Throughout its history, Emporia’s Unbound Gravel has stood alone in the field of gravel-grinding bike races, even as more races are started. In a way, that changes next year.
Life Time has announced the launch of the Life Time Grand Prix, a series of races for elite cyclists. Unbound now joins established events like Big Sugar Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB as well as new events as part of a six-race slate.
Twenty men and 20 women will be selected to compete for a $250,000 prize purse based on race resume, past race performances, interest in the Grand Prix and information on how riders are growing the sport of cycling. Applications are online at www.lifetimegrandprix.com.
The schedule is as follows:
*April 7-10: marathon mountain bike race at the Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental Tire in Monterey, Calif.
*June 4: 200-mile Garmin UNBOUND Gravel presented by Craft Sportswear in Emporia, Kan.
*July 9: 70-mile Crusher in the Tushar presented by The Creamery in Beaver, Utah
*August 13: Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB in Leadville, Colo.
*September 17: 40-mile Chequamegon MTB presented by Trek in Cable, Wis.
*October 22: 100-mile Life Time Big Sugar Gravel in Bentonville, Ark.
Race organizers Kristi Mohn and Michelle Duffy will join KVOE’s Newsmaker segment at 7:15 am Tuesday with more information.
