{"id":1954922,"date":"2026-05-25T13:09:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T10:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1954922"},"modified":"2026-05-25T13:09:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T10:09:33","slug":"minimum-maintenance-roads-gut-kick-climbs-oil-rigs-and-open-range-cattle-a-detailed-look-at-what-the-unbound-gravel-200-course-has-in-store","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1954922","title":{"rendered":"Minimum maintenance roads, &#8216;gut kick&#8217; climbs, oil rigs and open range cattle \u2013 A detailed look at what the Unbound Gravel 200 course has in store"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-2560-80.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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUnbound Gravel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Minimum maintenance roads, &#8216;gut kick&#8217; climbs, oil rigs and open range cattle \u2013 A detailed look at what the Unbound Gravel 200 course has in store<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-05-25T13:09:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 May 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;MMR, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe&#8217; says Emporia native and Life Time manager Kristi Mohn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/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=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704\">&#8220;Beautiful and remote&#8221; are how the first winner of Unbound Gravel 200, Dan Hughes, described riding a bicycle in Kansas as he waxes lyrical about the low-maintenance roads that entwine farmland, unique prairieland and a few midwest towns in the Flint Hills of the central US, making the off-road 200-mile race so unpredictable and, sometimes, volatile.<\/p>\n<p>Hughes may be partial to Kansas since it is his home state, but he did win the 200-mile, one-day behemoth four times, adding second place a couple of times and a DNF as well. The course under the tyres and the climate conditions around the rider and machine favour no one, they don&#8217;t care whether you are a champion or not.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are the coolest roads &#8211; the twistiest and least traveled gravel roads. They haven&#8217;t been paved for a reason, because they&#8217;re &#8216;out&#8217; there,&#8221; Hughes told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that there was an adventure aspect as well to riding where not a lot of people go and taking in &#8220;that feeling of trying to find out what&#8217;s over the horizon&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel reveals 2026 route with south and north features combined to include &#8216;potentially muddy&#8217; sections<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unbound Gravel enters a 20th edition in 2026, and the field of competitors in search of fthat pro victory sitting over the horizon in downtown Emporia continues to grow, making the signature distance of Unbound 200 the most iconic title on the global gravel calendar. Like the Grand Tours of road racing, one of the allures of returning to Emporia has been a change of the course each year, whether adding a few sections of famous minimum maintenance roads, MMR, or tackling a fresh loop to the north instead of a traditional southward march.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;MMR, low maintenance, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. It&#8217;s part of the adventure. We&#8217;re not going to take out sections of the road to make it easier. We want to make it safe. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe,&#8221; Kristi Mohn, manager of community partnerships for Unbound and the retail manager for Life Time Off-road events, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unbound gives you the opportunity to compete with yourself, the opportunity to come back and try again. I think other things that we&#8217;ve done to really kind of instill that is we do change the course every couple of years. We change the course for a couple of reasons. One, is to see different zones of the Flint Hills of Kansas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the razor-edged rocks or the sections of fine-grained clay that turn into sticky mud when it rains that feature in Kansas. High temperatures, high humidity and lack of shade trees also define Unbound and challenge any competitor. A full gamut of preparations are part of the advanced homework for riders, no matter where the course goes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s crazy. I&#8217;m not even sure if knowing the course will help a lot if there&#8217;s new minimal maintenance roads. And if it&#8217;s muddy, it doesn&#8217;t matter which road it is,&#8221; defending women&#8217;s 200 champion Karolina Migo\u0144 told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before traveling to Emporia for a third time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the same for everyone. I hope for the best, and I hope that maybe we won&#8217;t get horrendous conditions on the course, but of course I will prepare for that as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The prize purse for elites at Unbound 200 has doubled to $60,000, shared equally between pro women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s fields, and Grand Prix series points keep elites interested as well. They&#8217;ll also share the same route with the annual migration of nearly 2,000 amateurs, and another 2,500 will compete in four other distances in Kansas the same day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" 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\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel organisers rein in support station chaos, adding feed zones for elite fields only<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fantastic entertainment&#8217; or &#8216;slapstick comedy&#8217;? How gravel has infiltrated WorldTour racing, and what the pros really think of it<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" 