Aaron and Nicole Show Consistency at Monsterrato, Violette 4th at African Championships

Last weekend, our riders were in action at two very different venues. Aaron Van der Beken, Daan Soete, and Nicole Frain lined up at La Monsterrato in Italy, while Violette Neza competed at the African Gravel Championships in Namibia. Both races brought strong performances and new highlights for the team.

La Monsterrato, first held as a UCI Gravel event in 2022, has quickly built an outstanding reputation. Set in the Monferrato wine region of Piedmont, home of writer Umberto Eco and known in cycling for its Strade Bianche. The race offers a unique blend of history, culture, and sporting challenge.

For Aaron Van der Beken, the event marked another step forward in his steady progression since Unbound. Recent results included 18th at Eislek Gravel Luxembourg, 12th at Gravel One Fifty, 11th at The Rift, and 10th at the Belgian Championships. In Italy, despite not feeling at his very best, he delivered a strong 10th place finish, with no issues from his recent injuries. Teammate Daan Soete followed in 21st position.

Nicole Frain delivered one of her strongest rides of the season. Building on her impressive performances in Sweden, she entered the race with confidence. A fierce head-to-head battle developed with UAE Team ADQ’s Erica Magnaldi. Ultimately, the Italian rider proved strongest on the climbs, and Nicole secured an excellent second place. Both Frain and her European teammates now turn their attention to Houffa Gravel in Belgium, host of next year’s European Championships.

“I went into the race targeting the win, but Erica had the upper hand on the late climbs, exactly where I had hoped to make my move,” Frain explained afterwards. “From that point, it was a solo ride to the finish, giving everything I had. This course really suited me, and I enjoyed the race. I also want to thank the Lützelschwab family for their support on the day. Moments like that show the real spirit of gravel racing.”

African Gravel Championships: Near-Podium for Violette

Meanwhile, in Namibia, Violette Neza represented the team at the inaugural African Gravel Championships—the Khomas100, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. A puncture forced her into a long solo chase under the harsh African sun and wind. Despite the setback, she fought back impressively, finishing just two seconds short of the podium in 4th place.

“It was an honor to compete in the very first African Gravel Championship,” Neza said. “I gave everything I had, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough on the day. Still, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful for the support I received in Namibia, which truly felt like a home away from home.”

Her focus now shifts to the Road World Championships, which will take place in her home country.

Photo credit: Matteo Grava