2016 Gravel Worlds
Grit, Growth, and Gravel Glory
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By 2016, Gravel Worlds had hit its stride. The event had found a home in Fallbrook on the north side of Lincoln and was growing into one of the most respected gravel races in the country. The field was deeper than ever, the roads were relentless, and the community spirit that defined the race was stronger than ever. Riders came from across the U.S. — some chasing a podium, others simply hoping to cross the finish line before the day was done.
The Course: Fast, Varied, and Unforgiving
The 2016 course covered roughly 145 miles of rolling Nebraska gravel, featuring a mix of well-packed sections, loose sandy roads, and the occasional minimum-maintenance doubletrack. The day dawned calm and cool, but it didn’t take long before the conditions turned classic Nebraska — dry, dusty, and hot. Riders fought through swirling dust clouds, headwinds, and the endless rhythm of climbs that make up Lancaster County’s terrain.
Rob Bell of the Panaracer Gravel Team described the course as “gritty, fast, and full of surprises.” His report detailed how the race demanded a balance of endurance and finesse — too aggressive too early, and you’d blow up; too cautious, and the pack would leave you behind. Each checkpoint brought a sense of relief and camaraderie, with volunteers handing out water, snacks, and a few laughs to keep spirits high.
The Race: Endurance Meets Strategy
From the gun, the front of the field set a fierce pace. Riders battled not only each other but the wind, the sun, and the mental fatigue of knowing just how far there was still to go. Groups formed and splintered across the hills north of Lincoln. Breakaways came and went, but as Bell noted, this was “a true gravel race” — one where self-sufficiency mattered as much as strength.
Back in the field, stories of perseverance defined the day. For many, Gravel Worlds wasn’t about chasing a jersey — it was about pushing personal limits. One first-time participant wrote on Bicyclincoln.org about hitting the wall near Malcolm, just past mile 85, exhausted and cooked from the wind. They ultimately climbed off the bike before the finish but still described the experience as “a success in its own way” — a testament to the challenge and spirit of the event.
That sentiment echoed across countless riders’ stories. Gravel Worlds has always been as much about community as competition, and 2016 perfectly captured that ethos. At every stop, there were riders helping riders — fixing flats, sharing tools, and encouraging each other to keep going.
The Champions
When the dust finally settled in Fallbrook, it was Rob Evans who stood atop the men’s podium — strong, steady, and unfazed by the conditions. On the women’s side, Kae Takeshita claimed the title, continuing her rise as one of the top endurance gravel racers in the country. In other categories, legends like Jay and Tracey Petervary won the tandem division, while Andrew Strempke and Gabrielle Shelton took top honors in the singlespeed categories.
Winners:
Male: Rob Evans 8:16:14
Female: Kae Takeshita 9:09:23
The Legacy of 2016
Gravel Worlds 2016 marked a new chapter. The event had grown from a small, scrappy Nebraska gravel race into something much larger — a gathering of athletes and adventurers who wanted to test themselves against the very essence of the sport. The competition was fierce, but the heart of Gravel Worlds remained unchanged: an open invitation to anyone willing to take on the miles, the wind, and the dust.
Rob Bell summed it up best in his race report: “It’s a true world championship for the people — a celebration of gravel, grit, and good times.”
2016 proved that Gravel Worlds had not only found its footing but had cemented its place as one of the defining events in American gravel cycling.
