Unbound Gravel’s signature races continue, with the leaders in the 350 XL and 200 on the men’s side now resting after crossing the finish line.
Taylor Lideen of Phoenix, Arizona, won the 350 XL in 22 hours, 57 minutes and 14 seconds. His time is longer than the official record of 22:31.41 set in 2019 by Jay Petervary, but the course was slightly longer this year and Lideen set an event record for an average speed of 15.5 mph.
Will Loevner of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, was second in 24 hours, 32 minutes, 40 seconds. Matt Stephens of Dallas, Texas, finished third in 24:48.12.
The women are currently on the course. 2019 champion Lael Wilcox is currently leading with two-time 200-mile winner Amanda Naumann in second.
For the 200-mile race, the top four men’s riders came across the line in the space of 70 seconds. Ian Boswell of Barnet, Vermont, edged Laurens ten Dam of Holland, with both finishing in a time of 10 hours, 17 minutes and 24 seconds. Peter Stetina of Santa Rosa, California, edged two-time winner Ted King for fourth place. Both finished in a time of 10:18.35.
2019 winner Colin Strickland finished fifth.
Lauren De Crescenzo of Atlanta, Georgia, is leading the women’s field, with 2019 200-mile champion Amity Rockwell of Oakland, California, in second.
For the 100, Stephen Hyde of Easthampton, Massachusetts, claimed the men’s title in 5 hours, 20 minutes and 13 seconds. Lauren Stephens of Dallas, Texas, won the women’s title in 5:41.58.
The men’s 50-mile winner Friday was Richard Verney of Asheville, North Carolina, with a time of 2:45.57. Rachel Losada of Miami, Florida, claimed the women’s title in 3:16.13.
The men’s 25-mile winner Friday was Winston DeCredico of Chattanooga, Tenneesee in 1:40.53. The women’s winner was Madison resident Jennifer Boles in 1:45.57.
The junior men’s winner was 16-year-old Finn Smith of Overland Park in 1:20.50. The junior women’s winner was 16-year-old Oona Nelson of Lawrence in 1:21.04.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more results, reactions and perspectives through the weekend.
10 am Saturday: All distances now underway for 2021 Unbound Gravel
And. . . . They’re off! The 2021 Garmin Unbound Gravel 200 and 100-mile riders have launched.
Both sets of competitors took off in the early morning hours Saturday from Commercial Street. 200-mile rider and Emporia native now residing in Denver, CO, Jacob Bolm says he is thrilled to be back in his hometown for the one-of-a-kind event.
100-mile rider Melissa Schaefer of Sterling, CO, is competing in her second Unbound after attending the 2019 event and is riding in her first 100-mile race. She says she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Emporia and is looking forward to returning for the third time next year.
As the riders launched from downtown Emporia Saturday morning, hundreds of spectators lined the streets to cheer them on. Amongst the sea of spectators was former longtime race organizer and Visit Emporia Director Lelan Dains.
While his plate isn’t as full as it has been in years past, Dains is still staying busy in helping ensure the event is as successful as possible.
Saturday morning’s launch follows the launch of the Unbound XL 350 mile race Friday afternoon. Additionally, the 25 mile, 50 mile and junior competitors began and ended their rides Friday morning and afternoon.
XL, 200 and 100 mile Riders will return to Emporia back on Commercial Street where the Unbound Finish Line party will be taking place from 11 am to midnight. Residents are invited to come down and cheer on the riders throughout the evening.
You can also stay up to date on the rider’s progress with live coverage beginning at noon on www.Flobikes.com. KVOE will be broadcasting from the finish line from 4 pm to 7 pm Saturday.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
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