{"id":1831704,"date":"2026-03-17T15:38:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1831704"},"modified":"2026-03-17T15:38:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:38:30","slug":"a-killer-sprint-in-the-end-why-a-mad-dash-for-mid-south-gravel-victory-shows-a-new-generation-has-arrived","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1831704","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1600-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCobe Freeburn\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-17T15:38:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cobe Freeburn, 24, and Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones&#8217; all-out two-way tussle for top win is a forecast for a new guard of gravel <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cobe Freeburn of Durango, Colorado joins Trek Driftless for the 2026 off-road season<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Trek Driftless)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92\">After 170.5 kilometres (106 miles) of red dust kicked up by the Oklahoma winds and an unrelenting pace of a strong elite men&#8217;s field, the final 250 metres confirmed Colorado youngster Cobe Freeburn (Trek Driftless) was ready for prime time.<\/p>\n<p>The 24-year-old from Durango won Mid South Gravel when he hit the afterburners on the pavement in Stillwater and ignited a final surge to hold off Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones (Scott-RCC) at the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t just your typical crazy-fast sprint to decide an off-road endurance race, it was a forecast for the new guard of gravel. The two are just separated in age by one year, with Jones a familiar name with two strong seasons of gravel, and a Life Time Grand Prix title, on his resume. Freeburn comes from mountain biking and lines up for the first time in the Grand Prix this season, the opening round April 16 at Sea Otter Classic Gravel in California.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It will come down to that final 15k&#8217; &#8211; Romain Bardet, Cameron Jones, Alexey Vermeulen begin gravel season at RADL GRVL as defending champion Brendan Johnston bows out<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I wanted to be a part of the Life Time Grand Prix because that is where the best competition in off-road cycling is. It is an incredible opportunity to compete against the best in the country and some of the best in the world,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>after he was named to the early-season roster of 22 men in the LTGP field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The majority of the best cyclists in the gravel\/off-road space are in the Grand Prix or at least compete in some of the races. There is also a lot of attention on the series and the athletes competing in it, so it&#8217;s a nice opportunity to get my name out there more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Freeburn sells himself a bit short, as his name is already out there. He added his name to the list that has won the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic &#8211; Quinn Simmons, Sepp Kuss and Howard Grotts &#8211; and won the race twice. 2025 was his breakout year on gravel, winning Bighorn Gravel and finishing third at SBT GRVL, just behind winner Brennan Wertz and runner-up Keegan Swenson. He was fifth at Chequamegon MTB and finished 15th at Leadville Trail 100 MTB.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Peter Stetina called him a &#8220;big prospect&#8221; last year after SBT GRVL, while Wertz noted that he was more than just a high-altitude &#8220;rider to watch,&#8221; saying &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen him perform in all sorts of different courses.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"54129e8c-2358-471a-b4d6-f9ac1449d147\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cobe Freeburn with his parents at a home race, 2025 SVT GRVL, where he finished third in the elite men&#8217;s race as a 23-year-old <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6916a41a-f62c-43e3-b381-debd672c1691\">After the Oklahoma matchup, Jones took to social to say Freeburn&#8217;s form was &#8220;spot on&#8221; and the new LTGP rider &#8220;would be one to watch this year, killer sprint in the end there&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>An attritional race that started with 65 riders came down to 20 then seven at the front of the race with 55km (34 miles) to go, and Wertz was the first to drop from the steam engine with a flat tyre. A water crossing with 27km (16 miles) caused another disruption and soon there were just three on the pavement in downtown Stillwater, with Michael Garrison (SpeedStudio p\/b Basso), another 24-year-old, just three seconds behind the sprint duo for third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was definitely the best sprint I have ever put together at the end of a race, it was also my best 5, 10, and 12-second power I have ever done. I have typically not done as well in sprints at the end of races but this time was different I guess,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Peter Stetina, Kate Courtney expected at Low Gap on Sunday while Cameron Jones, Romain Bardet, Nicole Frain headline new Rapha Cycling Club team at RADL GRVL<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Cam and Michael were probably stronger than me most of the day so I was very surprised that I was able to outsprint them at the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The victory for Freeburn was his first riding for Trek Driftless, his teammate Daxton Mock leading the chase group for fourth.