Andorran Cyclist Xavi Jové Finishes 29th Overall at Spanish Gravel Championships

Andorran cyclist Xavi Jové finished 29th overall and 22nd in the elite category at the Spanish Gravel Championships in Alcaraz, Albacete.

The 120km course included 2,100-2,200m of positive elevation gain and attracted a competitive field of professional riders. Representing the Federació Andorrana de Ciclisme (FAC), Jové rode with the lead group early on, maintaining control during the initial 40km loop. The peloton fractured around the 60km mark, with the favourites pulling ahead and leaving Jové in a chase group two minutes behind—still in contention for his target of a top 15-20 finish.

Challenges mounted late in the race. At the 100km point, roughly 20km from the finish, a rear-wheel issue struck, followed by leg cramps that forced him to ride solo without rejoining the group. Jové crossed the line in 3:30:06, four minutes and 3.5% behind winner Alberto Barroso.

Afterwards, Jové expressed satisfaction with his performance amid the high-level field. "There was a lot of quality in this championship, and I stayed within 3.5% of the winner, which shows I belong there," he said. He noted disappointment over the final cramps but remained upbeat: "I think we're on the right track for upcoming races and our goals."