{"id":1957868,"date":"2026-05-25T22:06:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T19:06:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1957868"},"modified":"2026-05-25T22:06:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T19:06:16","slug":"2026-unbound-gravel-how-to-watch-who-to-watch-and-what-to-know-about-the-worlds-premier-gravel-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1957868","title":{"rendered":"2026 Unbound Gravel: How to watch, who to watch and what to know about the world&#8217;s premier gravel event"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1920-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"widgetArea4\" class=\"widget-area grid grid-cols-1 page-widget-area-4\">\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 class=\"header\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nGravel Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"header__title \">2026 Unbound Gravel: How to watch, who to watch and what to know about the world&#8217;s premier gravel event<\/h1>\n<p class=\"header__strapline\">Thousands of cyclists from around the world flock to Emporia for the unofficial gravel world championships<\/p>\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start sm:items-center text-left text-zinc-900 uppercase text-xs\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col sm:flex-row\">\n<div class=\"mr-1 whitespace-nowrap\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nZach Nehr <\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text-stone-500 whitespace-nowrap\"><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-05-25T22:06:16Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 May 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-center 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-default \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"article-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image image--hero\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 970px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-[var(--image--text--color)] font-article-copy mt-1 image--hero__caption\">\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Time)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article__topcontainer\">\n<div class=\"article__container article__container-sidebar\">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\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 sm:hidden\">\n<p>Whatsapp<\/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<\/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-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084\">The countdown has begun for the biggest event in gravel as thousands board planes and pack into vans bound for Emporia, Kansas. Typically home to 24,000 residents, Emporia\u2019s population will explode over the next week as gravel riders, sponsors, fans and media converge on the Kansan town in the middle of nowhere.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, May 30, some 5,000 cyclists will line up in the dark, staring down hundreds of miles of tyre-shredding Flint Hills gravel. Some riders will take on shorter distances, while the premier event remains the Unbound 200 (which is 207 miles long, this year). The biggest event in gravel turns 20 this year, and Life Time is not being subtle about it. As part of the Life Time Grand Prix, the 2026 Unbound course pulls from two decades of race history, threading iconic sectors from past editions into a single route that begins by heading south from Emporia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084-2\">The forecast is ominous, with a chance of rain nearly every day leading up to the race. Unbound\u2019s \u2018south\u2019 route has been known for mud, and many riders will be praying for dry weather. A busy spring season has seen thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pass through Kansas, but there is an equal chance that the race could be hot and muggy.<\/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;WeN8eF7r&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;N9qHwLAiTQof4flt2t4wo7msyj9s42OamTfUVQIjvCluxGkT&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:false,&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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-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 2026 startlists: From Cam Jones and Taylor Phinney to Romain Bardet and Lucas P\u00f6stlberger \u2013 here&#8217;s who&#8217;s racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-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\">\u2018Everything you could ever want\u2019: the 2026 Unbound course strings together greatest hits from 20 years of Flint Hills gravel racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-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\">Gravel racing is unpredictable again: A Life Time Grand Prix 2026 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What began in 2006 with 34 riders has become the biggest event in gravel, drawing WorldTour veterans, MTB Olympians, Classics winners and first-timers from over 50 countries. The 200-mile race is the flagship, but distances run from 25 to 350 miles for those who feel the 200 isn&#8217;t quite enough suffering. Unbound is also the second round of the Life Time Grand Prix \u2014 a six-event series that has more than half a million dollars on the line in 2026. If that wasn\u2019t enough, Unbound\u2019s 200-mile elite race carries a standalone $60,000 prize purse, one of the richest payouts in off-road racing.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the mammoth distance, Unbound is made even more difficult by the tyre-slicing rocks of the Flint Hills. The area surrounding Emporia is littered with sharp rocks that destroy even the best equipment. Any rider who can complete Unbound without having a mechanical can thank their lucky stars.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"unbound-gravel-riders-to-watch-3\">Unbound Gravel: Riders to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78f7217e-5a73-4330-89e1-abc87ab8f703\">\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\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Snowy Mountain Photography)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2af3bc1a-4a00-4c2e-8490-a8aa3e303733\">Unbound Gravel always attracts an international field of current and former professionals from across cycling disciplines, and this year is no different. Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e is the favourite for the women\u2019s Elite race, having taken the first round of the Life Time Grand Prix at Sea Otter Gravel, plus the Traka 200 a few weeks ago. Karolina Migo\u0144 is the defending champion at Unbound, but the Pole had a more difficult time at Traka, crashing out of the 360 and just missing the podium in the 200. Other female riders to watch include Cecily Decker, Lauren De Crescenzo, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<p>New Zealander Cameron Jones won last year\u2019s Unbound 200 as a wildcard in the Life Time Grand Prix, and he\u2019ll take on an incredibly strong field that includes the Specialized Off-Road Team. Keegan Swenson and Matthew Beers have teamed up in 2026, and they are two of the biggest favourites in the men\u2019s Elite 200. Last year\u2019s runner-up, Simon Pellaud, returns for another crack at the title, along with a long list of non-Grand Prix riders that cannot be overlooked. The headliner is Romain Bardet, the former WorldTour pro who has already taken a number of big wins in gravel. Lukas P\u00f6stlberger arrives on the back of a Traka 200 win, while Lachlan Morton \u2014 the 2024 Unbound champion \u2014 is always a factor in a race as long as this. There are countless strong riders on the start line, including but not limited to Thomas De Gendt, Ivar Slik and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8 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><em><strong>For a deeper dive into this year&#8217;s contenders, please visit our startlist analysis here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-2026-course-3\">The 2026 course<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1d0d6af-4bb6-4f22-b26a-a721f1a683b8\">\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\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-768-80.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-415-80.png.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-360-80.png.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: RWGPS)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db0670e-2829-469d-97b7-bd76067d6dec\">This year&#8217;s course first heads south from Emporia, a flip in direction from previous years, but not an entirely new terrain for Unbound. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Unbound is revisiting the roads that gave the race its identity. After a neutral rollout from the Granada Theater in downtown Emporia at 5:50 AM, the 207-mile race will begin in earnest.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton will face a five-mile rolling uphill that locals call &#8220;the Towers climb,&#8221; as well as the well-known Texaco Hill and Teter Hill. Organisers also decided to revisit the 10-mile Sharpes Creek Road, last used in 2015 during Unbound&#8217;s most notorious mud year, the DD rollers and the Kahola Hill climb.<\/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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-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\">How to watch the Sea Otter Classic gravel race: stream the Life Time Grand Prix opener free on YouTube<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-150-80.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 new stars of gravel racing: Riders and gravel teams set to break out in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-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;I thought there was no way it comes to a sprint&#8217; &#8211; Lange and G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e win Sea Otter Gravel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>There are three elite feed zones along the course at miles 43.5, 82.2 and 148.9, and the riders are on their own during the stretches in between.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>For a more in-depth look at this year&#8217;s course, visit our coverage of the route announcement here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-watch-3\">How to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9321cc6-ccc0-4e55-b048-1305daf4720b\">\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\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Times)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13551c1-9f7a-4a52-8c51-bdf6656f4a82\">For a second year running, Life Time will provide free live coverage of the 2026 Unbound Gravel presented by Shimano beginning at 5:35 AM CDT on Saturday, May 30. You can find the live stream on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel, as well as the pre-race show \u2014 The Leadout \u2014 on Thursday, May 28 at noon CDT. Live updates from the course will run on the Life Time Grand Prix and Unbound Gravel Instagram pages throughout race day.<\/p>\n<p>Commentary will be provided by longtime announcer Bill Elliston, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Nat Ross and former pro Lauren Hall. In addition to the full broadcast, you\u2019ll be able to watch extended highlights of both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s elite races on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel in the days following the event.<\/p>\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\">Explore More<\/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>Gravel racing<\/p>\n<p>Unbound Gravel<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Zach Nehr<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Zach Nehr is the head of ZNehr Coaching and a freelance writer for Velo, ENVE, Cycling Weekly, TrainingPeaks and more. He writes about everything related to bikes, from product reviews and advertorials to feature articles and pro data analyses. During his decade-long career, he has coached and ridden for Team USA at the UCI World Championships while also competing as an elite rider in gravel and eSport cycling. Zach has a degree in Exercise Science from Marian University-Indianapolis, where he also studied Psychology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 sm:mx-4 lg:mx-auto\" 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.cyclingweekly.com\/cycling-weekly\/contact-us-70327#section-cycling-weekly-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=\"inline-block