In its first year and founded on the theory that cycling can and should be a more inclusive sport, Ned Gravel drew a diverse field and raised money for worthy causes
Boulder, Colo. (For Immediate Release): Based in Nederland, Colorado, just 17 miles west of Boulder, Ned Gravel solidified its position to be one of the highest, most inclusive, and most challenging gravel races in the country.
With a mission to bring inclusivity and diversity to gravel cycling, nothing could stop this ride from taking place: COVID, a mid-year name change, and the rainiest summer anyone in the high country can remember, including on race day, could not stop this race.
Taking place Saturday, July 31, 2021, with a start/finish in downtown Nederland, Colorado, Ned Gravel hosted the mayor of Nederland along with hundreds of spectators supporting a sell-out field of 700 riders.
"We could not be happier with our first year event. We were threatened with some severe weather that held off and created perfect conditions,” said Gavin Coombs, creator of Ned Gravel. “This race would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Town of Nederland and the amazing residents. We are so excited to welcome everyone back next year!"
Ned Gravel is in partnership with organizations including Ride for Racial Justice, Sharktooth Cycling and the Davis Phinney Foundation, raising almost $5000 to help these nonprofits increase awareness and reduce barriers to entry in bringing new, and typically disadvantaged, athletes into the sport of cycling. Ned Gravel’s diverse board of advisors is also working to creatively decrease barriers and increase access to all riders. The pre-event Women’s Gravel Clinic also sold out.
“Our mission at Ned Gravel was clear—to make this gravel race the most inclusive the Front Range of Colorado has seen so that everyone feels welcomed to participate regardless of experience, gender, race or sexual identity/orientation,” said Massimo Alpian, founding member of Ride for Racial Justice and Ned Gravel board member. “By prioritizing first registration spots for Black, Indigenous and POC athletes as well as women, offering equal prize money in the men’s and women’s categories, and partnering with organizations like Ride for Racial Justice, the Davis Phinney Foundation and Shark Tooth Cycling, we were able to see one of the most representative and diverse groups of racers at the start line from all backgrounds and abilities.”
Ned Gravel’s board of directors unanimously agreed the event achieved its goal to be as inclusive, diverse and welcoming as possible, with a lot of work left to be done, looking forward to continuing to grow both participation by women (at an impressive 33 percent this year) and athletes of color in future years.
The event featured three course distances to appeal to every type of rider. The Tungsten Course at 66 miles challenged the most seasoned gravel cyclists; the more road-friendly 41 mile Gold Course provided the perfect balance of challenge and fun; and the beginner-friendly Silver Course encouraged more people to become involved in this growing and rewarding segment of cycling.
The list of sponsors included:
CarboRocket, Spring Energy, LOOK Pedals, State Bicycle Company, Eldora Ski Resort, Stages Cycling, Specialized Boulder, BASE Performance, The Cyclist Lawyer, Kim Hullett Realty, The Sunderland Group, Payroll Vault, PurePower Botanicals, VanDoIt Company, Floyds of Leadville, Oskar Blues Brewery, Mortal Kombucha, Weller CBD, Panaracer Tires, Suerte Tequila, Stelvio Wine, Wingman Energy, 10 Barrel Brewing
“This was a fantastic event that hopefully continues to move the needle for increasing diversity and inclusivity in cycling, and giving people another much needed summer gravel race event outside of Boulder,” added Coombs.
A former professional runner, Coombs is also the founder of Peak to Peak Endurance, an event management company that is putting on Ned Gravel as well as hosting retreat weekends and endurance coaching.
Registration for Ned Gravel 2022 will open in early 2022 with raceday currently scheduled for July 30, 2022.
