The Garmin Gravel Worlds, part of the Pirate Cycling League, in an unofficial world championship race that takes place in Nebraska, the birthplace region of gravel racing in the plains of the USA. Dishing out 153 miles of rolling hills and trademark gusty winds, the racers also faced 10,500 cumulative feet of climbing which made the event a big day out for the riders.
FSA-sponsored gravel team ABUS Pro Gravel lined up with a top roster of contenders including Paige Onweller, John Borstelmann, and the brotherly duo of Nathan and Marc Spratt.
The ABUS team relies on FSA and Vision components to give them the performance and durability needed in these types of demanding events. Ergonomic Vision cockpits and wheels with aero gains to Win With the Wind. Some riders chose aero extensions to obtain an even greater aero advantage on the bike. Each rider’s setup varies depending on course demands and this one was no exception. ABUS Cycling’s Paige Onweller secured a second place overall. Here was her perspective on how her race unfolded:
“The race started off well as I had a good group to work with, which included 2 other females as we battled for 2-4th and tried to work and chase Lauren up the road. As time and fatigue set in, the pace slowed, and I grew restless. As we passed a guy who flatted I knew to listen for his wheel coming through later. This is always a strategic plan when you see someone who’s from a group up the road who flatted. So, a few miles later I was the only in my group to jump his wheel and we picked up two other guys to start working together. Unfortunately, unfavorable tactics were used, and I found myself battling a headwind solo for 30 miles and remained solo for the last 50 miles. I tried to make myself small in my aero bars and TT my way to the finish to secure my podium spot. Thankfully, the last 20 miles were tailwind which gave me a new sense of hope and I was able to keep my pace to secure second place. I tried to cheer for every 75 miler I passed in that last section which lifted my spirits as they cheered back.”