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This year joining Trek Driftless has been nice so far. It really allows me to focus more on the racing and less about the other small things that go on during race weekends. I don&#8217;t have to worry about going to the store or how I&#8217;m going to get to the venue. It just really allows me to put all my energy into performing on race day,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The next few races on my calendar are Sea Otter, Traka 200, and Unbound. They are all big targets for me so hopefully I can carry some momentum into them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He and Mock had been in the pipeline for the gravel squad since racing several years together in MTB and some cyclo-cross with the Trek-supported Bear National Team. Mock is among the wild card entries for the Life Time Grand Prix this year.<\/p>\n<p>The third men&#8217;s rider on Trek Driftless is Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, who finished third overall at the Grand Prix last year. He often trained with Freeburn last year and will be part of a formidable trio for the six-race Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was also very fortunate to have an incredible teammate. Daxton Mock and I worked together seamlessly and we were always in the right place at the right time. I can\u2019t thank everyone enough. Hopefully this is just the beginning,&#8221; he added in a social post.<\/p>\n<p id=\"dede6e66-9682-4f33-97ce-a377d6b31c68\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will come down to that final 15k&#8217; &#8211; Romain Bardet, Cameron Jones, Alexey Vermeulen begin gravel season at RADL GRVL as defending champion Brendan Johnston bows out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Peter Stetina, Kate Courtney expected at Low Gap on Sunday while Cameron Jones, Romain Bardet, Nicole Frain headline new Rapha Cycling Club team at RADL GRVL<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Emerging Talents<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I envisioned myself in a tunnel&#8217; &#8211; Ethan Brown uses breakout season as US cyclo-cross national champion to deal with &#8216;hyped&#8217; crowds at World Championships <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Juan Ayuso remains the reference point&#8217; \u2013 Spain&#8217;s new generation of riders coming through fast, but young Lidl-Trek racer still the top name to watch <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One door closes, another one opens&#8217; &#8211; Ben Tulett eyeing Grand Tour future after Simon Yates&#8217; surprise retirement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sam Bennett to make long-awaited comeback from heart surgery this week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is a scary race&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals his fears and ambitions for Italian Monument<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eddy Merckx offers advice to Tadej Poga\u010dar on how to finally win Milan-San Remo, 50 years after taking record seventh title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shimano to pay $11.5m penalty following crankset recall for failing to immediately report defect<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">AusCycling special general meeting to go ahead after formal request from clubs but only one of four proposed motions will go to vote<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How can a bike be faster in a crosswind? Explaining the sail effect in aerodynamics<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCobe Freeburn\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-17T15:38:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cobe Freeburn, 24, and Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones&#8217; all-out two-way tussle for top win is a forecast for a new guard of gravel <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cobe Freeburn of Durango, Colorado joins Trek Driftless for the 2026 off-road season<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Trek Driftless)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92\">After 170.5 kilometres (106 miles) of red dust kicked up by the Oklahoma winds and an unrelenting pace of a strong elite men&#8217;s field, the final 250 metres confirmed Colorado youngster Cobe Freeburn (Trek Driftless) was ready for prime time.<\/p>\n<p>The 24-year-old from Durango won Mid South Gravel when he hit the afterburners on the pavement in Stillwater and ignited a final surge to hold off Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones (Scott-RCC) at the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t just your typical crazy-fast sprint to decide an off-road endurance race, it was a forecast for the new guard of gravel. The two are just separated in age by one year, with Jones a familiar name with two strong seasons of gravel, and a Life Time Grand Prix title, on his resume. Freeburn comes from mountain biking and lines up for the first time in the Grand Prix this season, the opening round April 16 at Sea Otter Classic Gravel in California.