2015 Gravel Worlds
A New Home, Big Names & Brutal Conditions
Results and Photos
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In 2015, Gravel Worlds took a bold step—relocating the start/finish to the Fallbrook neighborhood in north Lincoln, giving the event a home for the next 10 years to come. With that stable base, the race ramped up in prestige, drawing high-profile names and fierce competition.
The Conditions: Dust, Wind & Heat
From the outset, the 2015 edition proved punishing. The rolling start occurred in pre-dawn darkness, as riders lit up the path with headlights. Loose, sandy gravel soon dominated the course, forcing many to pick their lines carefully or suffer slides and slowdowns.
As the sun climbed, winds stiffened, especially on northern stretches where a strong southerly tailwind offered relief -- but potentially hid crosswind hazards around turns. Heat added to the suffering, turning the eastern Nebraska terrain into an oven. Riders described “20 mph headwinds” on some segments and constant tactical pressure from the elements and competition.
Winners & Highlights
Open Men: Neil Shirley took the top spot, reinforcing his status in the gravel world.
Open Women: Rebecca Rusch, a legend in endurance and off-road racing, claimed the women’s title with a time of 9:08:47.
Rusch’s win added prestige to the event—her reputation as a top-tier endurance athlete and champion in multiple disciplines made her victory a banner moment.
Of the 300 riders registered, only 142 finished the full 150-mile route, underscoring how brutal the course and conditions were.
Legacy & Significance
Gravel Worlds 2015 represented a turning point. Moving to Fallbrook anchored the event and launched a new era of consistency and growth. The presence of stars like Rusch and Shirley elevated the race’s credibility, drawing more national attention. Despite—or because of—the suffering, 2015 became a benchmark year: a proving ground for riders, and a reminder that gravel racing demands not only strength, but resilience, strategy, and heart.
