The Tour de France of the gravel racing world, Unbound Gravel is the world's most important gravel race. Known for its punishing terrain and fierce competition, each year, Unbound draws riders of all levels to tackle the rugged Flint Hills of Kansas.
This summary highlights five essential things you need to know about the race – from the range of distances to the elite athletes who compete and the tech innovations on display.
For more, check out our comprehensive Unbound Gravel guide.
1. It’s the most important gravel race in the world
Unbound Gravel has grown into the most prestigious and high-profile gravel race on the global calendar. What started in 2006 as a grassroots event called Dirty Kanza with just 34 participants has become a week-long celebration of gravel cycling that draws close to thousands of riders, spectators, support crew and media.
2. There’s a race for everyone
While the 200-mile event grabs headlines, Unbound offers a range of distances to suit different levels of ambition and experience. These include 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200-mile routes, plus a 50-mile junior race designed to nurture future talent.
3. The course is brutally challenging
The Flint Hills serve up steep rollers, deep gravel and sharp flint that eats tyres for breakfast. Weather can flip the script completely – dry conditions mean dust and heat, but rain turns sections into wheel-clogging mud that can bring even the fastest riders to a halt.
4. It draws elite and amateur riders alike
Unbound’s mass start means amateurs and elites roll out together, creating an atmosphere unlike any other race. Big-name pros like Lachlan Morton and Rosa Klöser line up alongside everyday gravel fans, all gunning for glory over the same brutal course.
5. It’s a tech showcase
Unbound is a hotbed for new gravel tech, with unreleased gear regularly making its debut on the start line. From cutting-edge drivetrains to custom frames and experimental tyres, if it can survive Unbound, it can survive anything.
