Looking for an end-of-summer challenge unlike anything you’ve experienced – along with a chance to earn a Stars and Stripes jersey? If the answer is yes, gather some friends and sign up for the second-ever USA Cycling Gravel National Championships, taking place on September 8.
The race start/finish is in Gering, Nebraska, a small town at the foot of Scotts Bluff National Monument on the far western side of the state, just a few hours north of Denver. The race offers wide-open vistas, sweeping views on quiet country roads, plenty of sand, rollers, and a challenging climb at the end.
“Gravel is almost a mixture of road and triathlon,” says last year’s Elite Women’s winner Lauren Stephens. “It’s like a road race where you’re competing against each other, but at some point, you’re competing against yourself.”
And the race is open to age-group athletes – the only requirement is a USA Cycling license – along with pros vying for the $40,000 prize purse.
“The roads are big, wide, and open, and like most gravel races, it’s a course that offers riders a little bit of everything throughout the day,” Stephens says. “You can go into it wanting to win, or if that’s not happening, there are so many other things to enjoy and achievements you can have throughout the race.”
There are 22 separate categories for age-group and para-cyclists across four different courses: 131.4 miles, 88 miles, 52.6 miles, and 24.8 miles. And it’s an automatic qualifier for Gravel Worlds set for October 5-6 in Belgium.
“Gravel Nationals is a must-do event for gravel riders and road cyclists alike,” says two-time Gravel Worlds winner Lauren De Crescenzo. “Although gravel is becoming more tactical, it’s still far less so than road racing. You can’t fake your fitness in races that cover over 100 miles of dirt, rocks, rolling terrain, and massive climbs. There’s no sitting in like on the road. Gravel is more a feat of strength!”
The awards ceremony is top-notch, with numerous categories ensuring that all racers are celebrated. And competing for the Stars and Stripes is always a special experience, says De Crescenzo. “The camaraderie, the challenge, and the unique atmosphere make it an event worth adding to your race bucket list.”
While gravel racers tend to be self-sufficient, Gravel Nationals is billed by USA Cycling as one of the safest gravel races in the country:
- Officials are onsite
- Course hazards are marked
- Staff and volunteers are onsite to help where needed
- Multiple aid stations along the course
But if you’re up for the challenge, says De Crescenzo, self-sufficiency is empowering. “The sense of adventure on gravel roads is unparalleled. I’ve learned so much about my bike – setting up tubeless tires, flat repair, chain waxing, adjusting brake rotors – all the things I didn’t know how to do before gravel racing.” In addition, she says, “Gravel racing is a chance to test your fitness and endurance in different environments, where tactics are less about drafting, and more about grit and strength.”
To get a good look at the course, which is the same as last year’s, check out a preview video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIQCNZpiSJQ
