It took a lot longer than expected, but USA Cycling has finally found a venue and organizer for the first ever USA Cycling Gravel National Championships. The event will take place in the western prairie town of Gering, Nebraska (population 8564) near the Colorado-Wyoming-Nebraska border on 9 September 2023.

The elite races for males and females will both be 131 miles long with 6000 feet of vertical gain on roads primarily made of gravel (90%). Additional categories (non-binary, singlespeed, para-cycling, collegiate and amateur age groups: 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 23-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90+) will also compete for gravel national titles, but on shorter courses. U23 riders (age 19-22) will race with the elite fields.

On top of being crowned a national champion, racers will also compete for a $60,000 USD prize list, split equally between men and women.

While almost all gravel events in the United States do not require a racing license, that is not the case at the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships. Competitors must have a USA Cycling racing license ($110), but may ride any type of bike except an e-bike or a bike with aero bars.

Winners will receive a USA stars and stripes national champion’s jersey, while age group champions will also automatically qualify to race at the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy at the beginning of October.

USA Cycling Gravel National Championship information and registration HERE.

Photo Credit: USA Cycling

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