Villafañe and Swenson dominate 3rd edition of Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona
The first Belgian Waffle Ride event of the year kicked off with a bang as top gravel racers Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Keegan Swenson claimed victory at the BWR Arizona last weekend, Villafañe securing a hat-trick
The race, a grueling 103.5 miles through the rugged desert terrain surrounding Scottsdale, showcased the grit and determination of the athletes as they tackled 7,062 feet of climbing.
A mix of mountain and desert with a smattering of good times and fast racing! AZ forms part of the “Quad-Triple” along with California, Utah, Montana and North Carolina.
Three-time Life Time Grand Prix champion Keegan Swenson added another accolade to his impressive career, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of 5 hours, 21 minutes, and 56 seconds. Swenson found himself in a nail-biting contest with fellow competitor Russell Finsterwald, ultimately clinching victory by a mere three seconds. Andrew L’esperance rounded out the podium in third place, showcasing the fierce competition that defines the BWR series.
In the elite women’s field, Sofia Gomez Villafañe, who has dominated the last two Life Time Grand Prix seasons, displayed her prowess with a commanding performance claiming her 3rd title at BWR Arizona. She finished over twenty minutes ahead of second-place rider Courtney Sherwell, with Cecile Lejeune completing the podium. Villafañe’s victory reinforces her status as one of the leading figures in gravel racing.
The BWR Arizona course is known for its gravel-centric focus, providing a unique challenge for racers who thrive on the “un-road” experience. The varied terrain and demanding elevation changes tested the limits of even the most seasoned cyclists, making the triumphs of Swenson and Villafañe all the more impressive.
“Today’s race was a true test of endurance and strategy,” said Swenson. “The competition was fierce, and I’m thrilled to have come out on top. The BWR series is unlike any other, and I’m excited to continue racing in this incredible environment.”
Villafañe echoed these sentiments, stating, “Winning at BWR Arizona is a fantastic way to start the season. The support from the fans and the camaraderie among the racers make this event special. I can’t wait for the next challenge.”
The BWR series continues next month with the BWR California, the original event that launched the North American series over a decade ago. With seven events on the calendar and the introduction of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel omnium, the BWR series continues to attract cyclists from all over, eager to test their limits and embrace the gravel riding culture.
Monuments of Cycling is a leading promoter of gravel cycling events, known for its robust and challenging race formats that celebrate the spirit of adventure and competition. With a commitment to fostering the growth of gravel cycling, the Belgian Waffle Ride series has evolved into a premier racing circuit, attracting elite athletes and cycling enthusiasts alike.
For more information about upcoming events and the latest news in gravel racing, visit www.belgian.com.