Life Time, the organiser of the Unbound Gravel, has announced a major innovation for the 2025 edition of the prestigious gravel race. For the first time in the event's history, the 200-mile distance will be broadcast live and free of charge. The broadcast will take place on Saturday 31 May 2025 on the official YouTube channel of the Life Time Grand Prix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jS6uf1_KlU). Coverage will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (CDT) with a preview to get viewers in the mood for the upcoming race. This will be followed by uninterrupted live coverage of both the men's and women's elite races.
High-calibre commentary team
Life Time has put together an experienced team to provide expert coverage of the race. Injured Life Time Grand Prix athlete Payson McElveen and US cycling legend Meredith Miller will join former pro and long-time cycling commentator Bill Elliston to analyse the action from the commentary booth. In addition, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer Nat Ross and former pro cyclist Lauren Hall will be reporting live from the course and providing updates. Kimo Seymour, Vice President of Media and Events at Life Time, emphasises the importance of the move to make the race accessible to all.
At Life Time, we focus on promoting cycling at all levels. The free live broadcast of the Life Time Unbound Gravel is an important step in this direction - Kimo Seymour
The favourites
Keegan Swenson and Sofía Gómez Villafañe, the winners of the opening race of the series, the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel, are the favourites. A number of other riders will try to challenge them for the top spot. In addition to the Life Time Grand Prix participants, other world-class athletes will also be taking part in the 200-mile race. Rosa Klöser returns to defend her title from 2024 to defend his title. Among the men, Thomas De Gendt, who has stage wins in all three Grand Tours, will make his debut at Unbound Gravel. As last year's winner Lachlan Morton is taking part in the XL race this year, there will definitely be a new winner on the 200-mile course.
Other contenders for victory
One of the most interesting newcomers to the men's field is the Italian Mattia De Marchi. The former road pro has successfully established himself in the gravel segment in recent years. With three victories at the prestigious Traka 360 and a fifth place at the Life Time Unbound Gravel 200 last year, De Marchi brings a lot of experience and strength to the table.
Ethiopian Tsgabu Grmay is another rider to watch out for. The multiple Ethiopian and African champion can look back on a career in road cycling spanning more than ten years, during which he rode for the UCI WorldTour team Jayco AlUla for five years, among others. Grmay, who was the first Ethiopian to win an international cycling race at the Tour de Taiwan in 2013, brings enormous experience from Grand Tours with him. His climbing skills could particularly benefit him on the demanding routes of the Life Time Grand Prix.
In addition to the newcomers, there are also established riders to keep an eye on. Alexey Vermeulen, who has finished second in the overall standings in each of the last two years, is once again one of the favourites. After a difficult start to the 2024 season, Vermeulen returned to his old strength at the end of the season with a victory at the Big Sugar Gravel. With his experience and knowledge of the demands of the series, he could make the leap to the top in 2025.
Co-favourites in the women's category
Melisa Rollins experienced her big breakthrough in 2024 when she won the prestigious Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The US-American, who had already taken part in this race with her family as a child, was able to fulfil a long-held dream. Her consistently strong performances throughout the season also earned her second place in the overall standings of the Life Time Grand Prix. With this success behind her, Rollins is highly motivated for the new season and will do everything in her power to challenge defending champion Gomez Villafañe.
Paige Onweller impressively demonstrated her versatility and strength in 2024. She underlined her ambitions for the title by finishing third overall in the Life Time Grand Prix. Her performance at the Unbound Gravel 200 was particularly impressive, where she finished third as the best-placed Life Time Grand Prix participant. Onweller also secured a podium finish at the US Gravel Championships. With her experience and confidence from the successful previous season, she is undoubtedly one of the favourites for 2025.
An exciting new discovery in the field of Life Time Grand Prix participants is Brit Annabel Fisher. The former road pro successfully switched to the gravel segment and has already celebrated some notable successes in 2024. Her highlights included victory in the Octopus Gravel and second place in the British Championships. Fisher also attracted international attention when she finished on the podium at the Gravel Suisse. With her experience from road cycling and recent successes in the gravel sector, Fisher could spring a few surprises.
Wildcard competition as an additional incentive
Another innovation for 2025 is the wildcard competition. This initiative offers up-and-coming athletes the chance to earn a place in the Life Time Grand Prix rankings. Originally, three places each were planned for men and women. Due to the withdrawal of Howard Grotts through injury, an additional place has now become available in the men's competition. The live broadcast of Unbound Gravel 2025 marks a milestone in the development of gravel racing. The free availability and comprehensive coverage will make the race accessible to a wider audience. This could not only further increase the popularity of the event, but also help to bring gravel cycling as a whole closer to a wider audience.
Event details
- Event name: Life Time Unbound Gravel presented by Shimano
- Date: 31 May 2025
- Location: Emporia, Kansas
- Route length: 200 miles; other distances
- Special features: Free live broadcast, wildcard competition
Leon Weidner
Working student