w-full my-5\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river--adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"font-article-heading tracking-[2px] font-normal text-3xl text-center text-neutral-900 pt-8 pb-4 px-0 border-t-neutral-500 border-t border-solid leading-8 uppercase mb-5 custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 my-4 sm:grid-cols-3\">\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\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">How to watch the Sea Otter Classic gravel race: stream the Life Time Grand Prix opener free on YouTube<\/span><\/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\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Cycling<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">The new stars of gravel racing: Riders and gravel teams set to break out in 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/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\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">News<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought there was no way it comes to a sprint&#8217; &#8211; Lange and G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e win Sea Otter Gravel<\/span><\/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\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gRJUXRHBZf7gDrwbwe5q6d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He just wants to smash everyone&#8217; \u2013 why Strade Bianche is unmissable this weekend, starting with the Paul Seixas-Tadej Poga\u010dar duel<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"inline-block w-full my-5\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river--solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"font-article-heading tracking-[2px] font-normal text-3xl text-center text-neutral-900 pt-8 pb-4 px-0 border-t-neutral-500 border-t border-solid leading-8 uppercase mb-5 custom-header-styles\">Latest in Gravel Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 my-4 sm:grid-cols-3\">\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\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m5VLBqtCyQrVqvTHH4PCZP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Cycling<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The legs know what they need to know. It\u2019ll be in them or not&#8217; &#8211; Heather Jackson to defend her Unbound XL title just weeks after finishing the 250-mile Cocodona running race  <\/span><\/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\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sgG8wvw52T4W5xVeSnwnx5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Cycling<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Because I\u2019m a dumbass&#8217; \u2014  at 93, Fred Schmid returns to Unbound Gravel one last time<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/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\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-900-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-900-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/orj9eDcaqLy9cugAEkmAWT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Cycling<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">Back-to-back glory for G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e; P\u00f6stlberger holds off chasers to win The Traka 200<\/span><\/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\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EKQ994xRjmhWE7dw9q3vec-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Gravel Cycling<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">From Paris-Roubaix to Girona\u2019s gravel \u2014 Kl\u00f6ser wins Traka 360; W\u00fcrtz Schmidt sets new men&#8217;s course record<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"!relative\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\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 sm:hidden\">\n<p>Whatsapp<\/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<\/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-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084\">The countdown has begun for the biggest event in gravel as thousands board planes and pack into vans bound for Emporia, Kansas. Typically home to 24,000 residents, Emporia\u2019s population will explode over the next week as gravel riders, sponsors, fans and media converge on the Kansan town in the middle of nowhere.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, May 30, some 5,000 cyclists will line up in the dark, staring down hundreds of miles of tyre-shredding Flint Hills gravel. Some riders will take on shorter distances, while the premier event remains the Unbound 200 (which is 207 miles long, this year). The biggest event in gravel turns 20 this year, and Life Time is not being subtle about it. As part of the Life Time Grand Prix, the 2026 Unbound course pulls from two decades of race history, threading iconic sectors from past editions into a single route that begins by heading south from Emporia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084-2\">The forecast is ominous, with a chance of rain nearly every day leading up to the race. Unbound\u2019s \u2018south\u2019 route has been known for mud, and many riders will be praying for dry weather. A busy spring season has seen thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pass through Kansas, but there is an equal chance that the race could be hot and muggy.<\/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;WeN8eF7r&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;N9qHwLAiTQof4flt2t4wo7msyj9s42OamTfUVQIjvCluxGkT&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:false,&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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-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 2026 startlists: From Cam Jones and Taylor Phinney to Romain Bardet and Lucas P\u00f6stlberger \u2013 here&#8217;s who&#8217;s racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-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\">\u2018Everything you could ever want\u2019: the 2026 Unbound course strings together greatest hits from 20 years of Flint Hills gravel racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-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\">Gravel racing is unpredictable again: A Life Time Grand Prix 2026 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What began in 2006 with 34 riders has become the biggest event in gravel, drawing WorldTour veterans, MTB Olympians, Classics winners and first-timers from over 50 countries. The 200-mile race is the flagship, but distances run from 25 to 350 miles for those who feel the 200 isn&#8217;t quite enough suffering. Unbound is also the second round of the Life Time Grand Prix \u2014 a six-event series that has more than half a million dollars on the line in 2026. If that wasn\u2019t enough, Unbound\u2019s 200-mile elite race carries a standalone $60,000 prize purse, one of the richest payouts in off-road racing.