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\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged\u2019 \u2013 Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mmrs-climbs-and-a-familiar-finish\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>MMRs, climbs and a familiar finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b85fdafa-3587-4a82-a4e0-42e4f07c120c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-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\">Women&#8217;s 2025 Unbound Gravel 200 winner navigates the rolling terrain as a race vehicle follows for the livestream <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5dd8a8-0bd6-4e5c-b752-b86b0cc9a4ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the 20th anniversary, Life Time, which owns and operates Unbound Gravel, mixed famous climbs in the south with chunkier terrain in the north for a new hybrid course. The year&#8217;s 200-mile course comes in at 207 miles (333km) with over 9,000 feet (2,743m) of climbing. The climbs are deceiving, as sharp ravines and washouts are hidden in what appears to be flat prairie, the elevation gain adding up from relentless technical descents and ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of rollers that are consistently going up. There&#8217;s little steep, punchy climbs where you come out of a little creek crossing, and it&#8217;s just a rough climb, like a little gut kick you can have. They&#8217;re not long, but they&#8217;re technical. They sometimes make you really wish you had a mountain bike,&#8221; Mohn, a native Emporian, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The overall route heads to the south and west and then makes a swooping loop in a clockwise direction to a northernmost point at Council Grove.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Familiar Texaco and Towers climbs return on the route, both in the first 65 miles of the course. Yy Road signals Towers climb just 15 miles in, known for chunky rocks and creek crossings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first Feed Zone and Checkpoint for riders comes in the Madison area after 40 miles, and then it&#8217;s uphill for nearly 20 miles for Texaco Hill. Mohn said these areas are where many of the stunning views of the prairielands and cowboy culture come into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Every time I ride to the top of Towers climb I have goosebumps looking around. It&#8217;s stunning. It looks like green rolling seas as far as the eye can see in every direction, and it&#8217;s absolutely beautiful. And we get that same thing at Texaco Hill,&#8221; Mohn said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Texaco, that name comes from all of the oil rigs that are out there in Madison and Greenwood County. That&#8217;s part of their economic culture down there, along with the open range cattle, and potentially cowboys working the cows to keep them back away from the roads. We have cowboys out on horses in the fields, and if you&#8217;re lucky enough, you&#8217;ll get to see them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pros have a second Feed Zone at mile 83.5 outside Cassoday, where the course turns north. Another 20-plus miles on, after passing through Matfield Green, a rolling section on Sharps Creek Road follows, which has not been part of the race since 2015. Mohn said it had stunning views, if you take the time to notice, as the route passes cattle country around the small community of Bazaar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then comes W Road, a new and unpredictable MMR. This is located closer to the third Feed Zones\/Checkpoints, with about 75 miles to go. It is also a road that marks a series of punchy climbs, and lots of grass covering any tyre-gouging ruts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The signs will say minimum maintenance road ahead, and this means exactly that, it&#8217;s not a maintained road,&#8221; Mohn stressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last two years the route took in nearly 125 more miles to the north, with Council Grove the second and last checkpoint for all riders with 54 miles to go. This year Council Grove marks 36 miles to the finish, after the pros get a third Feed Zone before the town limits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6c6662e7-197b-4f7f-bd50-351f19dc1b8e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-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\">A stone sign marks a boundary for the famous Flint Hills of Kansas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future \/ Jackie Tyson)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f428c76-334e-49f5-a1ea-c778c72cbaf9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lake Kahola is back for the approach to the finish, headwinds making the long open stretch past the dam a foe for tired legs. Gravel turns to pavement in the final two miles once riders return to Emporia via the Emporia State University campus and Highland Hill. A few quick turns lead to a straight finale on Commercial Street.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No matter which direction the route takes, organisers make sure to include a passage through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, part of the US National Park Service. The prairie is not just wide open grasslands with few trees, but a living ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Kansas is known as a flyover state, but it&#8217;s an incredibly beautiful state. The Tall Grass Preserve is one of the few last standing tall grasses in the world, and it&#8217;s right here out my back door,&#8221; Mohn noted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This sea of grass used to cover North America&#8217;s central plains tens of thousands of years ago. Only a few regions in the world have preserved these prairielands, including the Flint Hills, where plants endure extreme weather conditions and sustain swaths of wildlife, from bison, deer and gophers to endangered bird species.