Cycling Event SBT GRVL: Brennan Wertz Clinches Triumph in National Champion Attire, Melisa Rollins Secures Additional High-Altitude Triumph
In the heart of Colorado, the SBT GRVL race, one of the most prestigious events on the professional gravel racing calendar, took place recently. This year's event saw a number of notable competitors, including Haley Smith, Karolina Migon, Anna Gibson, Emma Grant, and Paige Onweller in the women's race.
The women's race was a thrilling contest, with Melisa Rollins (Liv Racing Collective) emerging victorious. Lauren Stephens finished third, while Lauren De Crescenzo claimed the second spot on the podium. The men's race was equally intense, with U.S. national gravel champion Brennan Wertz (SCOTT Sport) taking the top spot. Keegan Swenson and Cobe Freeburn finished second and third, respectively.
The race witnessed a significant break of six men, including previous SBT winner Keegan Swenson and Alexey Vermeulen. Pete Stetina (Canyon) was part of the lead group of five in the men's race. Notable mentions also go to Alex Howes (Velocio-Cannondale), who showed his aggressive spirit with two attacks, although he was brought back both times.
The pro fields raced three laps of the circuit, totalling about 116 miles and over 8,000 feet of climbing. The race was held on a new circuit race-style course, a change that followed recent reductions in event size and format alterations due to local backlash. These changes include consolidating the event into a one-day format for 2026 with a capped 2,750 participants, moving all racing and riding to a single Sunday that does not coincide with the Routt County Fair, and shifting courses to more rural locations to reduce community disruption.
Sarah Lange drove the pace in the women's race, setting a fast and challenging rhythm. Whitney Allison also participated in the women's race, adding to the competitive spirit of the event.
The SBT GRVL race continues to be a significant event in the gravel racing calendar, attracting top competitors and offering a challenging course. The organisers' efforts to balance economic benefits with minimising disruption and ensuring safety are commendable, as they navigate the evolving landscape of professional gravel racing events.
The SBT GRVL race, renowned for its prestige in the professional gravel racing calendar, showcased intense competition in both the men's and women's races. Melisa Rollins (Liv Racing Collective) emerged victorious in the women's race, while Sarah Lange set a challenging pace and Whitney Allison also participated, contributing to the competition's intense spirit.
