'Bounced off barbed wire' - Lauren De Crescenzo escapes serious injury but goes runner-up to Emily Newsom at Homegrown Gravel in Georgia

Lauren De Crescenzo finished runner-up to Emily Newsom at the recent Homegrown Gravel event in Georgia, despite a dramatic incident involving barbed wire. De Crescenzo, the 2021 Unbound Gravel champion, reportedly "bounced off" the wire during the race but remarkably escaped serious injury to still secure second place. Newsom, meanwhile, claimed the victory, adding another notable result to her gravel season.

This result is significant not just for Newsom's win, but for De Crescenzo's resilience. Her ability to continue and podium after such a frightening encounter underscores the inherent risks of gravel racing and the mental fortitude required. For Newsom, it's a valuable win in a competitive field, while De Crescenzo's quick recovery bodes well for her upcoming targets, particularly as the gravel season intensifies towards marquee events.

Another gravel race, another near-miss with agricultural fencing. While De Crescenzo's escape is fortunate, it serves as a stark reminder that even the most seasoned riders are just a few inches from a very bad day.