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you get to the top of a climb and you&#8217;re kind of like &#8216;I&#8217;m done&#8217; and your head is down. That is where you should pick your head up and like look around, it&#8217;s stunning.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad02f4e-3a46-426d-9f2c-95f1e2fd477d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" 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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR 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=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-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\">Unbound Gravel reveals 2026 route with south and north features combined to include &#8216;potentially muddy&#8217; sections<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-840-80.jpeg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-650-80.jpeg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-500-80.jpeg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-450-80.jpeg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-320-80.jpeg.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\">Unbound Gravel 2026<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-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\">Unbound Gravel organisers rein in support station chaos, adding feed zones for elite fields only<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-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;Fantastic entertainment&#8217; or &#8216;slapstick comedy&#8217;? How gravel has infiltrated WorldTour racing, and what the pros really think of it<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-640-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-640-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-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\">\u2018Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged\u2019 \u2013 Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 Racing<\/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\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pauliena Rooijakkers announces pregnancy, plans to return to racing<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-320-80.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\">USA Crits: Marlies Mejias and Luke Fetzer win finale at WSCC Gears &amp; Guitars Criterium<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-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;The Giro is not over&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard cautious but in control as he looks to secure Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa in Rome<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-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\">Antwerp Port Epic: Per Strand Hagenes surges to victory from late breakaway group<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Capable of shaping our sport for many years to come\u2019 &#8211; Emerging superstar C\u00e9lia Gery extends contract with FDJ United-SUEZ<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-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;I\u2019m really sorry about what happened&#8217; &#8211; Expulsion and fine for sprinter Enrico Zanoncello after headbutt in Giro d\u2019Italia stage 15 finale<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 Features<\/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\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-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\">The last chance \u2013 What to expect from the third week of the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-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\">Jonas Vingegaard may not be destroying the field at this Giro d&#8217;Italia, but that doesn&#8217;t mean he&#8217;s any less likely to win it<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-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\">Misspelt brands, dubious deals, and no safety guarantees in sight \u2013 Welcome to the Wild West of AliExpress bike parts<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-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;We can do crazy things now&#8217; \u2013 Alberto Bettiol and XDS Astana earn freedom to experiment after non-stop success in first week of Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-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\">Inside my life as a TV reporter at the Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 Live interviews, wholesome Italian lunches, and viral football skills<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-320-80.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\">The perfect time to be a breakaway specialist? \u2013 What to expect from the second week of the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br 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datetime=\"2026-05-25T13:09:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 May 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;MMR, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe&#8217; says Emporia native and Life Time manager Kristi Mohn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/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=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704\">&#8220;Beautiful and remote&#8221; are how the first winner of Unbound Gravel 200, Dan Hughes, described riding a bicycle in Kansas as he waxes lyrical about the low-maintenance roads that entwine farmland, unique prairieland and a few midwest towns in the Flint Hills of the central US, making the off-road 200-mile race so unpredictable and, sometimes, volatile.<\/p>\n<p>Hughes may be partial to Kansas since it is his home state, but he did win the 200-mile, one-day behemoth four times, adding second place a couple of times and a DNF as well. The course under the tyres and the climate conditions around the rider and machine favour no one, they don&#8217;t care whether you are a champion or not.