UCI Gravel World Champion Matej Mohorič faced a challenging experience during his first taste of US gravel at Unbound Gravel on Saturday, ultimately resulting in a ‘Did Not Finish’. Despite winning the UCI gravel world title previously, the unique and demanding nature of gravel racing presented a significant challenge for Mohorič, separate from his usual road racing events.
Before the race even began, Mohorič faced unexpected difficulties during a recon ride, commenting on the loose and slow gravel conditions that took him by surprise. Despite quickly trying to adapt by fitting larger tires, mechanical issues plagued the world champion during the race. Multiple punctures and a broken rear rim forced him to call it quits near the second checkpoint, capturing his light-hearted response to the challenging conditions.
Accompanied by teammates Lukasz Wizniowksi and Matevž Govekar, the trio opted to enjoy the experience rather than focus on the front of the race, ultimately not finishing. Despite the setbacks, Mohorič maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the beauty of the day for cycling despite the rugged terrain. While the trio did not complete the race, they embraced the unique diversion from their typical WorldTour racing scene.
