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Marianne Vos’ victory at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships in Leuven, Belgium, marked another incredible chapter in her illustrious career. This was Vos’ 14th world title across four different disciplines, a feat that underscores her versatility and dominance in women’s cycling. In a thrilling race filled with tactical finesse, power, and the mental resilience that has defined Vos’ career, the Dutch icon added yet another rainbow jersey to her already overflowing collection.
How the race was won
The 2024 Gravel World Championships course in Leuven was a challenging mix of tarmac, gravel, cobbles, and sharp climbs that pushed even the best riders to their limits. The elite women’s race covered 134 kilometers, starting from Halle and winding through the forested areas and streets of Leuven. The course, with its technical gravel sections and the steep Ramberg climb, demanded both power and precision from the riders.
The peloton started fast, with several attacks in the early stages. As the riders hit the rougher gravel terrain and sharp climbs, a lead group began to form. Lotte Kopecky (Belgium), fresh off her victory at the Road World Championships just a week prior, was among the key riders driving the pace. Marianne Vos, as expected, was in prime position, carefully marking her rivals while waiting for the right moment to make her move.
As the race progressed, the lead group dwindled, and by the time the riders approached the final kilometers, it was clear that the victory would come down to a battle between Vos and Kopecky. The two champions, both known for their tactical acumen and sprinting prowess, traded turns at the front, testing each other’s limits. Their gap on the rest of the field grew to over four minutes, a testament to their dominance on the day.
The Ramberg Climb and Final Attack
With just 3 kilometers remaining, the race reached the final test: the steep Ramberg climb. Kopecky led the duo onto the climb, but it was Vos who launched the first attack. On the narrow, cobbled road, Vos ripped away from Kopecky, gaining a small but significant gap. Kopecky, however, managed to claw her way back, muscling past Vos just before they reached the top of the climb.
From there, the race entered its final phase, with both riders knowing that the title would be decided by a sprint. Kopecky led the pair into the park and through the last stretch of gravel, while Vos sat calmly on her wheel, waiting for the final moment to strike. As they exited the gravel and hit the wide, paved boulevard leading to the finish line, it became a game of nerves.
Kopecky slowed the pace, trying to throw Vos off her rhythm. But Vos, ever the experienced racer, remained patient. With just 200 meters to go, she launched her sprint from a slow speed, quickly gaining the advantage. Kopecky, visibly fatigued, couldn’t respond, and Vos sailed across the finish line to claim her 14th world title.
“It was nice to be in the front with Lotte, then you know it’s going to be hard as well. She won [Road Worlds] last week, so I knew she’s in good shape,” said Vos after the race. “For a moment I thought I had already dropped her, but just before the line she appeared next to me. It scared me for a moment, but luckily I was able to win anyway.”
Kopecky, though disappointed, acknowledged Vos’ superiority: “It’s no shame to be second behind Marianne. It was my first gravel race and it was something completely different… [In the sprint] I should have done it differently, but with Marianne you are never sure. I should have started a bit earlier, I think.”
Lorena Wiebes (Netherlands), another powerhouse rider, finished third after dropping Puck Pieterse and Romy Kasper in the final kilometers. Wiebes, known for her sprinting, reflected on her podium finish: “I’m quite happy with that. I didn’t have the best legs today… but it was a nice day.”
Vos’ 14 World Titles: A Legacy of Excellence
Marianne Vos’ victory in Leuven marked her 14th world title, spread across four different disciplines: road, cyclo-cross, track, and now gravel. Her ability to dominate in multiple formats is what sets her apart from her peers, and her longevity at the top of the sport is nothing short of extraordinary. Below is a closer look at the titles that define her legendary career.
1. 2006 – Cyclo-Cross and Road Race
– Vos burst onto the world scene in 2006, winning her first two rainbow jerseys in cyclo-cross and the road race. These victories signaled the arrival of a future superstar, and she hasn’t looked back since.
2. 2008 – Track (Points Race)
– Expanding her repertoire, Vos took gold in the points race at the Track World Championships. Her versatility became evident as she began to conquer different disciplines.
3. 2009 – Cyclo-Cross
– The following years saw Vos dominate cyclo-cross, where she would go on to win an unprecedented seven world titles. Her technical skill and ability to handle difficult conditions made her almost unbeatable in the mud.
4. 2010 – Cyclo-Cross
– Another cyclo-cross title followed in 2010, as Vos continued to establish herself as one of the all-time greats in the discipline.
5. 2011 – Cyclo-Cross and Track (Scratch Race)
– In 2011, Vos continued to demonstrate her prowess across disciplines, winning both the cyclo-cross and scratch race world titles. Her success on the track showed her speed and tactical nous, proving she could excel in the explosive racing format as well.
6. 2012 – Cyclo-Cross and Road Race
– 2012 was a banner year for Vos, as she claimed two more world titles. Her win in the road race at the London Olympics solidified her status as the best all-around cyclist in the world, capable of winning on the grandest stages.
7. 2013 – Cyclo-Cross and Road Race
– In 2013, Vos repeated her cyclo-cross and road race double, further cementing her dominance in these two areas. Her road racing prowess was marked by her tactical intelligence and unmatched finishing kick.
8. 2014 – Cyclo-Cross
– Vos’ cyclo-cross dominance continued in 2014, where she claimed yet another world title. By this point, she had become the face of the sport, inspiring a generation of young riders.
9. 2022 – Cyclo-Cross
– After several years of focusing on road racing and taking a step back from cyclo-cross, Vos returned to claim the 2022 Cyclo-Cross World Championship title. Her victory was a testament to her staying power and ability to perform at the highest level even after years away from the discipline.
10. 2024 – Gravel
– Her most recent victory at the 2024 Gravel World Championships adds yet another dimension to Vos’ already versatile career. The gravel discipline, with its mix of road and off-road elements, plays to her strengths, allowing her to use her technical skills and endurance to great effect.
The Vos Legacy: A Champion Across All Terrains
Marianne Vos’ career is a masterclass in adaptability, endurance, and consistency. From road races to cyclo-cross, track cycling, and now gravel, Vos has excelled in every discipline she has attempted. Her 14 world titles are spread across almost two decades, a longevity rarely seen in the sport.
Vos’ dominance is not limited to just her physical prowess but also her intelligence as a racer. She has an uncanny ability to read a race, position herself perfectly, and execute her strategies with precision. Whether it’s launching a daring attack on a steep climb or patiently waiting for the perfect moment to sprint, Vos is always in control.
Beyond her individual achievements, Vos has also been a tremendous ambassador for women’s cycling. Her success has brought visibility and respect to the sport, inspiring countless young riders to take up cycling and pursue their dreams on the global stage. Vos has shown time and again that she is the most versatile and complete rider of her generation. As she continues to add to her already legendary career, the question remains: how many more world titles can she claim? If her performance in Leuven is any indication, Marianne Vos is far from finished.
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