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are the coolest roads &#8211; the twistiest and least traveled gravel roads. They haven&#8217;t been paved for a reason, because they&#8217;re &#8216;out&#8217; there,&#8221; Hughes told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that there was an adventure aspect as well to riding where not a lot of people go and taking in &#8220;that feeling of trying to find out what&#8217;s over the horizon&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel reveals 2026 route with south and north features combined to include &#8216;potentially muddy&#8217; sections<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unbound Gravel enters a 20th edition in 2026, and the field of competitors in search of fthat pro victory sitting over the horizon in downtown Emporia continues to grow, making the signature distance of Unbound 200 the most iconic title on the global gravel calendar. Like the Grand Tours of road racing, one of the allures of returning to Emporia has been a change of the course each year, whether adding a few sections of famous minimum maintenance roads, MMR, or tackling a fresh loop to the north instead of a traditional southward march.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;MMR, low maintenance, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. It&#8217;s part of the adventure. We&#8217;re not going to take out sections of the road to make it easier. We want to make it safe. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe,&#8221; Kristi Mohn, manager of community partnerships for Unbound and the retail manager for Life Time Off-road events, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unbound gives you the opportunity to compete with yourself, the opportunity to come back and try again. I think other things that we&#8217;ve done to really kind of instill that is we do change the course every couple of years. We change the course for a couple of reasons. One, is to see different zones of the Flint Hills of Kansas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the razor-edged rocks or the sections of fine-grained clay that turn into sticky mud when it rains that feature in Kansas. High temperatures, high humidity and lack of shade trees also define Unbound and challenge any competitor. A full gamut of preparations are part of the advanced homework for riders, no matter where the course goes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s crazy. I&#8217;m not even sure if knowing the course will help a lot if there&#8217;s new minimal maintenance roads. And if it&#8217;s muddy, it doesn&#8217;t matter which road it is,&#8221; defending women&#8217;s 200 champion Karolina Migo\u0144 told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before traveling to Emporia for a third time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the same for everyone. I hope for the best, and I hope that maybe we won&#8217;t get horrendous conditions on the course, but of course I will prepare for that as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The prize purse for elites at Unbound 200 has doubled to $60,000, shared equally between pro women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s fields, and Grand Prix series points keep elites interested as well. They&#8217;ll also share the same route with the annual migration of nearly 2,000 amateurs, and another 2,500 will compete in four other distances in Kansas the same day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" 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\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel organisers rein in support station chaos, adding feed zones for elite fields only<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fantastic entertainment&#8217; or &#8216;slapstick comedy&#8217;? How gravel has infiltrated WorldTour racing, and what the pros really think of it<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" 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\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged\u2019 \u2013 Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mmrs-climbs-and-a-familiar-finish\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>MMRs, climbs and a familiar finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b85fdafa-3587-4a82-a4e0-42e4f07c120c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-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\">Women&#8217;s 2025 Unbound Gravel 200 winner navigates the rolling terrain as a race vehicle follows for the livestream <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5dd8a8-0bd6-4e5c-b752-b86b0cc9a4ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the 20th anniversary, Life Time, which owns and operates Unbound Gravel, mixed famous climbs in the south with chunkier terrain in the north for a new hybrid course. The year&#8217;s 200-mile course comes in at 207 miles (333km) with over 9,000 feet (2,743m) of climbing. The climbs are deceiving, as sharp ravines and washouts are hidden in what appears to be flat prairie, the elevation gain adding up from relentless technical descents and ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of rollers that are consistently going up. There&#8217;s little steep, punchy climbs where you come out of a little creek crossing, and it&#8217;s just a rough climb, like a little gut kick you can have. They&#8217;re not long, but they&#8217;re technical. They sometimes make you really wish you had a mountain bike,&#8221; Mohn, a native Emporian, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The overall route heads to the south and west and then makes a swooping loop in a clockwise direction to a northernmost point at Council Grove.