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It will come down to that final 15k&#8217; &#8211; Romain Bardet, Cameron Jones, Alexey Vermeulen begin gravel season at RADL GRVL as defending champion Brendan Johnston bows out<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I wanted to be a part of the Life Time Grand Prix because that is where the best competition in off-road cycling is. It is an incredible opportunity to compete against the best in the country and some of the best in the world,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>after he was named to the early-season roster of 22 men in the LTGP field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The majority of the best cyclists in the gravel\/off-road space are in the Grand Prix or at least compete in some of the races. There is also a lot of attention on the series and the athletes competing in it, so it&#8217;s a nice opportunity to get my name out there more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Freeburn sells himself a bit short, as his name is already out there. He added his name to the list that has won the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic &#8211; Quinn Simmons, Sepp Kuss and Howard Grotts &#8211; and won the race twice. 2025 was his breakout year on gravel, winning Bighorn Gravel and finishing third at SBT GRVL, just behind winner Brennan Wertz and runner-up Keegan Swenson. He was fifth at Chequamegon MTB and finished 15th at Leadville Trail 100 MTB.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Peter Stetina called him a &#8220;big prospect&#8221; last year after SBT GRVL, while Wertz noted that he was more than just a high-altitude &#8220;rider to watch,&#8221; saying &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen him perform in all sorts of different courses.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"54129e8c-2358-471a-b4d6-f9ac1449d147\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cobe Freeburn with his parents at a home race, 2025 SVT GRVL, where he finished third in the elite men&#8217;s race as a 23-year-old <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6916a41a-f62c-43e3-b381-debd672c1691\">After the Oklahoma matchup, Jones took to social to say Freeburn&#8217;s form was &#8220;spot on&#8221; and the new LTGP rider &#8220;would be one to watch this year, killer sprint in the end there&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>An attritional race that started with 65 riders came down to 20 then seven at the front of the race with 55km (34 miles) to go, and Wertz was the first to drop from the steam engine with a flat tyre. A water crossing with 27km (16 miles) caused another disruption and soon there were just three on the pavement in downtown Stillwater, with Michael Garrison (SpeedStudio p\/b Basso), another 24-year-old, just three seconds behind the sprint duo for third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was definitely the best sprint I have ever put together at the end of a race, it was also my best 5, 10, and 12-second power I have ever done. I have typically not done as well in sprints at the end of races but this time was different I guess,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Peter Stetina, Kate Courtney expected at Low Gap on Sunday while Cameron Jones, Romain Bardet, Nicole Frain headline new Rapha Cycling Club team at RADL GRVL<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Cam and Michael were probably stronger than me most of the day so I was very surprised that I was able to outsprint them at the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The victory for Freeburn was his first riding for Trek Driftless, his teammate Daxton Mock leading the chase group for fourth.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This year joining Trek Driftless has been nice so far. It really allows me to focus more on the racing and less about the other small things that go on during race weekends. I don&#8217;t have to worry about going to the store or how I&#8217;m going to get to the venue. It just really allows me to put all my energy into performing on race day,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The next few races on my calendar are Sea Otter, Traka 200, and Unbound. They are all big targets for me so hopefully I can carry some momentum into them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He and Mock had been in the pipeline for the gravel squad since racing several years together in MTB and some cyclo-cross with the Trek-supported Bear National Team. Mock is among the wild card entries for the Life Time Grand Prix this year.<\/p>\n<p>The third men&#8217;s rider on Trek Driftless is Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, who finished third overall at the Grand Prix last year. He often trained with Freeburn last year and will be part of a formidable trio for the six-race Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was also very fortunate to have an incredible teammate. Daxton Mock and I worked together seamlessly and we were always in the right place at the right time. I can\u2019t thank everyone enough. Hopefully this is just the beginning,&#8221; he added in a social post.<\/p>\n<p id=\"dede6e66-9682-4f33-97ce-a377d6b31c68\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>North American<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It will come down to that final 15k&#8217; &#8211; Romain Bardet, Cameron Jones, Alexey Vermeulen begin gravel season at RADL GRVL as defending champion Brendan Johnston bows out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Peter Stetina, Kate Courtney expected at Low Gap on Sunday while Cameron Jones, Romain Bardet, Nicole Frain headline new Rapha Cycling Club team at RADL GRVL<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Emerging Talents<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I envisioned myself in a tunnel&#8217; &#8211; Ethan Brown uses breakout season as US cyclo-cross national champion to deal with &#8216;hyped&#8217; crowds at World Championships <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8niz4SKJRcqeSYJJoyKDng-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Juan Ayuso remains the reference point&#8217; \u2013 