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the mammoth distance, Unbound is made even more difficult by the tyre-slicing rocks of the Flint Hills. The area surrounding Emporia is littered with sharp rocks that destroy even the best equipment. Any rider who can complete Unbound without having a mechanical can thank their lucky stars.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"unbound-gravel-riders-to-watch-3\">Unbound Gravel: Riders to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78f7217e-5a73-4330-89e1-abc87ab8f703\">\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\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Snowy Mountain Photography)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2af3bc1a-4a00-4c2e-8490-a8aa3e303733\">Unbound Gravel always attracts an international field of current and former professionals from across cycling disciplines, and this year is no different. Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e is the favourite for the women\u2019s Elite race, having taken the first round of the Life Time Grand Prix at Sea Otter Gravel, plus the Traka 200 a few weeks ago. Karolina Migo\u0144 is the defending champion at Unbound, but the Pole had a more difficult time at Traka, crashing out of the 360 and just missing the podium in the 200. Other female riders to watch include Cecily Decker, Lauren De Crescenzo, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<p>New Zealander Cameron Jones won last year\u2019s Unbound 200 as a wildcard in the Life Time Grand Prix, and he\u2019ll take on an incredibly strong field that includes the Specialized Off-Road Team. Keegan Swenson and Matthew Beers have teamed up in 2026, and they are two of the biggest favourites in the men\u2019s Elite 200. Last year\u2019s runner-up, Simon Pellaud, returns for another crack at the title, along with a long list of non-Grand Prix riders that cannot be overlooked. The headliner is Romain Bardet, the former WorldTour pro who has already taken a number of big wins in gravel. Lukas P\u00f6stlberger arrives on the back of a Traka 200 win, while Lachlan Morton \u2014 the 2024 Unbound champion \u2014 is always a factor in a race as long as this. There are countless strong riders on the start line, including but not limited to Thomas De Gendt, Ivar Slik and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8 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><em><strong>For a deeper dive into this year&#8217;s contenders, please visit our startlist analysis here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-2026-course-3\">The 2026 course<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1d0d6af-4bb6-4f22-b26a-a721f1a683b8\">\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\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-768-80.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-415-80.png.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-360-80.png.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: RWGPS)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db0670e-2829-469d-97b7-bd76067d6dec\">This year&#8217;s course first heads south from Emporia, a flip in direction from previous years, but not an entirely new terrain for Unbound. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Unbound is revisiting the roads that gave the race its identity. After a neutral rollout from the Granada Theater in downtown Emporia at 5:50 AM, the 207-mile race will begin in earnest.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton will face a five-mile rolling uphill that locals call &#8220;the Towers climb,&#8221; as well as the well-known Texaco Hill and Teter Hill. Organisers also decided to revisit the 10-mile Sharpes Creek Road, last used in 2015 during Unbound&#8217;s most notorious mud year, the DD rollers and the Kahola Hill climb.<\/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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-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\">How to watch the Sea Otter Classic gravel race: stream the Life Time Grand Prix opener free on YouTube<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-150-80.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 new stars of gravel racing: Riders and gravel teams set to break out in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-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;I thought there was no way it comes to a sprint&#8217; &#8211; Lange and G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e win Sea Otter Gravel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>There are three elite feed zones along the course at miles 43.5, 82.2 and 148.9, and the riders are on their own during the stretches in between.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>For a more in-depth look at this year&#8217;s course, visit our coverage of the route announcement here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-watch-3\">How to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9321cc6-ccc0-4e55-b048-1305daf4720b\">\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\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Times)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13551c1-9f7a-4a52-8c51-bdf6656f4a82\">For a second year running, Life Time will provide free live coverage of the 2026 Unbound Gravel presented by Shimano beginning at 5:35 AM CDT on Saturday, May 30. You can find the live stream on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel, as well as the pre-race show \u2014 The Leadout \u2014 on Thursday, May 28 at noon CDT. Live updates from the course will run on the Life Time Grand Prix and Unbound Gravel Instagram pages throughout race day.