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Familiar Texaco and Towers climbs return on the route, both in the first 65 miles of the course. Yy Road signals Towers climb just 15 miles in, known for chunky rocks and creek crossings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first Feed Zone and Checkpoint for riders comes in the Madison area after 40 miles, and then it&#8217;s uphill for nearly 20 miles for Texaco Hill. Mohn said these areas are where many of the stunning views of the prairielands and cowboy culture come into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Every time I ride to the top of Towers climb I have goosebumps looking around. It&#8217;s stunning. It looks like green rolling seas as far as the eye can see in every direction, and it&#8217;s absolutely beautiful. And we get that same thing at Texaco Hill,&#8221; Mohn said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Texaco, that name comes from all of the oil rigs that are out there in Madison and Greenwood County. That&#8217;s part of their economic culture down there, along with the open range cattle, and potentially cowboys working the cows to keep them back away from the roads. We have cowboys out on horses in the fields, and if you&#8217;re lucky enough, you&#8217;ll get to see them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pros have a second Feed Zone at mile 83.5 outside Cassoday, where the course turns north. Another 20-plus miles on, after passing through Matfield Green, a rolling section on Sharps Creek Road follows, which has not been part of the race since 2015. Mohn said it had stunning views, if you take the time to notice, as the route passes cattle country around the small community of Bazaar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then comes W Road, a new and unpredictable MMR. This is located closer to the third Feed Zones\/Checkpoints, with about 75 miles to go. It is also a road that marks a series of punchy climbs, and lots of grass covering any tyre-gouging ruts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The signs will say minimum maintenance road ahead, and this means exactly that, it&#8217;s not a maintained road,&#8221; Mohn stressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last two years the route took in nearly 125 more miles to the north, with Council Grove the second and last checkpoint for all riders with 54 miles to go. This year Council Grove marks 36 miles to the finish, after the pros get a third Feed Zone before the town limits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6c6662e7-197b-4f7f-bd50-351f19dc1b8e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-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\">A stone sign marks a boundary for the famous Flint Hills of Kansas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future \/ Jackie Tyson)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f428c76-334e-49f5-a1ea-c778c72cbaf9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lake Kahola is back for the approach to the finish, headwinds making the long open stretch past the dam a foe for tired legs. Gravel turns to pavement in the final two miles once riders return to Emporia via the Emporia State University campus and Highland Hill. A few quick turns lead to a straight finale on Commercial Street.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No matter which direction the route takes, organisers make sure to include a passage through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, part of the US National Park Service. The prairie is not just wide open grasslands with few trees, but a living ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Kansas is known as a flyover state, but it&#8217;s an incredibly beautiful state. The Tall Grass Preserve is one of the few last standing tall grasses in the world, and it&#8217;s right here out my back door,&#8221; Mohn noted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This sea of grass used to cover North America&#8217;s central plains tens of thousands of years ago. Only a few regions in the world have preserved these prairielands, including the Flint Hills, where plants endure extreme weather conditions and sustain swaths of wildlife, from bison, deer and gophers to endangered bird species.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you get to the top of a climb and you&#8217;re kind of like &#8216;I&#8217;m done&#8217; and your head is down. That is where you should pick your head up and like look around, it&#8217;s stunning.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad02f4e-3a46-426d-9f2c-95f1e2fd477d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" 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\">CATEGORIES<\/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>Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR 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=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&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 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\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\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-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\">Unbound Gravel reveals 2026 route with south and north features combined to include &#8216;potentially muddy&#8217; sections<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-840-80.jpeg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-650-80.jpeg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-500-80.jpeg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-450-80.jpeg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-320-80.jpeg.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\">Unbound Gravel 2026<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-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\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-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\">Unbound Gravel organisers rein in support station chaos, adding feed zones for elite fields only<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-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;Fantastic entertainment&#8217; or &#8216;slapstick comedy&#8217;? How gravel has infiltrated WorldTour racing, and what the pros really think of it<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-640-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-640-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-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\">\u2018Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged\u2019 \u2013 Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 Racing<\/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\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9TSMJCJtWbm6jURjeKi9kV-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pauliena Rooijakkers announces pregnancy, plans to return to racing<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xE7D8uExHzeNVCupaD3ur5-320-80.