Anton Stensby and Haley Smith win The Rift 2026: Nino Schurter signs a Top 10 again

The 2026 edition of The Rift once again confirmed why the Icelandic event has become one of the major references in international gravel. The challenging routes over the lava fields of southern Iceland crowned Haley Smith and Anton Stensby as winners of the elite 200-kilometer races, on a day that also highlighted Sebastian Fini Juul in eighth place and Nino Schurter in tenth.

Haley Smith and Anton Stensby conquer The Rift 2026; Sebastian Fini and Nino Schurter make it into the Top 10

Organized by Lauf Cycles, the race brought together gravel specialists, former WorldTour riders, and MTB figures in an edition marked by wind, volcanic terrain, and the toughness of a course that once again selected the best.

Anton Stensby achieves the biggest victory of his career

The men's race did not start to break apart until well into the second half of the course. For more than 150 kilometers, the group of favorites remained united before the pace definitively increased in the final stretch.

It was then that Anton Stensby (FARA) found the moment to open a small gap that would ultimately be decisive. The Norwegian crossed the finish line with a time of 6:16:47, just 20 seconds ahead of Rasmus Bøgh Wallin (PAS Racing), while Adne Koster (Seka Gravel Team) completed the podium just 39 seconds behind the winner.

RECOMENDADO

Nino Schurter arrives at The Rift, the spectacular gravel challenge between volcanoes in Iceland

Hatherly is competing with prototype CADEX wheels featuring integrated carbon spokes. Is this the first branded MTB model?

Canyon reinvents the Exceed with a surprising Gravel version

Tesla's first bike is not what you expect: it is already sold out in the U.S.

Another big day for Pogacar at the Tour? Schedule and highlights of Stage 14

Urolithin A enters the radar of professional cycling: the supplement that promises to enhance recovery

The victory represents the biggest success of the Norwegian rider's gravel career, after having achieved good results during the past season in both international events and on the road.

The biker Sebastian Fini Juul (Mondraker Factory Racing), who arrived in Iceland directly from the XCO World Cup in Andorra, finished eighth, 10 minutes and 38 seconds behind Stensby, confirming his ability to perform at the highest level outside of mountain biking as well.

Nino Schurter (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team) also stood out again. The Swiss rider, who this season continues to expand his gravel calendar after shifting focus from the XCO World Cup, managed to finish tenth, 15 minutes and 1 second behind the winner.

Top 10 The Rift 2026 - 200 km Elite Men

1. Anton Stensby (FARA) – 6:16:47
2. Rasmus Bøgh Wallin (PAS Racing) – +0:20
3. Adne Koster (Seka Gravel Team) – +0:39
4. Andrew L’Esperance – +4:35
5. Julien Gagné – +4:36
6. Petr Vakoč – +8:32
7. Mattia De Marchi – +8:39
8. Sebastian Fini Juul (Mondraker Factory Racing) – +10:38
9. Rick Ottema – +10:38
10. Nino Schurter (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team) – +15:01

Haley Smith dominates the women's race

In the women's race, Haley Smith (Factor Racing) delivered a very solid performance from start to finish. The Canadian set the pace from the first checkpoints and managed her lead until crossing the finish line in 7:25:50.

The Italian Erica Magnaldi (UAE Team ADQ) finished second, 1 minute and 1 second behind, while the American Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing) completed the podium after staying with Magnaldi for a good part of the race.

Behind them, Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen and Sophie Vitzthum von Eckstaedt rounded out the top five positions.

Top 10 The Rift 2026 - 200 km Elite Women

1. Haley Smith (Factor Racing) – 7:25:50
2. Erica Magnaldi (UAE Team ADQ) – +1:01
3. Morgan Aguirre (PAS Racing) – +4:43
4. Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen (Canyon Factory Racing) – +16:37
5. Sophie Vitzthum von Eckstaedt – +22:57
6. Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir – +31:08
7. Jil Brünger – +36:22
8. Minna-Maria Kangas – +56:33
9. Joelle Debban – +56:34
10. Rachel Frey – +1:31:29