USA Biking in the present day introduced the launch of its first Junior Gravel Nationwide Collection, geared toward growing the subsequent technology of elite cyclists.
Designed solely for riders aged 15-18, the five-race sequence presents younger athletes the chance to achieve precious race expertise and earn recognition on the largest gravel occasions within the nation, together with Unbound Gravel, SBT GRVL and the USA Biking Gravel Nationwide Championships.
“We’re working intently with occasion organisers and trade companions to construct a basis for the long run. This sequence is just the start of a broader initiative to develop alternatives for junior riders throughout a number of biking disciplines. The USA Biking Junior Gravel Nationwide Collection represents a daring step ahead in our efforts to develop youth participation in gravel, a self-discipline that gives a singular bridge between highway and off-road biking,” says Kyle Knott, USA Biking’s Director of Nationwide Occasions, in a press launch.
In its first yr, the Junior Gravel Nationwide Collection will include
– Valley of Tears Gravel on March 8 in Turkey, Texas
– Life Time Sea Otter Traditional offered by Continental on April 11 in Monterey, California
– Life Time UNBOUND Gravel on Might 31 in Emporia, Kansas
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– SBT GRVL offered by Wahoo on June 29 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
– USA Biking Gravel Nationwide Championships on September 20 in La Crescent, Minnesota
The sequence will function 4 classes primarily based on age and gender: 15-16 Males, 15-16 Girls, 17-18 Males, and 17-18 Girls. To be eligible for the sequence standings, riders should take part in not less than three occasions, with their prime three performances counting towards their general rating. Every occasion assigns scores primarily based on race placement, and the rider with the bottom cumulative rating from their prime three finishes shall be topped the sequence champion of their respective class. Within the case of a tie, outcomes from the USA Biking Gravel Nationwide Championships will decide the winner.
High-ranked riders from the sequence shall be invited to a USA Biking Junior Expertise Identification Camp in October 2025, which supplies younger athletes with a devoted pathway into elite-level highway racing and an Olympic self-discipline.
To help with prices, sequence contributors may have unique entry to discounted occasion registration charges.
“SBT GRVL offered by Wahoo is honoured to be a stepping stone on the highway for junior riders to develop their gravel racing abilities inside the US,” says Amy Charity, co-founder and CEO of SBT GRVL. “We’re proud to name America the birthplace of gravel, and excited to see USA Biking and like-minded occasions working collectively to construct a sequence that gives a transparent path to compete and obtain recognition at a nationwide stage.”
Likewise, in Life Time, the organisers of occasions like Unbound Gravel and Sea Otter, expressed enthusiasm for this system.
“We’re excited to see the event of younger riders and stay up for working not solely with USA Biking however with gravel occasions nationwide to encourage extra youth and households to find the enjoyment of biking,” states Kristi Mohn from Life Time Off Street Occasions.
For extra info on the 5 occasions, registration particulars, and sequence specifics, go to the USA Biking webpage.
