Ilse Pluimers Takes Third at Marly Gravel Race in Valkenburg

Ilse Pluimers Takes Third at Marly Gravel Race in Valkenburg

This past Sunday, the team took on the Marly Gravel Race in Valkenburg – a demanding 155-kilometre challenge over the iconic Limburg gravel roads. With four of our riders on the start line – Ilse Pluimers, Alana Castrique, Margot Marasco, and Leonie Bentveld – it was a strong collective showing for our squad.

The race, which started at the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg, served up a fast and technical route with plenty of elevation and dusty trails. Riding their Specialized Crux bikes equipped with Shimano GRX, our riders were well-prepared for the task.

Ilse Pluimers powered through the tough course to claim a well-deserved third place after an impressive effort throughout the day. It marks another strong performance of our team in a gravel race.

"I really enjoyed this gravel race in Valkenburg. From the beginning there was a big leading group where I could put myself the whole time in a good position to go into the more narrow sections. With 55kilometres to go Lorena Wiebes (SD Workx - Pro Time) and I attacked on the last passage of the Cauberg and only Quinty could follow us. The last lap we had a good coöperation with the three of us, what was quite brutal because we were riding full gas. With 6 kilometres to go Lorena attacked and went solo. So in the end it was everyone on his own pushing to the finish with a third spot for me. I'm really happy with this result on a demanding course, a happy Ilse Pluimers."

With great support from Specialized and Shimano – and a great team spirit – the Wolfpack continues to make its mark on all terrains.