Ultra-endurance cyclist Machelle Buchel, of Benoni, has continued her extraordinary season by winning the Masters Women’s category at the internationally renowned Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder in Oregon, USA.

The prestigious five-day stage race, regarded as one of the world’s premier gravel events, forms part of the Gravel Earth Series. It attracts elite riders from across the globe to tackle more than 560km of racing and over 9 000m of climbing.

After five days of competition, Buchel clocked a combined 20:10:21 for the victory. Beth Peterson was second 13:20 adrift after finishing second in 20:23:49. Claire Demarquet rounded up the podium in 21:48:08.

Buchel’s latest triumph adds to an already remarkable 2026 campaign that has established her as one of South Africa’s leading ultra-distance gravel cyclists.

This year alone, she has claimed victories in the Munga Sword Series 24-Hour, the Munga Grit Trans Xhariep (435km) and the Big River Gravel Series in the United States, consistently proving herself against world-class international competition.

Reflecting on her latest success, Buchel described the victory as the reward for months of focused preparation.

“Every training block had a purpose. Mike believed in me from the beginning, and together we trusted the process. To stand on the top step of the podium at such a prestigious international event is something I’ll never forget.”

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Behind Buchel’s success is months of meticulous planning under Benoni-based Endure SA Performance Coaching, where coach Mike Chumbley specialises in preparing endurance athletes for some of the world’s toughest gravel and ultra-distance races.

“People often only see race day,” said Chumbley.

“What they don’t see are the months of planning, analysing data, building durability, refining nutrition strategies and preparing mentally for consecutive days of racing.

“Machelle committed completely to the process and delivered an exceptional performance on the international stage.”

For Chumbley, Buchel’s achievement extends beyond a single race victory.

“This proves that South African athletes can compete with and beat the best in the world. At Endure SA, our mission is to develop athletes capable of performing on the biggest stages in ultra-distance racing.

“Machelle’s incredible season is a perfect example of what can be achieved through commitment, consistency and smart coaching.”

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