Returning champion Matej Mohoric (Slovenia) finished seventh in the 2024 Gravel World Championship, a result that does not do justice to one of the most aggressive riders in the race, returning from an injury that could have put an end to his entire season.

“After the crash, my tendon was exposed,” Mohoric told Cycling News after the race. The crash was unexpected, and Mohoric expressed his frustration. I didn't like the crash in Girona. It was unnecessary. I didn't switch on. I wasn't pushing the limits. I was riding relaxed. Maybe it was because I wasn't used to gravel, but I slipped in the corners.”

Because of the exposed tendon, Mohoric was unable to ride at all until the wound was closed. He said, “About a week after the stitches, it healed from the inside out and I could make a fist with my hand. I couldn't do that before.”

His return to the World Championships was in doubt until a few days before the elite men's race.

“I had to take a few days off from training after the crash. I'm still a little out of shape.”

Mohoric was isolated in the Belgian and Dutch breakaway group and later caught in a ruthless attack by Mathieu van der Pol.

“I am happy with what I showed in the race today,” he said.

He made countless efforts to break up the five-man chase group that was chasing van der Pol and the breakaway group of Florian Vermeersch. Connie Swift (GBR) was his only ally against a trio of Belgians unwilling to chase his teammate Vermeersch. This tactical disadvantage laid the groundwork for a difficult sprint finish against a sprinting powerhouse in Yasper Steiven, as well as a tired Mohoric in a series of attacks.

In the end, it was Quinten Hermans who finished the fastest of the Belgians.

“I could have finished with a medal,” said the Slovenian. I could have finished with a medal,” the Slovenian athlete told Cycling News.

“The last sprint was too fast.

Mohoric's return from injury gave him some chances to fix a season in which he had only won one stage as a pro, the Valencia Forta a la Comunitat Valenciana.

“There are still races in the next few weeks,” he said. We're going to Italy now, to Gran Piemonte.”

Asked if he would race unbound again, Mohoric said, “I have to discuss this with the team and decide. It depends on the interest of the teams. I have a lot to do with Gravel.”

Mohoric's bad luck seems to be at the heart of Bahrain Victorious' disappointing season.

“We will regroup,” Mohoric said. 'It wasn't our best season as a team, but we know we can do better.'

“And hopefully we'll have a little more luck.”

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