2014 Gravel Worlds
YEAR 5 OF THE GRAVEL WORLDS
The 2014 edition of Gravel Worlds, held on August 23, marked the second and final year the event started and finished at Conestoga State Park, just south of Lincoln, Nebraska. This year's course featured a clockwise loop around Lincoln, passing through towns like Garland, Malcolm, and Hickman, and introduced a significant challenge with elevation gains exceeding 10,000 feet for the first time in the event's history.
Course and Conditions
The 150-mile route offered a mix of gravel roads and minimal maintenance routes, providing riders with a true gravel racing experience. The course was notably challenging, with strong headwinds and variable conditions testing participants' endurance and navigational skills. As one participant noted, "I thought to myself, ‘How in the world are people going to race this course if it’s already difficult enough to drive?’"
Winners
Male Champion: Dan Hughes – 9:05:07
Female Champion: Monika Sattler – 9:38:00
Several time Dirty Kanza winner, Dan Hughes, took the win for the men. Karen Borgstedt and Andrea Cohen took the combined win in the women’s category in 10 hours, 36 minutes.
Community and Legacy
Gravel Worlds 2014 continued the event's tradition of fostering a sense of community among participants. Riders from various backgrounds came together to challenge themselves and support one another, embodying the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines Gravel Worlds. The event featured mandatory pit stops where riders had to purchase a Powerball ticket, adding a unique and lighthearted element to the race.
This edition further solidified Gravel Worlds' reputation as a premier gravel cycling event, setting the stage for future growth and expansion.
Results
Sadly, the full 2013 results have been lost in the chaos of history. We will update results when they are found.
