Carolina Maldonado Claims Gravel World Championship Bronze in Australia

The Argentinian rider from Squadra Berria finished third in the women’s 40–44 age category at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, following an outstanding season on the international stage.

Carolina Maldonado, a member of Squadra Berria, won the bronze medal at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships, held on 10 and 11 October in Nannup, Western Australia. The Argentinian completed the demanding course in 5 hours, 11 minutes and 44 seconds, just four seconds behind Japan’s Mana Morihiro, who took silver. Belgium’s Kim Knaeps claimed the victory.

For the first time, the championships were held outside Europe. Riders from around the world tackled a 125.6-kilometre course with more than 3,000 metres of elevation gain. Rain and mud made the route even more challenging, testing the competitors’ physical preparation and technical skills to the limit.

Hard-fought bronze to the finish line

The race was shaped by difficult terrain and an intense battle for the podium places. Maldonado paced herself through the opening kilometres and remained among the leading contenders in her category.

At kilometre 70, a mechanical issue caused her chain to come off, forcing her to stop and costing her valuable time. Despite the setback, the Argentinian rider got back underway, maintained her pace and reached the finish to secure a well-earned third place.

“This World Championship was a constant battle with my body and my mind because the weather conditions were really unhelpful, but I managed to win a medal,” Maldonado said after the race.

A season to remember

The world bronze medal caps a remarkable 2026 season for Carolina Maldonado, who has competed successfully in international gravel events.

In February, she opened her European calendar with a victory at Santa Vall in Girona, winning both her category and the women’s age-group overall classification. In March, she was crowned South American gravel champion at the Scott Marathon in Minas, Uruguay, after completing 162 kilometres and 2,737 metres of elevation gain.

She later also won the women’s race at the inaugural UCI Gravel Argentina, held in Villa Cura Brochero, Córdoba, and part of the UCI Gravel World Series.

A season of strong results that confirms Maldonado’s consistency and her ability to compete at the highest level across different terrains and conditions.

Squadra Berria, an international community

Carolina is part of Squadra Berria, the brand’s international project, which brings together gravel riders from different countries and connects competition, community and a passion for cycling.

With a presence in Spain, France, Italy, Puerto Rico and Argentina, Squadra Berria was created to build an international community of athletes who represent the brand’s values both in and out of competition. Carolina’s world podium, alongside the results achieved by the rest of the team throughout the season, is an important recognition of the project’s growth.

Berria Bikes congratulates Carolina on this outstanding result and thanks everyone in Squadra Berria for their commitment, dedication and passion throughout the season.

A world podium that fills us with pride and reflects the spirit of Squadra Berria: passion, perseverance and a community united by cycling.