Ends of the (Gravel) Earth, Annabel Fisher reigns supreme

So here we are. The finale of the Gravel Earth series marks a full stop for Team Gravel Café du Cycliste. While some of the girls will still compete individually in the world championships in a few weeks’ time, this finale represents the setting sun for the team in 2023. It's been a season full of highlights and high drama, with exceptional races ridden around the world – Traka (Spain), Migration Race (Kenya), The Rift (Iceland), Octopus (Switzerland). Each battle fought on challenging terrain, each seemingly more difficult than the last.

In pure sporting terms some of these races were successes while others were less so and gave rise to moments of doubt. But all of them united the team, drawing them closer from a common understanding only available to those who appreciate the secrets of supreme physical and mental effort. Traka, run a lifetime away last April, marked the beginning of this Gravel Earth adventure. And from that very first race, American Amity Rockwell has been holding a solid series lead. At this point it would take an extraordinary effort, a combination of factors, a black swan if you will, to upset the overall standings.

Ends of the (Gravel) Earth, Annabel Fisher reigns supreme

It's not a possibility uppermost in anyone's mind but Annabel Fisher, the leader of Café du Cycliste's team, certainly wants to shine in this final event. She’s been preparing well and her victory in Octopus and her consistently high rankings have shown she deserves her place in the top 4. Clearly there will be a battle and, in retrospect at least, perhaps even an extraordinary achievement.

Cardona, Catalonia. The small town exudes history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. It’s famous for its salt mines, once among the largest in the world. What remains is a vast, earthy expanse marked by long whitish tracks; salt is still omnipresent, but its exploitation no longer seems to interest many, as illustrated by the abandoned facilities. Its impressive medieval castle perched on a hill overlooks the rugged terrain and numerous trails and paths, a veritable playground for Gravel riding. An impressive storm shook the sky the day before the race, soaking the already churned ground. The terrain will be muddy in places, adding to the challenge of this demanding 189 km course with 3100 meters of elevation gain.

A first climb of 1500 meters awaits the riders and will set the scene. After a long flat section of nearly 100 kilometres, 40 more kilometres of steep slopes will greet those still racing. More than 1600 meters of elevation in this last section, testing legs, lungs and willpower. The men will start first and 5 minutes later the women will set off in pursuit. The field is uber competitive; the best from the series are here, with several having at least one victory on the circuit. For a handful of them, the overall podium remains a goal, and they will have to give their all today.

After the first long climb a pattern is already emerging. Up front, a group of three women have engaged in battle and Annabel Fisher is at the heart of it. Behind them our the other team members are fighting their own battles. Lydia, still feeling the effects of the 760-kilometer Badlands race is struggling with weary legs. Isabelle maintains a steady pace and will not relent in her effort to conquer this gruelling day. Completing this race at the speed they are going is an achievement reserved for very few. Maria turns back shortly after the start, a worrying sign as her heart is pounds and won’t slow down; For her it's time for her body a rest.

After more than 100 kilometres of toil and trouble, the leading group reaches the feeding station where all teams can assist their riders. Annabel is still among them and the report is good. She’s feeling fresh and good in the saddle. Filling bottles, greasing a struggling chain, and then charging into a decisive section – the leaders do not linger long.

There is a race to be run. And on this final stretch, the last section, this end of the end of season is where magic begins to happen. Annabel pulls away from her competitors, increasing her lead as the elevation unfolds and track rises ahead of her. And as she crosses the finish line she is still pulling away.

Winning this finale is no small feat and she has done it with both style and grace. There is jubilation, warm tears and big smiles fuelled by the knowledge of the effort and sacrifice it takes to experience moments like this. Back on the course Amity Rockwell, the leader of the overall standings, is struggling. She will finish only 8th and soon after she does, the loudspeakers come to life to announce Annabel Fisher as the champion of the Gravel Earth Series. Unexpected and almost unbelievable, the team celebrate together at this perfect ending to the year they have lived side by side.

Gravel riding is exhilarating. Whether racing or shooting the breeze with friends. In racing the format itself is an enormous challenge, clearly evidenced by the special atmosphere at events and the bonds formed among riders and all those involved. Positions and places or winning and losing are not the only lines entered into the ledger at the end of each day.

Determination, dedication and downright bloody mindedness are what it takes for anyone to complete these incredibly demanding events. They are, and have always been, a race against oneself as much as against others and long may that continue.

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