The 2025 Low Gap race, a cornerstone of the Grasshopper Adventure Series, took place on January 26 in Ukiah, California, offering just under 600 total participants a challenging 47-mile mixed-terrain course with 6,150 feet of elevation gain. The route commenced with a neutral lead-out from Todd Grove Park, transitioning into a rigorous ascent up Orr Springs Road, climbing 1,800 feet over the initial 9 miles. Riders then navigated rolling terrain along Montgomery Woods State Reserve before tackling additional climbs and a 10-mile dirt segment on Low Gap Road. The final stretch featured a thrilling 13-mile gravel and paved descent to the finish. Here are some highlights of the race results from the women and girls categories. See full race results here >>
Low Gap Race Results Pro Women
The Pro Women’s category showcased exceptional talent and determination. Kate Courtney secured first place, demonstrating her elite racing skills. Chloé Mauvais, followed closely, earning second place with her strong performance. Leslie Ethridge stepped up to the podium in third place.
In the Girls U19 category, the young athletes showcased remarkable talent and determination. Carina Nottingham secured first place with an impressive time of 3:31:20.26, demonstrating exceptional skill and endurance throughout the demanding course. Following closely, Juliet DiStefano claimed the second spot, while Zoe Khuu rounded out the podium in third place. These rising stars exemplify the promising future of women’s cycling.
Low Gap Race Results Junior U19 Women
Low Gap Race Results Women 30-39
Low Gap’s girls mentorship program, led by Helena Gilbert-Snyder of Monarch Racing, showed up strong with 35 teenage mentees alongside their mentors from all around the Bay Area, California. Monarch includes elite team members in community events and fosters young women cyclists through its Development Team, offering training, mentorship, and competitive opportunities for U19 girls in Northern California.
The Low Gap event not only challenges riders with its demanding course but also supports the cycling community by contributing a portion of its proceeds to the NorCal Cycling League’s GRiT program. This initiative aims to recruit and retain more female student-athletes and coaches, promoting gender and racial equity within the sport.
As the opening race of the 2025 Grasshopper Adventure Series, Low Gap set a high standard for the events to follow, blending rigorous physical challenges with a commitment to fostering inclusivity and growth in the cycling community.
