Pro gravel racing has basically never been anything but stale, in my book. It's impossible to spectate, even when there is a livestream they are so boring as to be completely unwatchable, as you said the competitive balance is next to non-existent, and I have no idea why I or anyone should pay attention. I'm sure the action at the front of those races is very exciting to be a part of, but it doesn't come through at all for me.
For amateur racing, I think it's getting away from what I'm interested too. There's a place for the super grassroots event that costs $10-30 and gives you nothing but a gpx track and a finish line, and there's a place for the deluxe event that costs $200, but for that money, I expect a deluxe experience! There are self-supported open-road races charging huge entry fees - what exactly I am getting for my money if there aren't aid stations, support vehicles, markings, course marshals? The "brand name" of getting to say I raced Unbound? It doesn't seem worth it at all, especially when there are events (often in the MTB space!) that cost a bunch of money but have all those elements of support. I think some of the "big gravel" events have gotten away with providing a terrible value proposition for their entrants because the sport is hot and growing, but at some point I hope athletes start to expect more.
Yes, and like I said, I have zero interest in spectating or watching a broadcast of a gravel event, unless something changes significantly. I do enjoy following the season long narrative and getting to know the riders and their stories. There are ways to cover the action that can be compelling, but it’s only worth covering if the sporting side of elite racing is healthy.
I agree with your points about the amateur events. Some do it pretty well, I’ve found. Others do seem to skate by with the mindset of “gravel is self sufficient so don’t expect us to do much.” Like I said, complacency and routine will be the undoing of gravel events, so that mentality is a problem.
Great points Spencer. I (used to) LOVE gravel (& still do) - think original Grinduros, Rapha Gentlemen's, Leadville 😉, etc. but how many Crushers or SBT's do I "need" to do? Much rather do a Breck Epic, BC Bike Race or hometown gravel who varies the course each year and prioritizes killer courses and FUN!
Yeah to each their own, but I’m not inclined to be fatalistic about it or to write the epitaph for gravel racing. It’s pretty good in a lot of ways. It can and should be improved. I think every cycling discipline benefits greatly by having a robust competitive scene, even if it isn’t appealing to everyone with a mountain bike or road bike or gravel bike.
Pro gravel racing has basically never been anything but stale, in my book. It's impossible to spectate, even when there is a livestream they are so boring as to be completely unwatchable, as you said the competitive balance is next to non-existent, and I have no idea why I or anyone should pay attention. I'm sure the action at the front of those races is very exciting to be a part of, but it doesn't come through at all for me.
For amateur racing, I think it's getting away from what I'm interested too. There's a place for the super grassroots event that costs $10-30 and gives you nothing but a gpx track and a finish line, and there's a place for the deluxe event that costs $200, but for that money, I expect a deluxe experience! There are self-supported open-road races charging huge entry fees - what exactly I am getting for my money if there aren't aid stations, support vehicles, markings, course marshals? The "brand name" of getting to say I raced Unbound? It doesn't seem worth it at all, especially when there are events (often in the MTB space!) that cost a bunch of money but have all those elements of support. I think some of the "big gravel" events have gotten away with providing a terrible value proposition for their entrants because the sport is hot and growing, but at some point I hope athletes start to expect more.
Yes, and like I said, I have zero interest in spectating or watching a broadcast of a gravel event, unless something changes significantly. I do enjoy following the season long narrative and getting to know the riders and their stories. There are ways to cover the action that can be compelling, but it’s only worth covering if the sporting side of elite racing is healthy.
I agree with your points about the amateur events. Some do it pretty well, I’ve found. Others do seem to skate by with the mindset of “gravel is self sufficient so don’t expect us to do much.” Like I said, complacency and routine will be the undoing of gravel events, so that mentality is a problem.
Great points Spencer. I (used to) LOVE gravel (& still do) - think original Grinduros, Rapha Gentlemen's, Leadville 😉, etc. but how many Crushers or SBT's do I "need" to do? Much rather do a Breck Epic, BC Bike Race or hometown gravel who varies the course each year and prioritizes killer courses and FUN!
Yes that’s how I’ve been feeling. And to be clear, gravel racing, specifically is what I’m talking about. Gravel riding? That is my bread and butter.
^^^ that's really nice to read. thank you. got this karate man right in his feelings.
Yeah to each their own, but I’m not inclined to be fatalistic about it or to write the epitaph for gravel racing. It’s pretty good in a lot of ways. It can and should be improved. I think every cycling discipline benefits greatly by having a robust competitive scene, even if it isn’t appealing to everyone with a mountain bike or road bike or gravel bike.