Spain&#8217;s new generation of riders coming through fast, but young Lidl-Trek racer still the top name to watch <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JxkyCSot52D3T5ETPdksdn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One door closes, another one opens&#8217; &#8211; Ben Tulett eyeing Grand Tour future after Simon Yates&#8217; surprise retirement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6qay5Noe7MS6Yd6ZsPDCgR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Lr4BgrMCqWGJPmjXGiVJJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sam Bennett to make long-awaited comeback from heart surgery this week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hwm2jwednBPPjTeVvvP2pd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Milan-San Remo is a scary race&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals his fears and ambitions for Italian Monument<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PcFTGXjQGqdqGxR6XkCnoh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Eddy Merckx offers advice to Tadej Poga\u010dar on how to finally win Milan-San Remo, 50 years after taking record seventh title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/43eBf5JwzmLn9XsM8DXjdg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shimano to pay $11.5m penalty following crankset recall for failing to immediately report defect<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jy98ZtkYg43jDWdkVE6HvW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar supported by radically revamped UAE Team Emirates-XRG team for Milan-San Remo as he continues quest for victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/otzsskoVTuQezncUwTcfYm.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">AusCycling special general meeting to go ahead after formal request from clubs but only one of four proposed motions will go to vote<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG forced to reduce race programme and change rosters after multiple crashes and Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez, Tim Wellens among riders still out<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Are scientists now more important than star riders? Inside pro cycling&#8217;s race for scientific innovation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How can a bike be faster in a crosswind? Explaining the sail effect in aerodynamics<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<li>\nCobe Freeburn\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-17T15:38:30Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n17 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Cobe Freeburn, 24, and Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones&#8217; all-out two-way tussle for top win is a forecast for a new guard of gravel <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92\">After 170.5 kilometres (106 miles) of red dust kicked up by the Oklahoma winds and an unrelenting pace of a strong elite men&#8217;s field, the final 250 metres confirmed Colorado youngster Cobe Freeburn (Trek Driftless) was ready for prime time.<\/p>\n<p>The 24-year-old from Durango won Mid South Gravel when he hit the afterburners on the pavement in Stillwater and ignited a final surge to hold off Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones (Scott-RCC) at the line.<\/p>\n<p id=\"69a9435b-47d5-4a5e-814d-5c5707c04f92-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t just your typical crazy-fast sprint to decide an off-road endurance race, it was a forecast for the new guard of gravel. The two are just separated in age by one year, with Jones a familiar name with two strong seasons of gravel, and a Life Time Grand Prix title, on his resume. Freeburn comes from mountain biking and lines up for the first time in the Grand Prix this season, the opening round April 16 at Sea Otter Classic Gravel in California.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrWKGzj4C8N77M5tQKBBTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e continues hauling in the victories at Mid South Gravel while Cobe Freeburn claims men\u2019s title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVGCmnLMYSxZcAQpjtem5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It will come down to that final 15k&#8217; &#8211; Romain Bardet, Cameron Jones, Alexey Vermeulen begin gravel season at RADL GRVL as defending champion Brendan Johnston bows out<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xzds6rvDgUeDskKgy4EK47-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Where will top gravel riders launch new looks in 2026? Keegan Swenson, Matt Beers, Karolina Migo\u0144, Sofia Gomez Villafa\u00f1e among all-star cast at Santa Vall<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I wanted to be a part of the Life Time Grand Prix because that is where the best competition in off-road cycling is. It is an incredible opportunity to compete against the best in the country and some of the best in the world,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>after he was named to the early-season roster of 22 men in the LTGP field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The majority of the best cyclists in the gravel\/off-road space are in the Grand Prix or at least compete in some of the races. There is also a lot of attention on the series and the athletes competing in it, so it&#8217;s a nice opportunity to get my name out there more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Freeburn sells himself a bit short, as his name is already out there. He added his name to the list that has won the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic &#8211; Quinn Simmons, Sepp Kuss and Howard Grotts &#8211; and won the race twice. 