It was billed as the first 'true gravel' world championship in years and it lived up to its reputation. Most swans will be familiar with the Nannup course through Seven, but it was clear a lot of internationals didn't have a true appreciation for what was about to be served up to them.

We'll start with the women who competed on the Saturday in epic conditions. With consistent rain leading up to the event, the course was muddy and slippery. As if 20% inclines along Brockman farm weren't hard enough already, chuck in a decent dose of lack of traction for good measure. Then on the day, the rain didn't let up with constant showers until the afternoon to make it even more uncomfortable for the competitors.

Controversy struck prior to race day when it was announced that several women in the age group events would be bumped up to elite to boost the numbers due to a very recent rule change. You can hear a very detailed whinge about it here from cycling influencer Peta Mullens as she fell victim to the rule change.

It also impacted our very own Kate Bonner who had earnt some UCI points competing in the Oceania Continental Championships ITT back in April. Did she whinge!? Not a chance* - just got on with it and competed as a freaking elite in a freaking world championship. Not a bad story to tell the grandkids thats for sure.

In the age group section on the day, we had Annie, Ira and Ann representing as well. And by the time all of them had reached the massive crowd at Adina Farm - the bodies were already coated in mud. The only good news, the showers kept coming so that theoretically should have helped wash some off.... I think.

The girls did an incredible job, just staying on the bike was a feat - just ask Rosa Kloser (real name, I checked). The girls finished it off with some epic results: 1 elite rider, 3 top 10's at a world champs - can't ask for much better than that.

On the men's side we had our biggest representation, with 7 swans doing their thing across the age category spread. The weather was kinder for the blokes too, however after the day before conditions, the road was showing the wear and tear.

To make matters a bit harder - the blokes also had a bonus extra 19k loop and an additional climb chucked in compared to the seven course earlier in the year. As if the course didn't already make you fight your inner demons enough. The course designers can only be described as sadistic.

The men's elite race was epic and came down to a 4-up sprint at the end, again showing that even the pro's struggled to keep their bikes right side up. Jumping Szalek and Twin Peaks Tommy leading up the charge coming 28th in their respective age groups. And after 144k's of riding, only 9 seconds splitting big Joey Winfield and elder statesman Pete Minchin.

Overall, huge result - a heap of swans supporting as well. Honk Honk (is that the swan version of a Kaw Kaw?). Also shout out to club sponsors Pedalare for the free beers on the hill!