Lauren De Crescenzo right here, in any other case referred to as “LDC” for the somewhat difficult pronunciation of my Italian final title. I’m the most recent contributor to Cyclingnews, writing from the behind-the-scenes perspective in regards to the interior workings {of professional} gravel biking and past.
I started my skilled biking profession on the highway and prefer to say, “I’ve a roadie coronary heart, stuffed with gravel”. So, when the chance arose to race in The Growler at Levi’s GranFondo, I could not resist. The timing aligned completely with the Sea Otter Classic mountain bike race, Fuego XL, the primary cease of the Life Time Grand Prix, just a few hours away in Monterey, California. The 100% highway Growler appeared the proper alternative for a mini-confidence enhance earlier than presenting myself to the mountain bike gods.
The Growler’s hefty 138-mile course, with 14,000 ft of climbing, meandered via Sonoma County’s wine nation’s world-class, breathtaking (no pun supposed) roads. As race organizer, former Tour de France professional Levi Leipheimer will attest: “The Growler rivals a few of the hardest phases of the world’s most tough highway races”.
I used to be a mix of exhausted, relieved, and thrilled after I rolled throughout the end line in downtown Windsor to win the ladies’s division.
Four of the highest 5 ladies can be a part of the LTGP this 12 months (extra on that under). On the lads’s facet, Keegan Swenson, two-time champ of the LTGP, out-sprinted Lawrence Naesen for the victory.
It encapsulated my favourite elements of highway using: relentless climbs coupled with high-speed considerably technical descents. The course promised to push my limits, and bike-handling expertise all whereas placing my roadie coronary heart to the take a look at. A considerable $55,000 prize purse cut up equally among the many high 5 women and men for The Growler racers added to the stakes and motivation.
Ian Boswell, who completed fourth within the males’s division at The Growler, put it effectively when he stated, “Levi’s GranFondo discovered the spirit of gravel.” Who is aware of, perhaps the Growler has began to revive the “spirit of the highway” within the US.
Grand Prix and way forward for gravel
Reflecting on Levi’s, I can not assist however distinction this expertise with my current foray into mountain biking, notably with the upcoming Fuego XL at Sea Otter Classic.
Transitioning from the highway to the paths presents a stark distinction in terrain and approach. I’m excited to proceed enhancing on the mountain bike and my skill on the gravel bike as I put together to reenter the Life Time Grand Prix collection.
In addition to my racing, I’m actively engaged in shaping the way forward for gravel via my involvement in an athlete advisory group collaborating with Life Time.
Our focus is refining the beginning protocols and drafting guidelines for the Life Time collection. These discussions are ongoing and detail-oriented, bearing on essential elements similar to penalties, enforcement, and clear communication of guidelines – particularly making certain that males perceive and cling to the identical pointers prohibiting drafting off feminine racers.
I’ve advocated for elevated intervals between begin occasions to optimize race dynamics. For occasion, proposing that pro-men start at 7 a.m., adopted by pro-women at 8 a.m., after which different racers at 9 a.m.
Ideally, I envision a future the place ladies’s races begin on separate days, mirroring the profitable strategy used on the UCI World Championships in Italy in 2022, the place I represented the US crew. The separation of race days eradicated any potential interference, offering a good and targeted platform for showcasing our skill.
Mass begins
In true gran fondo trend, all riders commenced at 8 a.m. in downtown Windsor making a feel-good palpable power. As feel-good because the power was, mixed mass begins typically alter the dynamics of ladies’s racing, notably in lengthy occasions.
Men’s explosive energy is advantageous within the early phases of racing, whereas ladies sometimes have higher endurance, and we choose to cross our male counterparts later within the race.
On the mass begins, particularly in gravel, I feel a change is essential if we wish to set up true ladies’s races, somewhat than counting on probability components similar to which male group you are caught up with, professional or beginner. Whether a professional male is recovering from a mechanical difficulty and aiding your progress, or the typically unpredictable ways seen when substantial prize cash is at stake, come into play.
Gravel races and occasions with vital purses necessitate separate begins to make sure equity. The present setup typically feels arbitrary, relying too closely on exterior components like male help or motives.
For ladies to compete on a degree taking part in discipline, we require our personal beginning line. This is crucial to ensure that the strongest racer wins.
Back to highway roots at The Growler
Contrary to the saying, “It by no means rains in California,” it rained almost all day, making the occasion extra epic than initially deliberate. After cautious consideration, I opted for a Castelli Gabba—putting the precise steadiness of rain safety with out overheating.
During the primary flat and quick 30 miles, with the entrance group averaging 23 mph on the moist roads, Sarah Sturm and I discovered ourselves at or close to the entrance. As we rode amidst the peloton, we exchanged considerations in regards to the inherent risks behind us, commenting on how relieved we’re about Life Time committing to separate begins for women and men in each race of the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix collection.
The first huge climb of the race, King Ridge, got here at mile 30 with almost 2,000 ft of elevation achieve over seven miles. After a steep 11% gradient, 1.24-mile pitch, I discovered myself in a bunch with Flavia Oliviera, LTGP riders Sturm and Lauren Stephens, in addition to Lauren’s husband Mat Stephens.
The subsequent climb “Skaggs” got here in two parts- a climb, fast descent, adopted by a second and steeper climb. After downing a much-needed caffeine gel, I attacked a steep part within the second a part of the climb. At this level, the sector had blown up and drafting was much less helpful. I created a spot and went solo for the subsequent 80 miles.
The third and closing ascent, “Geysers,” was a real take a look at of endurance, stretching over 15 miles and that includes greater than 2,000 ft of climbing. As the route ventured onto less-maintained roads, my gravel expertise got here into play, navigating difficult terrain that included a memorable “puddle crossing.” The determination to go together with 28mm Maxxis High Road tubeless tires proved instrumental, notably on the moist and technical descents the place the tread sample supplied dependable grip and management.
The pavement was actually notably tough and slender in lots of sections. This was far out of your commonplace highway race; it demanded adaptability, and a few technical prowess. The mix of rugged terrain, and even some tough ascents the place there was actually just one good line, coupled with technical descents, made this race an unforgettable and distinctly gravel-like expertise.
And simply after I thought the race was over, it was not over. Following the Geyser’s technical descent, I nonetheless had 20 miles of rolling terrain via stunning vineyards, which at the very least helped numb the ache in my legs. I targeted on staying aero and holding my effort managed.
An enormous thanks to Levi’s GranFondo crew for an distinctive course, beneficiant prize purse, and well-executed occasion. I may inform it was placed on by a crew that had been racers themselves. Lauren Stephens joined me on the rostrum in second, Sturm in third, Oliveira in fourth and one other LTGP rider Emily Newsom in fifth.
Ultimately, what drives me is a love for using bikes—whether or not on gravel, highway, or mountain trails. Each self-discipline presents its personal set of challenges, pushing me to repeatedly evolve by .1% day-after-day.
As I put together to embark on the Life Time Grand Prix collection as soon as once more, I carry with me this pleasure.