Lauren De Crescenzo and Keegan Swenson Win 2022 SBT GRVL p/b Wahoo

Alexis Skarda and Swenson Crowned LeadBoat Champions

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado (Aug.14, 2022) — 3,000+ riders, including a number of current and former U.S. professional national champions, Olympians, WorldTour riders and many of the world’s most accomplished gravel riders descended on Routt County’s pristine gravel roads to contest the 2022 edition of SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo. In its third year SBT GRVL has established itself as one the largest and most prestigious cycling events in the world, and the largest in Colorado.   

For Lauren De Crescenzo, it’s back-to-back titles on Steamboat’s champagne gravel. She put a decisive move on the women’s field on the climb into Oak Creek and never looked back. Whitney Allison and Ruth Winder joined De Crescenzo on the podium. It’s a deserving result for all three women, who shaped the race along with Sarah Max. 

SBT GRVL 2022 Photo Gallery by Linda Guerrette

Keegan Swenson’s SBT GRVL title came a day after winning Leadville and made for a decisive LeadBoat victory. Swenson reeled in a gap of nearly eight minutes in the race’s final 50 miles. Freddy Ovett, who was off the front much of the day with John Borstelman and Nathan Spratt, hung on to close out an impressive ride with a second place finish. Payson McElveen, who worked with Swenson in the chase group to real-in the leaders, claimed the third podium spot. 

“Congratulations to Swenson and De Crescenzo, on winning the third edition of SBT GRVL,” said Amy Charity, SBT GRVL co-founder and owner.“ It’s such a privilege to have a front row seat to the accomplishments of so many today, whether that’s winning or conquering the challenge that SBT presents. At its core our event is about bringing people together, and throughout the weekend you get a real appreciation for the power of the bike to create community.” 

The men’s and women’s podiums evenly split a $22,000 prize purse. 

Men’s Top-5

1. Keegan Swenson (6:16:57 // 22.6 MPH) 
2. Freddy Ovett (6:16:58)
3. Payson McElveen (6:16:59)
4. Brennan Wertz (6:18:12)
5. Alex Hoehn (6:18:12)

Women’s Top-5

1. Lauren De Crescenzo (6:48:26 // 20.86 MPH)
2. Whitney Allison (7:01:43)
3. Ruth Winder (7:13:28)
4. Sarah Max (7:13:53)
5. Alexis Skarda (7:27:05)

SBT GRVL at a Glance

• 3,000 registered riders from 50 states and 24 countries
• Youngest girl: 10, boy: 7. 65 riders under 18. Oldest woman 74, man 77. 50 riders age 70+
• 15 riders from All Bodies On Bikes, 25+ from Ride For Racial Justice, 80+ junior riders and 35+ para athletes
• Four routes including 142-mile Black course with 9400 feet of climbing
• Departs and finishes in downtown Steamboat Springs, CO. 
• One the “monuments of gravel,” it’s the largest field of any cycling race in Colorado

LeadBoat Results

The LeadBoat Challenge comprises riders tackling Colorado’s two biggest bike races: The Leadville 100 on Saturday and SBT GRVL Black course Sunday. Winners were those with the lowest cumulative time in both events. 

LeadBoat Men’s Top-5

1. Keegan Swenson
2. Payson McElveen
3. Matthew Beers
4. Russell Finsterwald
5. Cole Paton

LeadBoat Women’s Top-5

1. Alexis Skarda
2. Ruth Winder
3. Rose Grant
4. Paige Onweller
5. Caroline Tory

For more information visit SBTgrvl.com.