RADL GRVL in partnership with Santos Tour Down Under to Welcome the Creme de la Creme of International Riders and Sponsors to McLaren Vale on January 17th
- Pilot event sold out 250 spots within 4 weeks of entry opening
- Start list includes stars of the international gravel scene such as: PRO LIST
- Sponsors attracted by integration of race and side-line activities with major World Tour stage race Santos Tour Down Under
- Entertaining side events taking place in the area of Adelaide to attract TDU spectators and gravel aficionados alike - boosting the profile of gravel cycling in Southern Australia.
To see the RADL GRVL schedule of events go here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Steamboat, Colorado 7th December 2023 - While the Northern Hemisphere hunkers down to dropping temperatures, all eyes turn to Australia in January for the 2024 Road World Tour season kick-off with Santos Tour Down Under and now the first international gravel race of 2024: RADL GRVL at Santos Tour Down Under.
RADL GRVL now comprises two race distances. A long-course consisting of a 108 km loop with 2,048m of elevation through McLaren Vale and a shorter e-bike friendly version of 71 km. The race routes can be viewed here.
Within four weeks of entries opening, the startlist of 250 riders was already full with all new entries now going on a waitlist. The impressive start list of riders in the pro event includes names such as Nathan Haas (ES/AUS), Malinen Sampo (FIN), Australian XCO National Champion Cameron Wright, Australian Elite Men’s Gravel National Champion Conor Sens and Apers Ruben. The women’s line up is also studded with riders such as well known Australian powerhouses Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) and Chloe Hosking (AUS), as well as Sophie Edwards (AUS), Peta Mullens (AUS) and Maddy Nutt coming in from the UK. The titles are anyone’s for the taking as form is hard to predict at this time of the year and few riders have been competing in other races. The full start list will be published closer to the event date.
RADL GRVL is proud to announce an impressive global sponsor list that includes Canyon, Maurten, Pas Normal Studios, Fjällraven, XPEL/InvisiFRAME, Schwalbe, SRAM, Zipp, Wahoo, Quad Lock and local sponsor Oakley. A key factor in the attraction of sponsors is the collaboration potential with Santos Tour Down Under and the accessibility to the expo area and RADL watch party at the Willunga Hill Pro Men’s finish.
According to Stefan Wyman Head of Sports Marketing at Canyon "Supporting RADL GRVL and the global series of races from GRVL Events in 2024 is a no-brainer. We see the high quality of rider experiences on offer, and aligning with a World Tour (Santos TDU) means we can maximise our on-the-ground community, brand and athlete activations. We are looking forward to an exciting partnership in 2024!"
Lars Moss, Commercial Experiences Manager Pas Normal Studios commented "With our strong focus on our community, we are looking forward to coming on as a global sponsor for GRVL Events in 2024. The truly global suite of races put on by GRVL Events, kicking off the year with RADL GRVL is a great way to engage and support the international gravel community for us."
About GRVL Events
Founded in 2019 in Steamboat, Colorado SBT GRVL is the premiere gravel event in the USA, attracting 3,000 riders over 4 course distances and 4 days of family friendly shake-out rides, expos, athlete panel, and festivities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
In 2022 SBT GRVL Owner Amy Charity partnered with F1 driver and gravel cyclist Valtteri Bottas, and Professional Cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, with the mission of bringing a GRVL event to Valtteri’s hometown of Lahti, Finland. In its inaugural year, FNLD GRVL drew in over 800 riders from 27 countries with World Tour professionals competing for a 20,000 Euro prize purse, as well as nearly 150 first-time gravel racers lining up in downtown Lahti.
GRVL Events have expanded their race repertoire to 3 global events in 2024: RADL GRVL at Santos Tour Down Under (new), FNLD GRVL (2nd year running) and SBT GRVL (4 years running). Each year, GRVL Events events continue to grow globally as cyclists have come to associate GRVL with a premium cycling experience in unique locations with a diverse and communal atmosphere that’s as competitive and challenging as it is enjoyable.