<\/p>\n<p>Commentary will be provided by longtime announcer Bill Elliston, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Nat Ross and former pro Lauren Hall. In addition to the full broadcast, you\u2019ll be able to watch extended highlights of both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s elite races on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel in the days following the event.<\/p>\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\">Explore More<\/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>Gravel racing<\/p>\n<p>Unbound Gravel<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\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 sm:hidden\">\n<p>Whatsapp<\/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<\/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-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084\">The countdown has begun for the biggest event in gravel as thousands board planes and pack into vans bound for Emporia, Kansas. Typically home to 24,000 residents, Emporia\u2019s population will explode over the next week as gravel riders, sponsors, fans and media converge on the Kansan town in the middle of nowhere.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, May 30, some 5,000 cyclists will line up in the dark, staring down hundreds of miles of tyre-shredding Flint Hills gravel. Some riders will take on shorter distances, while the premier event remains the Unbound 200 (which is 207 miles long, this year). The biggest event in gravel turns 20 this year, and Life Time is not being subtle about it. As part of the Life Time Grand Prix, the 2026 Unbound course pulls from two decades of race history, threading iconic sectors from past editions into a single route that begins by heading south from Emporia.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-130f3c12-1a2c-4b19-96a3-e69987016084-2\">The forecast is ominous, with a chance of rain nearly every day leading up to the race. Unbound\u2019s \u2018south\u2019 route has been known for mud, and many riders will be praying for dry weather. A busy spring season has seen thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pass through Kansas, but there is an equal chance that the race could be hot and muggy.<\/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;WeN8eF7r&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;guMdkrsd&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_guMdkrsd_WeN8eF7r_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;N9qHwLAiTQof4flt2t4wo7msyj9s42OamTfUVQIjvCluxGkT&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:false,&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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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\/4av7rcsjyn1645111080.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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kAdH5FXh83GQAicssZjBLh-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 2026 startlists: From Cam Jones and Taylor Phinney to Romain Bardet and Lucas P\u00f6stlberger \u2013 here&#8217;s who&#8217;s racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3nW2Z7ZvTPfiQ7jtLa26cJ-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\">\u2018Everything you could ever want\u2019: the 2026 Unbound course strings together greatest hits from 20 years of Flint Hills gravel racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sw2TjNchKzie5p3kQ45oNW-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\">Gravel racing is unpredictable again: A Life Time Grand Prix 2026 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>What began in 2006 with 34 riders has become the biggest event in gravel, drawing WorldTour veterans, MTB Olympians, Classics winners and first-timers from over 50 countries. The 200-mile race is the flagship, but distances run from 25 to 350 miles for those who feel the 200 isn&#8217;t quite enough suffering. Unbound is also the second round of the Life Time Grand Prix \u2014 a six-event series that has more than half a million dollars on the line in 2026. If that wasn\u2019t enough, Unbound\u2019s 200-mile elite race carries a standalone $60,000 prize purse, one of the richest payouts in off-road racing.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the mammoth distance, Unbound is made even more difficult by the tyre-slicing rocks of the Flint Hills. The area surrounding Emporia is littered with sharp rocks that destroy even the best equipment. Any rider who can complete Unbound without having a mechanical can thank their lucky stars.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"unbound-gravel-riders-to-watch-3\">Unbound Gravel: Riders to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-78f7217e-5a73-4330-89e1-abc87ab8f703\">\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\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1200-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/awGD54VNaDXpPGvtV8m9Ha-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Snowy Mountain Photography)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2af3bc1a-4a00-4c2e-8490-a8aa3e303733\">Unbound Gravel always attracts an international field of current and former professionals from across cycling disciplines, and this year is no different. Sof\u00eda G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e is the favourite for the women\u2019s Elite race, having taken the first round of the Life Time Grand Prix at Sea Otter Gravel, plus the Traka 200 a few weeks ago. Karolina Migo\u0144 is the defending champion at Unbound, but the Pole had a more difficult time at Traka, crashing out of the 360 and just missing the podium in the 200. Other female riders to watch include Cecily Decker, Lauren De Crescenzo, Rosa Kl\u00f6ser and Carolin Schiff.