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\">USA Crits: Marlies Mejias and Luke Fetzer win finale at WSCC Gears &amp; Guitars Criterium<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLSE5gtyfmaoAmZS86JLcC-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;The Giro is not over&#8217; &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard cautious but in control as he looks to secure Giro d&#8217;Italia maglia rosa in Rome<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o6dv8RuVy9HRvjLwJF7rQe-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\">Antwerp Port Epic: Per Strand Hagenes surges to victory from late breakaway group<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YZnkKwAoZaTeMSP5eSd2JM-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Capable of shaping our sport for many years to come\u2019 &#8211; Emerging superstar C\u00e9lia Gery extends contract with FDJ United-SUEZ<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S2JHuL5SdPRDaD6cW5QmmU-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;I\u2019m really sorry about what happened&#8217; &#8211; Expulsion and fine for sprinter Enrico Zanoncello after headbutt in Giro d\u2019Italia stage 15 finale<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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 Features<\/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\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e45kAHkWRez7pKszJPrK6i-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\">The last chance \u2013 What to expect from the third week of the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4EDRXEFaFMEqfYThfTjoRU-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\">Jonas Vingegaard may not be destroying the field at this Giro d&#8217;Italia, but that doesn&#8217;t mean he&#8217;s any less likely to win it<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/96tTgJdZFXeAGXcp8H5bga-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\">Misspelt brands, dubious deals, and no safety guarantees in sight \u2013 Welcome to the Wild West of AliExpress bike parts<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/55Ti4KtshUcajw2ZJxYmie-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;We can do crazy things now&#8217; \u2013 Alberto Bettiol and XDS Astana earn freedom to experiment after non-stop success in first week of Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uNLvjiuzCbYzTxG9HnitUE-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\">Inside my life as a TV reporter at the Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 Live interviews, wholesome Italian lunches, and viral football skills<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/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\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wXbEZgBsEcMPpLTwoucxD4-320-80.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\">The perfect time to be a breakaway specialist? \u2013 What to expect from the second week of the 2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/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\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br 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d&#8217;Italia<\/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\">Pauliena Rooijakkers announces pregnancy, plans to return to racing<\/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\">Antwerp Port Epic: Per Strand Hagenes surges to victory from late breakaway group<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nGravel\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUnbound Gravel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Minimum maintenance roads, &#8216;gut kick&#8217; climbs, oil rigs and open range cattle \u2013 A detailed look at what the Unbound Gravel 200 course has in store<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-05-25T13:09:33Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 May 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;MMR, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe&#8217; says Emporia native and Life Time manager Kristi Mohn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-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-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&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 id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"font-ui-heading 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 class=\"font-ui-heading 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=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704\">&#8220;Beautiful and remote&#8221; are how the first winner of Unbound Gravel 200, Dan Hughes, described riding a bicycle in Kansas as he waxes lyrical about the low-maintenance roads that entwine farmland, unique prairieland and a few midwest towns in the Flint Hills of the central US, making the off-road 200-mile race so unpredictable and, sometimes, volatile.<\/p>\n<p>Hughes may be partial to Kansas since it is his home state, but he did win the 200-mile, one-day behemoth four times, adding second place a couple of times and a DNF as well. The course under the tyres and the climate conditions around the rider and machine favour no one, they don&#8217;t care whether you are a champion or not.