2025 was his breakout year on gravel, winning Bighorn Gravel and finishing third at SBT GRVL, just behind winner Brennan Wertz and runner-up Keegan Swenson. He was fifth at Chequamegon MTB and finished 15th at Leadville Trail 100 MTB.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Peter Stetina called him a &#8220;big prospect&#8221; last year after SBT GRVL, while Wertz noted that he was more than just a high-altitude &#8220;rider to watch,&#8221; saying &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen him perform in all sorts of different courses.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-VtCSMHbZoYVLknmHy2j62U slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"54129e8c-2358-471a-b4d6-f9ac1449d147\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CCZLNHBXgdABLRgM5rwY4g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cobe Freeburn with his parents at a home race, 2025 SVT GRVL, where he finished third in the elite men&#8217;s race as a 23-year-old <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"6916a41a-f62c-43e3-b381-debd672c1691\">After the Oklahoma matchup, Jones took to social to say Freeburn&#8217;s form was &#8220;spot on&#8221; and the new LTGP rider &#8220;would be one to watch this year, killer sprint in the end there&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>An attritional race that started with 65 riders came down to 20 then seven at the front of the race with 55km (34 miles) to go, and Wertz was the first to drop from the steam engine with a flat tyre. A water crossing with 27km (16 miles) caused another disruption and soon there were just three on the pavement in downtown Stillwater, with Michael Garrison (SpeedStudio p\/b Basso), another 24-year-old, just three seconds behind the sprint duo for third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That was definitely the best sprint I have ever put together at the end of a race, it was also my best 5, 10, and 12-second power I have ever done. I have typically not done as well in sprints at the end of races but this time was different I guess,&#8221; Freeburn told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrdttQ65Fcq4QoGGcrjb55-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Former Valley of Tears champion Keegan Swenson returns to Texas this week as commentator for Dirt Crit broadcast as he remains sidelined from racing &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cQd7vSDZrcNvrDbhVe6XhB-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Peter Stetina, Kate Courtney expected at Low Gap on Sunday while Cameron Jones, Romain Bardet, Nicole Frain headline new Rapha Cycling Club team at RADL GRVL<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qcK9ZjjeHs5QF73Qw84mkP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A real bucket list year&#8217; &#8211; Recently-retired 15-year road pro Michael Woods launches endurance campaign on gravel at Santa Vall then Unbound Gravel 200<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;Cam and Michael were probably stronger than me most of the day so I was very surprised that I was able to outsprint them at the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The victory for Freeburn was his first riding for Trek Driftless, his teammate Daxton Mock leading the chase group for fourth.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This year joining Trek Driftless has been nice so far. It really allows me to focus more on the racing and less about the other small things that go on during race weekends. I don&#8217;t have to worry about going to the store or how I&#8217;m going to get to the venue. It just really allows me to put all my energy into performing on race day,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The next few races on my calendar are Sea Otter, Traka 200, and Unbound. They are all big targets for me so hopefully I can carry some momentum into them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He and Mock had been in the pipeline for the gravel squad since racing several years together in MTB and some cyclo-cross with the Trek-supported Bear National Team. Mock is among the wild card entries for the Life Time Grand Prix this year.<\/p>\n<p>The third men&#8217;s rider on Trek Driftless is Torbj\u00f8rn R\u00f8ed, who finished third overall at the Grand Prix last year. He often trained with Freeburn last year and will be part of a formidable trio for the six-race Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was also very fortunate to have an incredible teammate. Daxton Mock and I worked together seamlessly and we were always in the right place at the right time. I can\u2019t thank everyone enough. Hopefully this is just the beginning,&#8221; he added in a social post.<\/p>\n<p id=\"dede6e66-9682-4f33-97ce-a377d6b31c68\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/emerging-talents\/a-killer-sprint-in-the-end-why-a-mad-dash-for-mid-south-gravel-victory-shows-a-new-generation-has-arrived\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-1600-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Emerging Talents Cobe Freeburn &#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived News By Jackie Tyson published 17 March 2026 Cobe Freeburn, 24, and Unbound Gravel 200 champion Cameron Jones&#8217; all-out two-way tussle [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1831704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1831704"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831704\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1831704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1831704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1831704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}