US-based Lifetime has announced that it will designate Unbound Gravel’s first-ever qualifying event in 2025 in partnership with Flanders Classics. The Heathland Gravel, to be held on August 11 in Maasmechelen, Belgium, will provide 50 qualifying spots for next year’s Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas.
Half of these entries will be awarded to riders based on their performance in the 160-kilometer (100-mile) long event, and the rest will be distributed by random draw. The two powerhouse organizers declined to confirm details of the qualifying rankings, including how they were divided by gender and age group.
The iconic 200-mile gravel race, which features four other mileages in Unbound Gravel’s 19-year history, features a unique lottery and a guaranteed spot reserved for invited elite pros. Limited entries will be offered through a new process. Lifetime Grand Prix Series.
“By combining our organizations’ unparalleled reputations and experience, we are building a truly unique concept. Unbound Gravel is to gravel enthusiasts what Kona, Hawaii is to triathletes. It is the same, a monumental goal for the sport and an exceptional experience,” said Thomas van den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics, in a press release.
“Heathland Gravel 2024 is the first and only qualifying event for Unbound Gravel 2025. At Maasmechelen, at least 50 participants will qualify for next year. Very exceptional. ”
Heathland Gravel will be held in Limburg, which has hosted the early rounds of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup for the past two years. The weekend event begins with social rides, bike expos and live music, culminating on Sunday with a mass start of ride distances of 160km, 110km and 70km on a route through Hogekempen National Park.
“We discovered in Maasmechelen what we need for a gravel event and course,” added van den Spiegel. “Right from the start, you’ll dive into the greenery for which Limburg is so well known. You’ll then cycle through heathland towards the majestic Mekelse Heide, a famous tourist attraction. This is the ‘Heide’ means “heathland” in Dutch, which also explains why the name Heathland Gravel was chosen. ”
The qualification process is unique in that any rider taking part in the 160km course has the chance to select one of the 25 spots reserved for the 2025 Unbound Gravel random draw. The official draw will be announced in the afternoon after riders have completed the heathland. Gravel, according to the Heathland Gravel website.
“We are honored to work with the renowned Flanders Classic as we expand access to Lifetime Unbound Gravel with this first-ever European qualifying event,” said Kimo Seymour, President of Lifetime Events. he said. “Thomas and the entire Flanders His Gravel team create great cycling experiences and we are excited to be able to expand the reach and appeal of Unbound His Gravel across Europe.”
All fields at the 2024 Garmin Unbound Gravel held by Craft Sportswear from May 31st to June 1st are sold out. Entries for the 350-mile XL event, which begins May 31, were determined by a drawing in December, with similar drawings held in January for distances 25-200 miles. The Unbound Gravel category typically has 4,000 participants.
Now in its 18th year as an sponsored event, Unbound Gravel is a 200-mile competition that takes on the Flint Hills, which has grown into one of the world’s premier gravel races and is now the signature race of the Lifetime Grand Prix.