The Mid South gravel race, one of the most popular and challenging in the United States, was unexpectedly cancelled at the last minute on Friday night due to rapidly expanding wildfires surrounding the race venue in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued a state of emergency with more than 150 wildfires burning, 300 structures destroyed including 50 in Stillwater, and at least one person killed.

Fueled by low humidity, bone dry vegetation and hurricane-force winds, fire, police and emergenecy resources needed for The Mid South race to take place Saturday morning were unavailable with Stillwater ordering mandatory evacuation, including the almost 2000 gravel racers.

“To put it simply, we can’t ask these crews to handle these fires and support the amount of riders we plan to have out on these roads tomorrow,” The Mid South race director announced on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Instagram

© 2019-2025 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily