STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 5, 2019) – SBT GRVL, a world-class gravel bike experience set in the picturesque ranching town of Steamboat Springs, Colo., will open registration Dec. 3 for its second-year event, scheduled to take place Sunday, August 16, 2020.
SBT GRVL welcomed 1,500 cyclists for its successful inaugural year, all joining together to experience Routt County’s vast network of scenic gravel roads winding through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For 2020, SBT GRVL will further its commitment to all level riders by offering a new 64-mile fourth course option, dubbed Red. Riders of the Red course—a sweet spot between the 144-mile Black course and the 37-mile Green course—can expect approximately 4,100 feet of climbing and over 50 miles of gravel. Additionally, the Black and Blue courses will feature new double and single track sections, adding an interesting new dynamic to the race.
The SBT GRVL founders committed to parity, inclusivity and equality for all riders from year one. This commitment led to the re-opening of registration last year to offer 200 more spots for female riders. As a result, 400 women showed up to ride for the inaugural event, just under 30-percent of the field. Parity remains a priority for year two, and the founders are laser-focused on achieving a 50-50 ratio of male/female riders in the coming years. SBT GRVL will offer a $22,000 prize purse for 2020, which will be equally divided among male and female racers across the pro field. In addition, new for 2020, SBT GRVL will recognize age group winners across all four races equally.
“We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received from riders of all ability levels who experienced our inaugural SBT GRVL event,” says Mark Satkiewicz, co-founder of SBT GRVL. “As a commitment to the SBT gravel community, we took action on all feedback we learned from connecting with our first-year riders and we’ve implemented the updates they wanted for 2020. We think the new Red course addition will be a popular choice and the double and single track sections of the Black and Blue courses will not disappoint!”
There will be a weekend full of activities for riders to enjoy leading into the main event on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. As a world-class cycling and snowsports destination, Steamboat Springs offers countless outdoor recreation options for the whole family, mountain-town hospitality and a noteworthy local dining scene. Whether visitors want to soak in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs or hike up to Fish Creek Falls, there are plenty of memories to be made for a weekend getaway with family and friends.
Sponsors
SBT GRVL, presented by Canyon Bicycles, announces additional sponsors for 2020: ABUS, ZIPP Speed Weaponry, SRAM, The Feed, and People for Bikes.
Registration
Register for the 2020 SBT GRVL on Dec. 3 and follow SBT GRVL on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the event. Don’t miss the highlights from year one on SBT GRVL’s
YouTube channel.
About SBT GRVL
SBT GRVL launched August 2019 as a world-class gravel bike experience committed to Beauty, Inclusivity, Family, Challenge, and Fun. The event enables gravel fans of all ability levels to experience the unmatched gravel roads winding around and through the iconic, beautiful mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colo. Riders are invited to push their abilities on four-course distances ranging from 37 miles to 144 miles. Those seeking the ultimate challenge can saddle up to 9,000 feet of climbing on the Black 144-mile racecourse destined to become a highly sought-after title for endurance gravel pros. The Blue Course is a ‘best-of-Steamboat’ experience wrapped up in 103 miles and the Red course is a condensed “best of” route offering challenge, beauty and fun. The Green Course is a 37-mile introduction to the area’s unrivaled gravel roads. Come experience high-altitude gravel, a weekend full of events for the whole family and ranch-town hospitality at SBT GRVL.
Photo courtesy of SBT GRVL