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New Gravel Race Launches — SBT GRVL

  • Ron 

Gravel, one of the fastest-growing disciplines in cycling, experienced tipping-point growth in 2018, as exponentially more events, gravel-specific bikes, gear, components and content debuted this year than any year prior.

The momentum will be supercharged in 2019 with the debut of Colorado’s ultimate gravel race event, SBT GRVL, presented by Canyon Bicycles, taking place in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colo., Aug. 17-18, 2019.

SBT GRVL offers world-class, high-altitude gravel with three race distances, showcasing the event’s commitment to inclusivity to all levels of gravel riders and their families.

SBT GRVL will elevate the unmatched gravel roads surrounding the iconic mountain town of  Steamboat Springs straight to the world stage. The 141-mile gravel race anchoring the three-race weekend will be a challenging but beautiful course, and has already drawn the interest of gravel community members and pro racers Ted and Laura King, Amity Gregg, Yuri Hauswald, Payson McElveen, Neil Shirley, Kaysee Armstrong and Karen Jarchow, among many others.

The weekend will kick off with a group pre ride of certain segments of the 141-mile course on Saturday morning, followed by a brand expo and demo day. Sunday is race day and SBT GRVL debuts what will be a global cycling draw for gravel enthusiasts. The event will end with a race day BBQ and down-home award ceremony.

Racers in the 141-mile course will climb a total of 9,000 feet and compete for a $28,000 prize purse, which will be equally divided among male and female racers across the pro and amateur field. In addition to the 141-mile race, a 100- and 37-mile option are offered, with 6,000, and 2,000 feet of climbing, respectively.

“We want SBT GRVL to be an anticipated event, not just for elite athletes, but for all level racers, as well as their families,” says Mark Satkiewicz, one of the three partners presenting SBT GRVL. “It was important for us to offer a course for everyone, including those who don’t own gravel-specific bikes. You can race the Green course on any bike and get a taste of the incredible mixed terrain that Steamboat has to offer.”

Satkiewicz, an avid cyclist with 25 years experience in the outdoor industry, is joined by SBT GRVL presenting partners Amy Charity, a former professional road racer and Executive Director of Biketown USA, and Ken Benesh, an elite cyclocross and mountain bike racer. The three are 100-percent committed to ensuring SBT GRVL will be well-known and revered for its inclusive and fun nature.

Some of the most prominent brands in cycling have stepped up to sponsor the inaugural year of SBT GRVL. Canyon Bicycles is the presenting sponsor of SBT GRVL. Silver level sponsors include Stages Cycling, Smartwool, Panaracer, Primal, Orange Seal, Carmichael Training Systems, GU Energy, Mavic and Chamois Butt’r. Bronze sponsors include Split Nutrition, Steamboat Resort, and Celestial Seasonings.

Registration will begin Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, but sign up here for a 20-percent discount code on entry for the race. A portion of all race proceeds will benefit local community organizations. See more information about SBT GRVL and registration here.

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