<\/p>\n<p>New Zealander Cameron Jones won last year\u2019s Unbound 200 as a wildcard in the Life Time Grand Prix, and he\u2019ll take on an incredibly strong field that includes the Specialized Off-Road Team. Keegan Swenson and Matthew Beers have teamed up in 2026, and they are two of the biggest favourites in the men\u2019s Elite 200. Last year\u2019s runner-up, Simon Pellaud, returns for another crack at the title, along with a long list of non-Grand Prix riders that cannot be overlooked. The headliner is Romain Bardet, the former WorldTour pro who has already taken a number of big wins in gravel. Lukas P\u00f6stlberger arrives on the back of a Traka 200 win, while Lachlan Morton \u2014 the 2024 Unbound champion \u2014 is always a factor in a race as long as this. There are countless strong riders on the start line, including but not limited to Thomas De Gendt, Ivar Slik and Mads W\u00fcrtz Schmidt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPCQmCMtgB2Ra796bNSkN8 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><em><strong>For a deeper dive into this year&#8217;s contenders, please visit our startlist analysis here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-2026-course-3\">The 2026 course<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a1d0d6af-4bb6-4f22-b26a-a721f1a683b8\">\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\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1377-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-768-80.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-415-80.png.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-360-80.png.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JUtGSQ87tKUAvXqUfNZxLM-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: RWGPS)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4db0670e-2829-469d-97b7-bd76067d6dec\">This year&#8217;s course first heads south from Emporia, a flip in direction from previous years, but not an entirely new terrain for Unbound. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Unbound is revisiting the roads that gave the race its identity. After a neutral rollout from the Granada Theater in downtown Emporia at 5:50 AM, the 207-mile race will begin in earnest.<\/p>\n<p>The peloton will face a five-mile rolling uphill that locals call &#8220;the Towers climb,&#8221; as well as the well-known Texaco Hill and Teter Hill. Organisers also decided to revisit the 10-mile Sharpes Creek Road, last used in 2015 during Unbound&#8217;s most notorious mud year, the DD rollers and the Kahola Hill climb.<\/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-[#333]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-[#333]\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-normal\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-2.5\" 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\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HN5Dy3xxHSJUoZKfLP3Qra-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\">How to watch the Sea Otter Classic gravel race: stream the Life Time Grand Prix opener free on YouTube<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2.5\" 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\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XpsEpuef9phD574rwsa5H4-150-80.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 new stars of gravel racing: Riders and gravel teams set to break out in 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#333] py-2.5\" 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\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiBA2iPUg3UMk8X2bV4EyZ-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;I thought there was no way it comes to a sprint&#8217; &#8211; Lange and G\u00f3mez Villafa\u00f1e win Sea Otter Gravel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>There are three elite feed zones along the course at miles 43.5, 82.2 and 148.9, and the riders are on their own during the stretches in between.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>For a more in-depth look at this year&#8217;s course, visit our coverage of the route announcement here &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-watch-3\">How to watch<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b9321cc6-ccc0-4e55-b048-1305daf4720b\">\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\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tj7MGKJsTjq8WX58U7c9cC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Life Times)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e13551c1-9f7a-4a52-8c51-bdf6656f4a82\">For a second year running, Life Time will provide free live coverage of the 2026 Unbound Gravel presented by Shimano beginning at 5:35 AM CDT on Saturday, May 30. You can find the live stream on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel, as well as the pre-race show \u2014 The Leadout \u2014 on Thursday, May 28 at noon CDT. Live updates from the course will run on the Life Time Grand Prix and Unbound Gravel Instagram pages throughout race day.<\/p>\n<p>Commentary will be provided by longtime announcer Bill Elliston, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Nat Ross and former pro Lauren Hall. In addition to the full broadcast, you\u2019ll be able to watch extended highlights of both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s elite races on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel in the days following the event.<\/p>\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\">Explore More<\/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>Gravel racing<\/p>\n<p>Unbound Gravel<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingweekly.com\/gravel\/2026-unbound-gravel-how-to-watch-who-to-watch-and-what-to-know-about-the-worlds-premier-gravel-event&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oKkREQN4Mn4MEPzBP79cZZ-1920-80.jpg&#8221;] Gravel Cycling 2026 Unbound Gravel: How to watch, who to watch and what to know about the world&#8217;s premier gravel event Thousands of cyclists from around the world flock to Emporia for the unofficial gravel world championships By Zach Nehr published 25 May 2026 When you purchase through links on our site, [&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":[226,85],"class_list":["post-1957868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingweekly-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957868","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=1957868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957868\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1957868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1957868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1957868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}