FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Steamboat Springs, CO, August 22, 2024 – SBT GRVL, the premier gravel cycling event founded by Amy Charity, has announced a significant change going forward from 2025: separate start times for the elite men's and women's fields. This will also apply to all GRVL events going forward (FNLD GRVL and RADL GRVL).
With more than 30% female participation in SBT GRVL 2024, which drew 3,000 riders from all over the globe, the event continues to set the standard for inclusivity and representation in the sport. This significant growth underscores the importance of creating an environment where women not only feel welcomed but are also given the platform to excel. The introduction of separate start times makes the enforcement of non-drafting rules easier.
Advancing Competitive Female Representation in Gravel Racing
While the spirit of adventure draws many women to gravel, the competitive evolution of gravel racing is startling. The cycling industry has been wrestling with the question, "How do we create a fair playing field for female gravel racers?" As gravel racing evolves from a community-centric discipline into a professional sport with prize money and significant sponsorships, GRVL events have taken a vital step to tackling this issue.
SBT GRVL co-founder and owner Amy Charity was quoted "Our permitting process prevented us from making this change in 2024, but after much internal deliberation and consultation with our community, we are excited to implement separate start times for our elite fields in 2025 at all GRVL Events," said Charity "This decision reflects our commitment to supporting female athletes and ensuring that gravel racing remains inclusive and competitive for everyone."
This year's race was won in thrilling style by reigning US gravel champ Lauren Stephens and the battle for the podium was hotly contested (see race press release). To celebrate the finish of the Tour de France Femmes, SBT GRVL p/b Wahoo partner Zwift submitted an extra $2,000 to SBT GRVL’s existing $11,000 women’s elite prize purse for a total of $13,000 distributed to the top 5 in the elite women’s field.
While work remains to boost women's participation in gravel cycling, the introduction of separate start times is a significant step forward. GRVL events promise to enhance the racing experience for elite women, by offering them a level playing field to compete at their best and further elevating the sport's professional standing.
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About GRVL Events
SBT GRVL was founded in 2019 by Amy Charity in Steamboat Springs CO. Since then, the event has grown to be the second largest gravel race in the USA. In 2023 Charity joined forces with Valtteri Bottas and Tiffany Cromwell to co-found FNLD GRVL and subsequently the first ever RADL GRVL in partnership with Santos Tour Down Under, 2024.
Each year, GRVL 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.
