Gravel Earth Series – Lotta Henttala and Markus Auvinen win Falling Leaves

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Lotta Henttala (EF-Oatly-Cannondale) and Markus Auvinen claimed victory at Falling Leaves Lahti in Finland, the last stop in the Gravel Earth Series before the Spanish final at Ranxo Gravel on October 12-13.

Henttala, who was taking on her last race before an end of season break, crossed the line of the 180km women’s race in six hours, 35 minutes and 39 seconds. She was just over a minute ahead of Madeleine Nutt (Ribble Collective) in second and more than six minutes ahead of third-placed British gravel champion Annabel Fisher.

“Beautiful day on the bike,” said Henttala in an Instagram post. “Weather was perfect and literally leaves were falling during the ride. My first goal was just to enjoy but somehow I saw myself pushing the pedals a little more than just spinning around.”

In the men’s category Auvinen continued his powerful run in the Nordic Gravel Series claiming victory at Falling Leaves in five hours and 18 seconds, making it his third win of this season. It was a tight battle with Andrea Mifsud, who crossed the line eight seconds back and just under 20 seconds further behind it was Greg Van Avermaet (Team Last Dance) who captured the last podium spot.