Wertz and Shafi Claim Victories at Huffmaster Hopper, Setting Course Records

Maxwell, CA – Brennan Wertz and Alia Shafi emerged victorious at the Huffmaster Hopper on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, securing season-opening wins in the elite fields of the Grasshopper Adventure Series. Wertz, a former US gravel champion, set a new course record with a time of 3:50:02, whereas Shafi dominated the women’s race with a time of 4:34:20.

Elite Men’s Race: A Tactical Sprint Finish

Wertz (Scott-Skipstone) claimed his fourth victory in six editions of the Huffmaster Hopper, overcoming a challenging race that culminated in a three-rider sprint. He battled fiercely with fellow American riders Skyler Taylor (Pinarello-Q36.5) and Marcis Shelton (Competitive Edge Racing) throughout the final stretch, pacing Leesville Gap and the 20-mile descent on Huffmaster Road.

“Coming into the end, it was probably the most tactical addition so far. It was Skyler, Marcus and I, and I tried to acquire away maybe four or five kilometres from the finish. But these guys are super strong, and they were definitely not giving me wiggle room,” Wertz told organizers at the finish line.

Shelton, who finished second at the Grasshopper opener in January at Low Gap, rode alongside Wertz during the first major climb, a nearly 20-mile stretch of asphalt and dirt. Wertz acknowledged Shelton’s strength, stating, “I was on his wheel most of that climb, just a blistering pace up that and he had me hanging on by a thread.”

On the final descent, Shelton briefly took the lead, gaining a 20-second gap before Wertz and Taylor collaborated to reel him back in. Wertz then utilized his speed to secure the win, with Taylor finishing second and Shelton close behind, just one second later.

Elite Women’s Race: Shafi’s Dominant Performance

Alia Shafi (MAAP-Bike Tires Direct-Arundel) showcased her strength and speed, winning the women’s race in a three-way sprint. She finished ahead of Flavia Oliveira Parks (Excel Sports) and Jen Tavé (SpeedBlock-Terun). Four women initially broke away from the field during the first climb, marking the first time Huffmaster featured a women’s-only start.

“I was hoping for a sprint finish [because] I have a good hit at the end,” Shafi said, who finished ninth in her only other Huffmaster race three years ago.

Tavé acknowledged the challenging course, stating, “It was my first time coming in for a sprint finish, probably not the best for me, gotta work on that sprint, but it’s hard to get away anywhere else on this course.”

Huffmaster Hopper and the Grasshopper Adventure Series

The Huffmaster Hopper, held in Maxwell, California, is a key event in the Grasshopper Adventure Series, known for its mix of rolling gravel roads and lightly traveled tarmac. The 90-mile course features approximately 4,866 feet of climbing and a roughly equal split between paved and dirt surfaces. The series, established in 1998 by Miguel Crawford, is celebrated for its blend of competitive racing, scenic beauty, and community spirit.

The Grasshopper Adventure Series will continue on March 28th with King Ridge, a mainly paved 91-mile course on the western edge of Sonoma County, featuring timed segments.

Huffmaster Hopper Results

Elite Men Long Course – Top 10

• 1. Brennan Wertz – 3:50:02
• 2. Skyler Taylor – +0:00
• 3. Marcis Shelton – +0:01
• 4. Lucas Miers – +1:22
• 5. Ryder Ritchie – +2:22
• 6. Griffin Easter – +4:00
• 7. Tobin Ortenblad – +5:52
• 8. Jacob Velasco – +5:52
• 9. Matthew Johnson – +5:52
• 10. Jack Duncan – +7:25

Elite Women Long Course – Top 5

• 1. Alia Shafi – 4:34:20
• 2. Flavia Oliveira Parks – +0:02
• 3. Jen Tavé – +0:04
• 4. Larissa Connors – +0:16
• 5. Steph Hart – +17:56