Billed as the “largest gravel road bicycle race in the world,” the USA’s Barry Roubaix took place on the same weekend as it’s more famous European cousin, Paris-Roubaix, this year after a two-year hiatus.
4000 participants descended on Barry County, Michigan to grovel in the gravel (and sand, lots of sand) on four routes: The 18-mile Lauf “Chiller” with 1200′ of ascent, 36-mile Smith Optics “Thriller” with 2200′ feet of ascent, 62-mile SRAM “Killer” with 3800′ feet of ascent and the main event – The 100-mile Panaracer “Psycho Killer” with a leg busting 6800 feet of climbing!
The 100 milers started before sunrise with a field including 239 top endurance gravel racers from North America. 32 year-old elite runner turned elite graveleur Connor Kamm (3T Q+M) crossed the finish line 5 hours 9 minutes and 39 seconds later to win by over 3 minutes. Next was rookie gravel racer Jorn Zimmerling, followed by former USA National Road Team member Tristan Uhl. 36 year-old Danielle Larson from Arkansas won the Women’s race in 6:03:08.
In the “short” 62 mile SRAM Killer race, 600 riders battled over county roads littered with quicksand-like segments that were un-rideable, requiring walking or running just to cross. 23 year-old Texas pro rider Hugo Scala Jr. (Gateway Devo Cycling Team) outsprinted former World Tour pro Alexey Vermeulen to win with a time of 2:52:39. Utah native Lindsey Stevenson (Abus Pro Gravel Team), was the first women in 2:51:33.
The 2022 edition is already scheduled and will take place on 26 March, two weeks before Paris-Roubaix in France.
Complete Barry Roubaix results HERE.
PHOTOS: Barry Roubaix, Rob Meendering, Karen Brower
GRAN FONDO DAILY NEWS 