At the end of last year, Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas expressed that he hoped to qualify for the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships in Belgium. And on Saturday April 27, the 35-year-old Finn's wish came true.
Bottas finished sixth in his age group at the Swartberg 100 gravel race in South Africa. The event was part of the UCI Gravel World Series, where top 25% of finishers in each category automatically qualifies for Gravel World Championships in Leuven in October. Bottas pulled off a close call as he was sixth out of 24 starters, securing the last spot available.
Additionally, Bottas made his ride a charitable one, and will put his jersey in an auction for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
First they steal their resources, now they are riding on their trails, in the name of the charity...
Great to see, well done Valtteri. Since Tiff introuduced him to Gravel Racing he has done so much for the sport with charity work and also sponsoring events in Australia.