STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado (August 18th, 2024) — The 2024 edition of SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo saw two reigning US gravel national champions, Keegan Swenson and Lauren Stephens, deliver commanding performances on the beautiful and brutal new courses, solidifying their dominance in the gravel racing world.
The new SBT GRVL Black Course tested even the most seasoned riders with its 125.4 miles of challenging terrain, featuring 10,897 feet of climbing and 88% gravel. Though technically shorter than previous years, the updated course added about 800 feet of climbing and introduced more challenging backcountry climbs, including the steep and dusty Wahooligan Pass over Country Road 56. Despite predictions, the course raced faster than expected with Swenson opting for 2.1 mountain bike tires to tackle the loose, chunky terrain.
Returning champion Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz HT SQD) secured his third SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo title with a decisive breakaway, while Lauren Stephens (Cynisca Cycling ) claimed her long-awaited victory with a solo win on the new, challenging Black Course. Both athletes demonstrated their prowess, navigating the rugged terrain and leaving their competitors in the dust.
Lauren Stephens, the current US Gravel Champion and former National Road Champion, made her intentions clear from the start. By the first feed stop, Stephens had already pulled clear of the chase group, which included top contenders Sofia Gomez Villafañe and two-time SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo winner Lauren De Crescenzo. Stephens continued to extend her lead over Wahooligan Pass, where Gomez Villafañe, Cecily Decker, and Melissa Rollins fought to stay in contention.
Women’s Race Recap
De Crescenzo’s hopes for a third title were dashed as she punctured out of the race before Hayden, dropping to 20th and then chased on to catch the front of the race to later crash on the final descent of Dunkley Pass sustaining a broken collarbone, having just dropped Gomez Villafañe and Dekker cresting the climb. Dekker eventually couldn’t sustain the pace of Gomez Villafañe on the closing stages coming into Steamboat Springs. Stephens remained unchallenged, powering through the northern sector at mile 45 with a commanding 6:30 lead. By the finish, she had solidified her position as the new queen of SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo, crossing the line in 6:17:17 and 13 minutes ahead of the competition.
“This has been on my bucket list since [SBT GRVL] started, and I’m thrilled to finally win it,” said Stephens, who rides for Cynisca Cycling and has twice finished second on the podium in Steamboat. “The new course was tough, but the challenge made the victory even sweeter.”
Karolina Migon and Paige Onweller rounded out the top five, finishing in fourth and fifth, respectively, after a tight battle further down the group. Sarah Lange continues her breakout season and former unbound winner Carolin Schiff was surprisingly absent from the front of the race.
Results – Women’s Elite
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- Lauren Stephens – 6:17:17
- Sofia Gomez Villafañe – 6:30:12
- Cecily Decker – 6:37:20
- Karolina Mignon – 6:42:39
- Paige Onweller – 6:45:17
Men’s Race Recap
In the Men’s Elite race, Keegan Swenson made his finishing move at mile 84, breaking away from former German road professional Paul Voß on the climb to the SRAM Oasis aid station. The pair had ridden clear of a large group earlier in the race around mile 55, above Hayden on a technical rutted section, but it was Swenson who ultimately emerged victorious, crossing the line in 5:41:10 and 9 minutes before the 2nd place rider Torbjørn Røed.
Behind him, a thrilling sprint unfolded for the remaining podium spots. Norwegian Torbjørn Røed edged out Alexey Vermeulen and Australian gravel champion Brendan Johnston to take second place, with Røed finishing in 5:49:46. Vermeulen and Johnston followed closely behind, separated by mere seconds while gravel veteran Peter Stetina claimed the final spot in the top five.
The race was not without its challenges. Notable crashes and mechanical issues affected several riders including Russell Finsterwald, another strong contender who crashed out with shoulder injuries. The Traka Winner, Petr Vakoč, also flatted on the technical descent of Wahooligan Pass. Strong performances by the current CX national champion Eric Brunner and silver medalist at the XC Marathon World Championships, Portuguese Tiago Ferreira.
Results – Men’s Elite
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- Keegan Swenson – 5:41:10
- Torbjørn Røed – 5:49:46
- Alexey Vermeulen – 5:49:47
- Brendan Johnston – 5:49:47
- Peter Stetina – 5:49:48
For more information about SBT GRVL and full race results, please visit [SBTGRVL.com](https://sbtgrvl.com – https://www.athlinks.com/event/300676/results/Event/1084212/Course/2488042/Results).
