The Belgian Waffle Ride Montana 2026 Concludes with Dramatic Finishes
The Belgian Waffle Ride Montana 2026 concluded with a dramatic finish, as Stella Hobbs and Hayden Christian claimed victory in the women’s and men’s races, respectively. The 106-mile course, part of the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series, saw high speed and intensity, with both races featuring tightly contested finishes.
Women’s Race: Hobbs Dominates
Stella Hobbs, a Montana native and reigning BWR Montana champion, set a blistering pace to secure her second consecutive victory. Hobbs averaged 20.5 mph over the 106-mile course, finishing in 5 hours, 7 minutes, and 39 seconds. Cécile Lejeune finished second, 8 minutes and 31 seconds behind, while Hannah Shell rounded out the podium. Lejeune’s second-place finish also earned her the overall Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series title.
Men’s Race: Christian Edges Out Thornblade in Final Moments
The men’s race was a thriller, with Hayden Christian claiming his first Belgian Waffle Ride and the Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel Series title. Christian crossed the line in 4 hours, 45 minutes, and 32 seconds, narrowly defeating Elliot Thornblade by one second. Lance Haidet finished third, with the top five riders all within 19 seconds of each other. Christian attributed his win to tactical resilience, stating, “I committed to the inside line through the final corners and held on,” according to a post-race statement.
Quotes from the Winners
Hobbs emphasized her aggressive strategy, writing, “I decided there would be very little downside to blowing up completely,” as reported by Creative Disruption. Christian acknowledged the challenges of the race, including a rear derailleur mechanical issue, but highlighted his ability to adapt. “I’m proud of how I managed the problems and kept myself in the fight until the very end,” he said.
Event Context and Significance
The 2026 edition of the Belgian Waffle Ride Montana marked the second edition of the “Hell of the Bozone,” a race known for its challenging gravel terrain and unpredictable finishes. Results and finisher photos are available through OmniGo Events and FinisherPix.
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