STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 18, 2019) – SBT GRVL , the new gravel bike race experience set in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, today unveils a new initiative to diversify participation and encourage more women to sign up for the event's inaugural year. Although the event sold out within six days, a week long social campaign will unfold today leading into the reopening of registration for 200 additional females, starting Feb. 25.
With the move, founders Amy Charity, Ken Benesh and Mark Satkiewicz take action on their shared commitment to get more women to the start line of the inaugural event. SBT GRVL is an experience designed to remove barriers. The event will offer an experience for cyclists of all levels to celebrate bikes and gravel together in a welcoming environment. No matter experience level, bike type, age or if the rider is male or female, there's an amazing riding experience offered at SBT GRVL .
Riders can enjoy a 37-mile introduction to the area's unrivaled gravel roads on the Green course—on any type of bike—or saddle up for the ultimate challenge on the 141-mile Black course. SBT GRVL will award a $28,000 prize purse that will be equally split among men and women riders taking on the 141-mile Black course.
"Since the launch of our event in October we've gained so much support, and with that, a fast-growing community. With the event sold out, we now have a huge opportunity - and a responsibility - to offer another invitation to get more women riders of all ability levels to be part of the SBT GRVL experience. It's the right thing to do," said Charity, cofounder of SBT GRVL and former professional road racer for the U.S. National Team.
The invitation will be in the form of a social media campaign in which SBT GRVL will highlight inspirational stories and insights from participating female athletes. The women riders who will be sharing their stories range from amateurs to pros and will be using the hashtag #SBTPARITY across their social media channels.
