Matej Mohorič, the Slovenian Bahrain Victorious rider, won the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships in the Italian region of Veneto on 8 October, beating Belgian Florian Vermeersch (Lotto-Dstny) in second and Brit Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers) in third.

The favourite of the race, Belgian Wout Van Aert fell behind due to a crash and mechanical issues to finish eighth.

Having established his winning position some 19 kilometres before the finish line of the 169-kilometre race, Mohorič was the fastest in the breakaway group of three riders.

Despite a crash in the last three kilometres he soloed to victory in the second edition of the competition, which is gaining popularity.

"I had one of the best days on the bike and enjoyed it so much," the 28-year-old told the organisers after the race, noting that the parcours, which was "super technical, super sharp and steep climbs", suited him perfectly.

"As a kid I always wanted to start mountain biking, and then I started to practice road cycling because my friends did, and today I really enjoyed it. It hurt my legs, but my mind was super happy."

Predicting a bright future for the event, the Slovenian intends to come back and race at the Gravel World Championships again if he is able to.