as well as nearly 150 first time gravel racers lining up in downtown Lahti.

GRVL Events have expanded their race repertoire to 3 global events in 2024: RADL GRVL at Santos Tour Down Under (new), FNLD GRVL (2nd year running) and SBT GRVL (4 years running). Each year, GRVL Events events continue to grow globally as cyclists have come to associate GRVL with a premium cycling experience in unique locations with a diverse and communal atmosphere that’s as competitive and challenging as it is enjoyable.