"Lachlan Morton, victor of the 200-mile race, ponders future challenges as he tackles the 350-mile XL event at Unbound Gravel."
Barreling Ahead: Lachlan Morton Takes on the 2025 Unbound XL
"Ya know, I've smashed the 200 already, so what's left? Might as well step it up!"
If you're Lachlan Morton, the gravel gritting, dust-ridden champion of the Unbound 200, you ain't settling for second. Morton's no stranger to the Kansas dust and dirt. He's graced the starting line of Unbound 200 four times, all finishing within the top five. But Morton's never one for staying put or backing down from a challenge. In his eyes, winning Unbound in '24 meant it was time to move on to bigger and badder things.
Fast-forward to May 30, 2025, and you'll find Morton toeing the line for the Unbound XL, a monstrous 350-mile (563 km) gravel race that includes a thunderous 5,000-meter climb through the rolling Flint Hills of Kansas. For Morton, the XL isn't just another race; it's a personal challenge.
"I ain't got the experience I wanted with the 200 anymore," Morton admits. "Last year, I had the best day. I don't know how it could get any better. So, why not mix things up?"
In recent years, Morton, once a WorldTour road racer from 2012 to 2019, has embraced adventure riding with open arms. Just take a gander at his gravel racing accolades, or better yet, his record-breaking unsupported rides around the world, like that 648-kilometer marathon across New Zealand in a single day. But the XL represents something new—ultra-endurance racing untouched.
"I've only done one mass-start long race," Morton confesses. "But I'm excited. Emporia's got a big buzz, and I'm looking forward to leaving the chaos of the 200 behind. Hopefully, I'll still have a good time!"
With professional gravel racing growing increasingly similar to WorldTour road racing (think strict rules, team tactics, and full support crews), it seems Morton's gravitating towards the XL—an event renowned for its self-sufficiency, where success hinges on the rider's ability to overcome challenges while traversing 20-plus hours in the saddle.
"I'm gonna ride, and I've got to pedal for 20 hours," Morton says with a grin. "It's all gonna come down to each person and how their body reacts, and how they mentally cope. There's a whole bunch of things that riders might be fretting over."
Morton knows a thing or two about mindset—it's the key to sustained success in endurance events. And while he feels less pressure racing the XL compared to the 200, he acknowledges the expectations that come with his reputation.
"I guess there's more expectation because folks reckon I'm decent at this stuff," Morton admits. "I think the longer events get, the more preparation's needed. I may not be as ready as I'd like, but I'm pumped for this adventure!"
Who knows what happens over 20 hours of racing through Kansas? Maybe it's an optimistic mindset that'll get Morton across the finish line.
"I'd rather this week be thrilling, fun, and, God willing, somewhat enjoyable!"
"Lachlan Morton, a seasoned gravel racer, is taking his skills to the next level, participating in the Unbound XL road racing event, a grueling 350-mile gravel race that tests the limits of endurance sports."
"Having already conquered the Unbound 200 multiple times, Morton is eager to push his physical and mental limits, relishing the self-sufficiency and challenges that the Unbound XL offers in the world of sports."
