Bozeman, Montana — Hayden Christian (Trek-MAAP Pro.Fwd) secured the 2026 Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with a decisive victory at the Belgian Waffle Ride Montana, while Cécile Lejeune (Trek Driftless) wrapped up the women’s overall title with a runner-up finish. The grueling 115-mile (185km) race, featuring 7,500 feet of climbing across 70% unroad terrain, tested riders on a new course skirting Montana’s Blacktail mountain range. Christian’s win came down to a thrilling final half-mile sprint, where he outmaneuvered Elliot Thornblade (Forward Endurance Coaching) in a high-stakes battle for the men’s title.
Lejeune’s second-place finish—seven minutes behind Stella Hobbs (MAAP-ENVE-Tailwind)—locked in her overall victory after back-to-back wins in California and Utah. Hobbs, who claimed her second consecutive elite women’s title at BWR Montana, finished solo in 5:07:39, setting the pace for the women’s division. The men’s Quad-Tripel Crown was decided by just eight points, with Christian edging out Lance Haidet (Colnago-SRAM-Velocio) in a season-long climb from 11th place in Arizona to the top of the leaderboard.
This was the second edition of BWR Montana, which moved to a new start/finish at Glen Lake Park in Bozeman. The race’s challenging terrain—including singletrack turns and technical climbs—proved decisive in the final stages, where Christian’s tactical brilliance secured his historic title. For Lejeune, the victory marked a dominant season across the four-race series, cementing her status as one of gravel cycling’s top performers.
Image credit: Belgian Waffle Ride Montana
Christian’s Dramatic Sprint Secures Quad-Tripel Crown
Christian’s path to victory was far from straightforward. Entering the final race two points behind Haidet, he needed to outperform his rival by eight points to claim the title. The race’s final kilometer became a battleground, with Thornblade attempting a late pass on the dirt section. Christian countered with a sharp maneuver—dubbed a “body barge”—to reclaim the lead and hold off Thornblade by a single second. Haidet secured third place, while Matthew Saldana (Cyclesport.com) rounded out the podium.
According to race officials, the final sprint was one of the most intense in BWR history, with Christian’s ability to navigate the technical terrain proving decisive. “The last 50 meters were pure adrenaline,” Christian told reporters post-race. “I knew if I could hold the line there, the points would be mine.” His victory capped a remarkable season, where he climbed from 11th in Arizona to first in Montana, demonstrating both endurance and tactical acumen.
Men’s Elite Top 10 Results:
- 1. Hayden Christian (Trek-MAAP Pro.Fwd) – 4:45:32
- 2. Elliot Thornblade (Forward Endurance Coaching) – +0:00:01
- 3. Lance Haidet (Colnago-SRAM-Velocio) – +0:00:01
- 4. Matthew Saldana (Cyclesport.com) – +0:00:04
- 5. Ryker Brand (ALLIED-Formula 369) – +0:00:18
Lejeune’s Dominance Locks in Women’s Quad-Tripel Title
While Christian battled for the men’s title, Lejeune secured her overall victory with a disciplined second-place finish. Her strategy—consisting of third in Arizona, followed by wins in California and Utah—paid off, giving her a 35-point lead over Hannah Shell (GoodLife Brands/Pirelli), who finished third in Montana. Shell, in turn, held off Holly Breck by just eight points for second overall.
Hobbs’ solo victory in the women’s elite division (5:07:39) highlighted her consistency, as she repeated as champion for the second year in a row. However, it was Lejeune’s performance that defined the series. “This was always about the overall,” Lejeune said. “I knew if I could win two of the last three races, the title was mine. Today, I just had to make sure no one passed me.”
Women’s Elite Top 10 Results:
- 1. Stella Hobbs (MAAP-ENVE-Tailwind) – 5:07:39
- 2. Cécile Lejeune (Trek Driftless) – +0:07:30
- 3. Hannah Shell (GoodLife Brands/Pirelli) – +0:27:36
- 4. Courtney Sullivan (Mamis p/b Incycle) – +0:36:01
- 5. Laurel Quinones – +0:46:35
What Happens Next: Post-Race Reactions and Future Challenges
The Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel series concludes with Montana, but the implications of these results will ripple through the gravel cycling world. Christian’s victory positions him as a favorite for next year’s series, while Lejeune’s dominance suggests she remains a force to be reckoned with in women’s gravel racing.
For Christian, the next challenge will be maintaining his form leading into the 2026 season. “This was a team effort,” he acknowledged. “My Trek-MAAP team supported me every step of the way, and now we’ll focus on building on this momentum.” Meanwhile, Lejeune has already set her sights on defending her title, though she admitted the pressure is on. “I know what it takes to win now,” she said. “Next year, I’ll have to do it all over again.”
Race organizers have also reflected on the success of BWR Montana, with plans to refine the course for future editions. “The feedback from riders was overwhelmingly positive,” said a spokesperson for Belgian Waffle Ride. “We’re already looking at ways to make next year’s event even more challenging and exciting.”
Key Takeaways: How the Quad-Tripel Crown Was Decided
- Christian’s rise: From 11th in Arizona to 1st in Montana—an unprecedented climb in a single series.
- Lejeune’s strategy: Third, then two wins in a row secured her overall title by a commanding margin.
- Hobbs’ consistency: Back-to-back women’s elite victories, but Lejeune’s series dominance was the story.
- Technical terrain: The singletrack sections and climbs proved decisive in the final sprint.
- Team dynamics: Christian and Lejeune both credited their teams for their success.
Where to Follow Updates
For official results, rider interviews, and future race announcements, visit the Belgian Waffle Ride official website. Fans can also follow updates on social media:
With the Quad-Tripel Crown now decided, attention turns to next year’s series, where Christian and Lejeune will aim to defend their titles on new courses and under evolving conditions.
What do you think about Hayden Christian’s dramatic victory and Cécile Lejeune’s dominant season? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.