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.
Completed @Swartberg100 ✔️ 170km 2900 elev gain gravel race. What a stunning route! Hard but scenic. I finished 6th in my age group meaning I qualified for the @UCI_cycling gravel world champs. And the hero of the day @tiffanycromwell won the women’s race 💪 Four pictures isn’t…
