The Gravel Worlds is back in Lincoln, Nebraska, for its 17th edition, and it's set to be a thrilling spectacle. This annual event showcases the best in gravel racing, attracting athletes from all over the world. Here's a breakdown of what to expect and why it's a must-watch.
A Week of Action
The race week kicks off with the Gravel Worlds Triathlon & Duathlon on Friday, a unique event that combines swimming, cycling, and running. It's a great warm-up for the main event, and the Branch Oak State Park setting adds to the adventure. Saturday is the heart of the festival, with the 300-mile Long Voyage finishers, the flagship 150-mile Gravel Worlds, and various other distances. The atmosphere is electric, with a 5K fun run and a finish line party to cap off the day. Sunday is all about running, with the 50K Ultra, 25K, and 10K races taking over the gravel roads.
International Appeal
What's remarkable is the international appeal of this event. With participants from all 50 states and 20 countries across five continents, it's a true celebration of global gravel racing. The age range is equally impressive, with athletes from 7 to 82 years old, showcasing the sport's inclusivity.
Elite Competition
The pro field is stacked, with some of the best gravel and off-road cyclists in the world. The women's category features Karolina Migoń, Sofia Gomez Villafañe, Lauren De Crescenzo, Tiffany Cromwell, Amber Neben, and Geerike Schreurs, a mix of Unbound and Traka veterans. The men's field is anchored by Matt Beers, the defending champion, and Keegan Swenson, with other top riders like Cameron Jones and Chad Haga.
The Course
The course in southeastern Nebraska is known as 'hero gravel' for its fast and tire-friendly roads with minimal flat risk. It rolls through scenic farmland, and the start and finish are conveniently located at the Sandhills Global Event Center. The expo, camping, and spectator zones are all clustered together, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Bike Distances
There are five bike distances, each with its own challenges: GW10, GW35, GW75, GW150, and GW300 (Long Voyage). The GW10 is an easy out-and-back on closed roads, perfect for beginners. GW35 offers a balanced 35 miles with 2,000 ft of climbing and a checkpoint. GW75 is a tougher 75-mile challenge with 5,000 ft of climbing and multiple checkpoints. The GW150 is the championship distance, with a $150K prize purse and a course that changes yearly.
Live Streaming
Gravel Worlds was a pioneer in live streaming, and it's continued to innovate. The event pairs drone footage with on-course cameras, bringing viewers into the race like never before. Starting Saturday, viewers can track the 300-mile finishers and the 150 and 75-mile fields rolling out at dawn, all on the Slowtwitch homepage.
In my opinion, the Gravel Worlds is a testament to the sport's growth and popularity. It's a well-organized, exciting event that showcases the best athletes and courses in gravel racing. With its international appeal and innovative live streaming, it's a must-watch for any cycling enthusiast.
