Covering a lot of gravel events across the country, one thing that is pretty clear is there are a lot of races doing their best to keep gravel weird.
The annual Gravel Worlds race p/b Lauf Forks held on the gravel roads outside Lincoln, Nebraska has always done its best to keep things interesting.
Starting with the somewhat tongue-in-cheek name and continuing to the cutlasses given out to the women and men’s open winners last year by the host Pirate Cycling League.
Last year’s winners got cutlasses. 2018 Gravel Worlds © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
This year, Gravel Worlds evolves by going back to the future.
The August 17 race will include an L’Eroica category designed to appeal to enthusiasts of vintage bicycles and cycling equipment—and the occasional podcast host.
The L’Eroica category will allow participants to complete the full 150-mile Gravel Worlds course on pre-1988 steel frames with vintage components.
According to Gravel Worlds Co-Director, Corey Godfrey, a growing number of gravel cyclists are taking up the challenge of riding and racing in gravel events on bicycles designed before gravel riding was a recognized cycling discipline.
“While the benefits of modern technology are easy to justify for many competitors, some cyclists still prefer steel frames, downtube shifters, and toe clips and straps. And despite the fact that most of these vintage bikes were designed to ride paved roads, they often deliver a smooth, fast ride on gravel roads when properly equipped.”
Riders will have the chance to tackle the Gravel Worlds course on vintage steel bikes. 2018 Gravel Worlds © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
On the line will be a chance to ride like heroes of old and a custom wool jerseys matching those given out to open winners. Gravel Worlds L’Eroica competitors’ bikes must be approved by race officials at the pre-race check-in on August 16, and race co-director Godfrey there may be a vintage bike show at the Cycle Works bike shop that hosts the pre-race expo and check-in.
See below for L’Eroica category rules.
Godfrey said competitors already registered for another category at Gravel Worlds 2019 can switch to the L’Eroica category without additional fees, and registration remains open for all categories of the August 17 event.
Visit bikereg.com to register for the L’Eroica category and all race categories for the August 17 race.
Rules for the Gravel Worlds L’Eroica category include:
- Steel frame produced prior to 1988.
- Down tube or bar-con shifters.
- Non-aero brake levers, with exposed brake housing.
- Traditional pedals with toe clips and straps.
- Minimum 32-spoke wheels with box-section, non-aero rims.
- Leather saddles and wool jerseys preferred.
Featured image: Cliff Lee