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1fe00d3-181c-4699-ac66-50578cc27704-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;They are the coolest roads &#8211; the twistiest and least traveled gravel roads. They haven&#8217;t been paved for a reason, because they&#8217;re &#8216;out&#8217; there,&#8221; Hughes told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, adding that there was an adventure aspect as well to riding where not a lot of people go and taking in &#8220;that feeling of trying to find out what&#8217;s over the horizon&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PpsAxAvVCQ6r9p2RDyszeU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel reveals 2026 route with south and north features combined to include &#8216;potentially muddy&#8217; sections<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aJYFQUmss4HCzrNP7tp6Lg-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-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\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wJVEsixz2uxkQrn7Sc2Zm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The gravelliest UCI Gravel World Championships of them all \u2013 A detailed look at the &#8216;perfect storm&#8217; of terrain that riders will face this October in Western Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unbound Gravel enters a 20th edition in 2026, and the field of competitors in search of fthat pro victory sitting over the horizon in downtown Emporia continues to grow, making the signature distance of Unbound 200 the most iconic title on the global gravel calendar. Like the Grand Tours of road racing, one of the allures of returning to Emporia has been a change of the course each year, whether adding a few sections of famous minimum maintenance roads, MMR, or tackling a fresh loop to the north instead of a traditional southward march.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;MMR, low maintenance, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. It&#8217;s part of the adventure. We&#8217;re not going to take out sections of the road to make it easier. We want to make it safe. The goal isn&#8217;t easy, it&#8217;s safe,&#8221; Kristi Mohn, manager of community partnerships for Unbound and the retail manager for Life Time Off-road events, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Unbound gives you the opportunity to compete with yourself, the opportunity to come back and try again. I think other things that we&#8217;ve done to really kind of instill that is we do change the course every couple of years. We change the course for a couple of reasons. One, is to see different zones of the Flint Hills of Kansas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It&#8217;s not just the razor-edged rocks or the sections of fine-grained clay that turn into sticky mud when it rains that feature in Kansas. High temperatures, high humidity and lack of shade trees also define Unbound and challenge any competitor. A full gamut of preparations are part of the advanced homework for riders, no matter where the course goes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-RJMxQW7mNhzrCqCJExCPeR 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<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s crazy. I&#8217;m not even sure if knowing the course will help a lot if there&#8217;s new minimal maintenance roads. And if it&#8217;s muddy, it doesn&#8217;t matter which road it is,&#8221; defending women&#8217;s 200 champion Karolina Migo\u0144 told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> before traveling to Emporia for a third time.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the same for everyone. I hope for the best, and I hope that maybe we won&#8217;t get horrendous conditions on the course, but of course I will prepare for that as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The prize purse for elites at Unbound 200 has doubled to $60,000, shared equally between pro women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s fields, and Grand Prix series points keep elites interested as well. They&#8217;ll also share the same route with the annual migration of nearly 2,000 amateurs, and another 2,500 will compete in four other distances in Kansas the same day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] 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-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" 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\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S66GmagxWBXsPtk7T6bpUb-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Unbound Gravel organisers rein in support station chaos, adding feed zones for elite fields only<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" 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\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3omQQdn7pnJDCQB4NrziNV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Fantastic entertainment&#8217; or &#8216;slapstick comedy&#8217;? How gravel has infiltrated WorldTour racing, and what the pros really think of it<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" 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\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6Pfg7mNKJZ4YphGdLDzfYh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged\u2019 \u2013 Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mmrs-climbs-and-a-familiar-finish\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>MMRs, climbs and a familiar finish<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b85fdafa-3587-4a82-a4e0-42e4f07c120c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mdvg2kNvVM3W8LVaTV5hhf-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\">Women&#8217;s 2025 Unbound Gravel 200 winner navigates the rolling terrain as a race vehicle follows for the livestream <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5dd8a8-0bd6-4e5c-b752-b86b0cc9a4ce\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For the 20th anniversary, Life Time, which owns and operates Unbound Gravel, mixed famous climbs in the south with chunkier terrain in the north for a new hybrid course. The year&#8217;s 200-mile course comes in at 207 miles (333km) with over 9,000 feet (2,743m) of climbing. The climbs are deceiving, as sharp ravines and washouts are hidden in what appears to be flat prairie, the elevation gain adding up from relentless technical descents and ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of rollers that are consistently going up. There&#8217;s little steep, punchy climbs where you come out of a little creek crossing, and it&#8217;s just a rough climb, like a little gut kick you can have. They&#8217;re not long, but they&#8217;re technical. They sometimes make you really wish you had a mountain bike,&#8221; Mohn, a native Emporian, told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The overall route heads to the south and west and then makes a swooping loop in a clockwise direction to a northernmost point at Council Grove.