The 2023 version of Unbound Gravel was one for the history books. The event boasted the most significant field size in its history. Four thousand riders took to the Flint Hills to tackle various course lengths; 25-mile, 50-mile, 100-mile, 200-mile, and 350-mile XL distances. Though the competition is always fierce at Unbound, the most formidable opponent for this year was the mud and lots of it. Photos: Garmin UNBOUND Gravel presented by Craft Sportswear. Let There Be Mud
In the flagship 200-miler event, the mud started around mile 11 and continued unrelentingly for several miles. The unrideable section caused riders to run, walk or shuffle — any way to keep momentum. Unfortunately for many — this muddy sector was as far as they would make it, with mechanicals a-plenty. For those that made it through the mud unscathed, the front groups were selective and filled with anxious riders, not letting anyone get up the road. Carolin Schiff of Bremen Germany, wins Unbound 200 with a finishing time of 11:46:39. Schiff crossed the finish line solo, only accompanied by a rainstorm that chased her in for the last 20 miles. Elite Women’s 200-Mile Race
In the women’s 200-mile race, Jenna Rinehart opened an early gap of about two minutes. Unbound 2022 winner Sofia Gomez Villafane overtook Rinehart and gained about a minute by mile 40. Around mile 70, Carolin Schiff of Germany caught Villafane with Ruth Winder, Marisa Boaz, Sarah Sturm, and Alexis Skarda in pursuit. Schiff started to […]
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