With approximately 4,000 riders, Life Time’s Garmin UNBOUND Gravel presented by Craft Sportswear will host its largest field ever. Among the thousands of riders toeing the start line during the June 1-4, 2023 event weekend will be last years’ winners, Ivar Slik and Sofia Gomez Villafane, who are returning to defend their titles.
The impressive field of pro and amateur riders, along with their support teams and thousands of spectators will descend upon Emporia, Kansas, from around the globe for the four-day event weekend, experiencing the gravel community and tackling the Flint Hills.
“UNBOUND Gravel unites riders from all corners of the world, pushes the limits of human endurance and showcases the stunning beauty of the Flint Hills, solidifying its position as the world’s premier gravel race,” said Kristi Mohn, Life Time’s OG UNBOUND Gravel team member and Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer.
“We’ve experienced incredible growth in the event since its inception and could not be more proud to set another record year in 2023. We are honored to have such an amazing team, extraordinary volunteers, and, of course, our athletes – a ll of whom allow us to celebrate gravel in this beautiful and incredibly supportive community of Emporia.”
Course updates
Each year, the routes at UNBOUND Gravel change slightly. The 200 and 100 routes will feature a number of new sections, including D Hill at mile 10, which will be the first hill outside of Emporia. This hill hasn’t been used as part of the course since 2015.
Returning terrain includes Texaco Hill from mile 40 through mile 43, offering views from atop the ridge looking across the valley, followed by a rowdy descent sometimes called ‘water bottle hill’.
The XL and 50-mile courses also include a number of changes and additions at this year’s event.
Professional competition
UNBOUND Gravel is poised to see the largest field of elite gravel racers to date. The event is the second in the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda and a premier race for many pros.
For the first time in the event’s history, elite males, elite females and age group athletes will start in three separate waves. Life Time anticipates these changes will have a positive effect on the race dynamics, and create a safer, more competitive experience at the front of the field.
The changes are also intended to promote better competition among women elite riders and the ability to track the women’s field with real-time race highlights and enhanced media coverage.
June 1-2: All Things Gravel Expo presented by City of Emporia
With almost 300 brands set to exhibit this year, the two-day event expo will feature some of the latest gravel and bike gear from top brands. It also will highlight several local Emporia businesses and vendors.
LeLan Dains, Director at Visit Emporia and previous Race Director of UNBOUND Gravel, said “It’s always amazing to see Emporia come to life each year for UNBOUND Gravel.
“Emporians take great pride in welcoming visitors; and the whole town is once again gearing up to provide a world-class experience for all who make the journey to the gravel-grinding capital of the world.”
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