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Familiar Texaco and Towers climbs return on the route, both in the first 65 miles of the course. Yy Road signals Towers climb just 15 miles in, known for chunky rocks and creek crossings.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The first Feed Zone and Checkpoint for riders comes in the Madison area after 40 miles, and then it&#8217;s uphill for nearly 20 miles for Texaco Hill. Mohn said these areas are where many of the stunning views of the prairielands and cowboy culture come into view.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Every time I ride to the top of Towers climb I have goosebumps looking around. It&#8217;s stunning. It looks like green rolling seas as far as the eye can see in every direction, and it&#8217;s absolutely beautiful. And we get that same thing at Texaco Hill,&#8221; Mohn said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Texaco, that name comes from all of the oil rigs that are out there in Madison and Greenwood County. That&#8217;s part of their economic culture down there, along with the open range cattle, and potentially cowboys working the cows to keep them back away from the roads. We have cowboys out on horses in the fields, and if you&#8217;re lucky enough, you&#8217;ll get to see them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The pros have a second Feed Zone at mile 83.5 outside Cassoday, where the course turns north. Another 20-plus miles on, after passing through Matfield Green, a rolling section on Sharps Creek Road follows, which has not been part of the race since 2015. Mohn said it had stunning views, if you take the time to notice, as the route passes cattle country around the small community of Bazaar.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Then comes W Road, a new and unpredictable MMR. This is located closer to the third Feed Zones\/Checkpoints, with about 75 miles to go. It is also a road that marks a series of punchy climbs, and lots of grass covering any tyre-gouging ruts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The signs will say minimum maintenance road ahead, and this means exactly that, it&#8217;s not a maintained road,&#8221; Mohn stressed.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last two years the route took in nearly 125 more miles to the north, with Council Grove the second and last checkpoint for all riders with 54 miles to go. This year Council Grove marks 36 miles to the finish, after the pros get a third Feed Zone before the town limits.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6c6662e7-197b-4f7f-bd50-351f19dc1b8e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\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\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AMFpeA4iLw53hBtuqqTe3N-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\">A stone sign marks a boundary for the famous Flint Hills of Kansas <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future \/ Jackie Tyson)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4f428c76-334e-49f5-a1ea-c778c72cbaf9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lake Kahola is back for the approach to the finish, headwinds making the long open stretch past the dam a foe for tired legs. Gravel turns to pavement in the final two miles once riders return to Emporia via the Emporia State University campus and Highland Hill. A few quick turns lead to a straight finale on Commercial Street.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">No matter which direction the route takes, organisers make sure to include a passage through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, part of the US National Park Service. The prairie is not just wide open grasslands with few trees, but a living ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Kansas is known as a flyover state, but it&#8217;s an incredibly beautiful state. The Tall Grass Preserve is one of the few last standing tall grasses in the world, and it&#8217;s right here out my back door,&#8221; Mohn noted.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This sea of grass used to cover North America&#8217;s central plains tens of thousands of years ago. Only a few regions in the world have preserved these prairielands, including the Flint Hills, where plants endure extreme weather conditions and sustain swaths of wildlife, from bison, deer and gophers to endangered bird species.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When you get to the top of a climb and you&#8217;re kind of like &#8216;I&#8217;m done&#8217; and your head is down. That is where you should pick your head up and like look around, it&#8217;s stunning.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bad02f4e-3a46-426d-9f2c-95f1e2fd477d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><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><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/minimum-maintenance-roads-gut-kick-climbs-oil-rigs-and-open-range-cattle-a-detailed-look-at-what-the-unbound-gravel-200-course-has-in-store\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hchbSHcJS4iMs3nXGh3Ru4-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Gravel Unbound Gravel Minimum maintenance roads, &#8216;gut kick&#8217; climbs, oil rigs and open range cattle \u2013 A detailed look at what the Unbound Gravel 200 course has in store Features By Jackie Tyson published 25 May 2026 &#8216;MMR, B roads, are all potentially muddy, rocky, grassy. The goal isn&#8217;t [&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-1954922","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\/1954922","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=1954922"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954922\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1954922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1954922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1954922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}