First gravel race, first victory for the new 50G
This weekend marked the opening of the Gravel Earth Series Championship in Girona with the Santa Vall. Two days of racing: 120 km with 1,600 m of elevation gain on Saturday, and 85 km with 1,100 m of elevation gain on Sunday. Recent rainfall made the course particularly demanding, especially on Saturday.
Lionel Genthon, former Masters Cyclocross World Champion, competed in the 50–54 age category, where he took the win. In the overall classification, he finished 15th across all ages out of more than 400 starters, completing the 204 km and 2,700 m of climbing over both days in 6h47.
From line‑choice optimisation to powerful accelerations and strong endurance on the iconic Els Àngels climb above Girona, Lionel mastered the course despite brutal conditions and heavy mud during the first stage.
It was an intense weekend of racing that perfectly showcased the new Corima 50G wheels. Saturday’s highly demanding route, with steep climbs and muddy, rain‑soaked terrain, highlighted their rigidity and handling. On Sunday, on a faster and drier course, their efficiency and high‑speed stability made a real difference.
“Versatile, high‑performance wheels that gave me a true feeling of precision and efficiency throughout the weekend. As always with Corima, reliability was spot‑on.”
Lionel Genthon, winner of the Santa Vall 50–54 category and 15th overall.
A huge shout‑out to the Klassmark team for the extremely professional organisation of the 2026 Santa Vall, and congratulations to all the finishers who mastered such a demanding course under tough conditions.
The gravel season is officially underway.
Congratulations to Lionel for this first victory!
©photos : Santa Vall
