Get down and dirty: Gravel road and triathlon races usher in a new era of gritty competition

In the world of endurance sports, triathletes are known for their love of a good challenge. Swimming, cycling, and running demand discipline, grit, and a willingness to push limits. But in recent years, a new trend has been taking hold—gravel racing. Once the domain of adventure-seeking cyclists, gravel events are now seeing an influx of pro and amateur triathletes eager to test their mettle on rugged terrain.

Gravel bikes are much more versatile than triathlon or road bikes, giving athletes an opportunity to break out of the monotony of dedicated triathlon training. It allows athletes to train on a variety of surfaces while enjoying the scenery and unpredictability of off-road routes. Best of all, it means “New Bike Day.”

Gravel explodes on the scene

The explosion in gravel racing has highlighted some of the most epic races out there. Unbound Gravel is considered one of the most prestigious gravel races, featuring distances up to 350 miles across Kansas. Rebecca’s Private Idaho in Sun Valley is a brutal three-stage race with challenging climbs. The Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder covers 350 miles in Oregon’s wild backcountry. Michigan’s Barry-Roubaix is known as the “World’s Largest Gravel Race,” with thousands of riders chewing up a variety of terrain. And if an exotic adventure is your jam, consider the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya, which is a four-stage race rolling across the rugged African landscape.

If you’re feeling romantic, take your loved one to the Honeymoon Half/Standard Gravel Tri in Honeymoon Bay, British Columbia, though no promises they will still love you after the grind. But if you are still together, perhaps celebrate with some champagne, champagne gravel that is, at the famous SBT GRVL at high-altitude in Colorado.

This grittier type of riding also offers a fresh challenge. Unlike smooth pavement, gravel demands constant focus and adaptability, making it an exciting change from traditional road cycling. In contrast to massive triathlon races that don’t create a close-knit vibe among racers, the gravel racing community is known for its welcoming and grassroots atmosphere. It’s more reminiscent of the early days of triathlon, where camaraderie and shared adventure take precedence over pure results and competition. It’s a chance to bond over shared struggles like mechanical issues, tough climbs, and brutal weather, creating a unique social experience that draws people in.

A haven for retired pros

Many of the athletes it has drawn in over the years are retired pro triathletes. It has become common to see a recently retired pro pop up at a gravel race and making headlines. Last week, we saw retired Olympic star Alistair Brownlee, and fellow Brit Georgia Taylor-Brown, take their talent to the famed Traka gravel race in Girona, Spain.

Brownlee crashed out in the 360km event, while Taylor-Brown took third place in the 100km race. British pro Ruth Astle was also there and rode to a top 10 finish in the 360km event, while French short-course star, Vincent Luis, rode the 200km event to a finish.

Brownlee and Taylor-Brown are interesting examples of a multi-Olympic medallists in short course, whose triathlon experience can deliver an outstanding performance on gravel. It’s a testament to the fitness and finesse of their athletic abilities derived from a long career in swim, bike, run. Following the event Taylor-Brown took to social media to encourage others to get in the gravel game.

“If you haven’t done a gravel event before, do one!! And then do another, and another … because they are so much fun! I promise you won’t regret it!”

For Brownlee, his bike crash forced him to DNF when his steering tube snapped. He managed to escape relatively unscathed with only minor cuts and bruises. He’d podium just the week before in the UK fell event, Three Peaks Race, finishing third.

Ushering in a new era in racing

Heather Jackson segued into gravel and ultra running after wrapping a long career in triathlon in, highlighted by a podium finish at the 2016 Ironman World Championship, and countless 70.3 podiums including at the world championship level.

She recently took her new pursuit to the next level with Dirt Brigade, a merchandise business. On the decision to move from road to dirt, Jackson stated on her website that she was ready for something new after fifteen years in triathlon. Tossing the structured, daily routine aside, she turned towards “fear of the unknown, fear of new challenges.”

Other well-known triathletes have embraced gravel racing, including Canadian Angela Naeth, who finished sixth in the prestigious Unbound Gravel race. Another standout is Canadian Rach McBride, who has won nearly every gravel race they’ve entered and finished first in the non-binary division at the Big Sugar race.

Gravel triathlons are also gaining traction, with events like the Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon and The Dirty Mitten, both part of USA Triathlon’s gravel triathlon series.

The sport is evolving, offering triathletes new challenges and a place to regain that strong sense of community. Gravel races take riders off the beaten path, through forests, mountains, and open landscapes. The unpredictability of these events keeps things exciting, providing the perfect antidote to the sometimes rigid nature of structured triathlon training.