The growth and appeal of gravel racing

Gravel racing has experienced explosive growth in popularity due to its accessibility and welcoming nature. Unlike road and mountain biking, gravel events are open to all skill levels and are marketed as inclusive and adventurous experiences. The events provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere, offering post-race parties and pre-race shakeout rides. Gravel racing has also attracted athletes from other disciplines who were looking for a less regulated and more flexible racing experience. The popularity of gravel races has led to increased support and coverage for women's racing, with efforts made to ensure gender parity and equal focus on both men's and women's races. The growth of gravel racing has been driven by effective marketing, the appeal of riding on dirt roads, and the need for alternative racing options as safety concerns increase on paved roads. As the gravel racing scene continues to develop, there may be a shift towards more team structures and professional racing opportunities, although privateer models still offer financial opportunities for independent riders.