The 2026 gravel season roared to life at Santa Vall, a two-stage test set deep in the rugged backcountry around Girona, a place many consider Europe’s cycling capital.

As the opening round of the “Gravel Earth Series”, the race delivered exactly what the region is famous for: remote farm tracks, punchy climbs, technical descents, and a landscape that feels purpose-built for long days on drop bars.

Stage 1 (120 km / 1.765 m) set the tone with relentless elevation and demanding terrain, while Stage 2 (85 km / 1.100 m) offered no real respite and turned into an extremely fast and tightly packed race at the front. Riders faced river crossings, deep mud, steep ramps, and technical sectors that required equal parts power and precision. Conditions were challenging, but that’s precisely what makes gravel racing in Europe special.

Enjoy a visual recap of the weekend from the course and get a glimpse of gravel racing in Girona

For Castelli SOG (Spirit Of Gravel), the event marked the first start line of Season 2 and the debut of their new custom kits in race conditions. Seven (out of a total of 15) privateer riders (Mérida Miller, Kaitlyn Rauwerda, Diederik Deelen, Pau Domènech, Piotr Havic, Gustave Orain and Ben Perry) - all locals who call Girona home - lined up together for the first time in 2026, embodying the spirit that defines the group: independent, tight-knit, and driven by a shared love for gravel racing at its purest.

More than results, Santa Vall was about atmosphere. The mood around the team was one of excitement and quiet confidence, mixed with the camaraderie that comes from racing on familiar roads with friends and rivals alike. Mud-splattered smiles at the finish, stories traded over post-race drinks, and the unmistakable SOG vibe. This is what the opening chapter of the season looked like.

We’re already looking forward to the second stop of the series.

At the end of March, the scene will gather for the second edition of “The Hills,” held just a stone’s throw from the Castelli headquarters in Italy.