Gravel racing has long thrived on its independent spirit, offering an escape from the rigid confines of traditional cycling competition. However, as the sport expands, this freedom is revealing new challenges—particularly in the form of an increasingly congested event calendar. The 2025 season exemplifies these growing pains, with several high-profile races scheduled on the same weekend, leaving riders and organizers grappling with tough decisions.

The Gravel Calendar Conundrum: Balancing Ambition and Feasibility

The Emergence of a Global Gravel Community

Gravel racing has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing enthusiasts and professionals alike. What was once a niche discipline now boasts a diverse array of events across continents. In the early days, riders could comfortably attend key races like Mid South, BWR California, Unbound, SBT GRVL, and Gravel Worlds without much conflict. However, the proliferation of series such as the Life Time Grand Prix (LTGP), Belgian Waffle Ride Tripel Crown, Gravel Earth, and the UCI Gravel World Series has introduced a new layer of complexity.The impact of this crowded calendar is most evident when considering the choices faced by professional riders. For instance, Pete Stetina, a dual role athlete and event promoter, must meticulously plan his race schedule using a Google doc to manage conflicts. "It’s kind-of insane," he admits, highlighting the intricate balancing act required to navigate the gravel scene today.

Case Study: June 28, 2025 – A Weekend of Choices

The date of June 28, 2025, serves as a microcosm of the broader issue. On that day, three major events—Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder (OTGG), Belgian Waffle Ride Montana, and SBT GRVL—are set to take place simultaneously. OTGG, now part of the Gravel Earth series, attracts both domestic and international talent. Meanwhile, BWR Montana is the fourth race in the BWR Quadrupel Crown, and SBT GRVL remains one of the most prestigious gravel races globally.For riders like Lauren De Crescenzo, focused on the LTGP but interested in Gravel Earth, the proximity of these events creates a dilemma. "They’re on back-to-back weekends and geographically far apart, which would make it tough to perform well at both," she explains. This scenario underscores the tension between ambition and feasibility in a sport lacking centralized governance.

Beyond Professional Riders: The Impact on Organizers

Organizers are also feeling the pressure. Chad Sperry, owner of Breakaway Productions and the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, acknowledges the challenge. "Ultimately we are focused on doing our thing and making our riders feel appreciated and supported," he says. Despite the overlapping dates, Sperry remains committed to delivering a top-tier experience for participants.Amy Charity, owner of SBT GRVL, faced unique constraints when moving her race from mid-August to June 28. Local landowners and county commissioners dictated the change, leaving no room for negotiation. "There was no process," she recalls. "If they had said the first weekend of June, we would have been in conflict with Unbound and not had a choice."Michael Marckx, founder of the Belgian Waffle Ride, expresses similar concerns about scheduling conflicts. "Why would you do that when you could have done it the weekend before so people could have considered doing both?" he asks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among organizers.

Navigating the Chaos: Strategies for Survival

Despite the crowded calendar, some events have managed to thrive. SBT GRVL is sold out for 2025, while OTGG and BWR Montana continue to attract strong registrations. These successes highlight the power of strong branding and community engagement.However, not all events can weather the competition. Lost and Found, a beloved gravel event in California, saw a 10 percent increase in entries after moving its date away from Unbound Gravel. Billy Sinkford, communications director for the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, notes the importance of adapting to avoid direct competition.Core4, an Iowa gravel race, adopted a different strategy. Race director Alex Buhmeyer focused on creating a high-quality, approachable event tailored to regional participants. "We did a lot of promoting in neighboring Midwest states and larger cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City," he says. By targeting a less-demanding audience, Core4 achieved steady growth despite sharing a date with SBT GRVL.

Towards a Collaborative Future

While a centralized gravel calendar may be impractical given the global nature of the sport, collaboration between series could provide a solution. Lauren De Crescenzo suggests that coordination between major events would be a step in the right direction. "As for a centralized gravel calendar, I’m not sure how feasible that is," she says, "but collaboration between series would be beneficial."In the meantime, riders and organizers must continue to navigate the evolving landscape of gravel racing. The sport's independence has fueled its growth, but it also presents challenges that will require innovative solutions to ensure its long-term sustainability.