Method 1 driver Valtteri Bottas competed within the SBT GRVL Pink race on Sunday in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, racing throughout the 60-mile course, whereas his associate, Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon-Sram), received the ladies’s Blue 100-mile race.
With Method 1 on its summer time break, Bottas determined to compete within the gravel race relatively than chill out, seemingly determined to get his racing repair. He traversed the gravel climbs to cross the road fourth total, 4 minutes behind the winner, however second in his division and first in his age group.
Bottas mentioned on Instagram (opens in new tab): “That was a enjoyable day trip! I completed 4th total out of 700+ riders on the 60mile purple course and 1st in my age group. This occasion is so cool.
“And Tiffany Cromwell the champ in ladies’s 100mile blue course.”
The 32-year-old additionally raced within the occasion final yr, ending fifth total and third in his age group.
Within the intervening interval, in Might, Bottas introduced he’s teaming up with SBT GRVL race organisers to create a gravel race in his native Finland for June 2023, known as FNLD GRVL. The race will welcome over 1500 gravel racers from the world over, with two totally different distances on provide to riders. (And Biking Weekly will likely be there!)
Cromwell completed the 100-mile Blue race in 4 hours, 56 minutes and 28 seconds, over 20 minutes faster than second place.
Cromwell mentioned on Instagram (opens in new tab): “One other incredible version of SBT GRVL involves an finish right here in Steamboat.
“Had a blast racing over these ‘champagne gravel’ roads. Pleased to take the victory for the ladies’s blue course after a robust day on the bike. As an added bonus, I even managed seventh total from the greater than 800 starters throughout the assorted race classes who did the 100mi/160km blue course.
“Nice to see Valtteri Bottas win his age group (30-39) for the 60mi/100km purple course and 4th total.”
The Canyon-Sram rider accomplished the gravel trip simply weeks after ending the Tour de France Femmes. At that race, Bottas was noticed appearing as his associate’s soigneur and likewise seen supporting her within the opening levels of the occasion.
Since ending their respective gravel races, the pair have since posted a video to social media of them driving round the US, although this time on the street relatively than on gravel.
The SBT GRVL race additionally attracted different names outdoors of biking, together with Basketball Corridor-of-Famer Reggie Miller. The 56-year-old raced throughout 100 miles, ending with a time of 5 hours, 46 minutes and 23 seconds.