RADL GRVL 2026: Johnston Injured, Bardet, Jones, Vermeulen Lead Field

January 28, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text about the RADL GRVL race:

Race Details:

* Name: RADL GRVL p/b Quad Lock
* Location: McLaren vale,Australia (Adelaide region)
* Date: Season opener (likely early in the year)
* Course Length (Long Route): 126.6km (about 12km longer than last year)
* Elevation Gain: 2,200 metres
* Course Features: A steep descent from mount Compass, leading to a mix of gravel and pavement for the final 10km. The finale is expected to be decisive.

Key Riders (Men):

* Alexey Vermeulen (ENVE): Extends long-term deal with ENVE, regular top-10 finisher at Life Time Grand Prix. Last raced in Australia at the Tour Down Under in 2017.
* Dylan Johnson (Felt UN1TD)
* Ian Boswell (Wahoo-Specialized): Global athlete manager for Wahoo, racing to escape the Vermont winter. Last raced in Australia with Team Sky in 2016.
* Cameron Jones (Scott sports USA): Top New zealander contender.

Key Riders (Women):

* Kaitlin Rollins: 2024 Leadville Trail 100 MTB winner,runner-up in McLaren Vale last year,winner of SBT GRVL,2nd at Gravel Burn (South Africa),3rd overall in Life Time Grand Prix.
* pauline Ferrand-Prévot
* Georgie Cromwell: recently raced in the women’s Tour down Under with Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto.

Othre Notable Information:

* The race is attracting former WorldTour riders.
* The region around McLaren Vale is known for it’s vineyards and good riding conditions.
* Some riders are using the race as an early-season test and to build motivation.
* Boswell is balancing racing with his work commitments managing athletes for WorldTour teams during the Tour Down Under.