{"id":237662,"date":"2026-04-09T19:56:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/09\/brendan-johnston-alexis-skarda-win-titles-at-utahs-salty-lizard-unbound-winner-to-race-new-pulaski-mtn-x-maap-launches-u23-initiative-gravel-bits\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T19:56:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:56:49","slug":"brendan-johnston-alexis-skarda-win-titles-at-utahs-salty-lizard-unbound-winner-to-race-new-pulaski-mtn-x-maap-launches-u23-initiative-gravel-bits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/09\/brendan-johnston-alexis-skarda-win-titles-at-utahs-salty-lizard-unbound-winner-to-race-new-pulaski-mtn-x-maap-launches-u23-initiative-gravel-bits\/","title":{"rendered":"Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah&#8217;s Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative &#8211; Gravel Bits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-1826a398-bdc9-43ea-9c77-57c04c1fd1c7\">Brendan Johnston (Giant Bikes) and Alexis Skarda (Scott Bicycles-Q36.5) earned victories at Salty Lizard Gravel Race, using the opener in the Utah Gravel Series on April 4 as a tune-up for <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sea-otter-classic-gravel\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sea-otter-classic-gravel\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sea-otter-classic-gravel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sea Otter Gravel<\/a> next week.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/its-going-to-be-one-hell-of-a-ride-brendan-johnston-sets-off-in-4-000km-pursuit-of-fastest-known-time-from-perth-to-sydney\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/its-going-to-be-one-hell-of-a-ride-brendan-johnston-sets-off-in-4-000km-pursuit-of-fastest-known-time-from-perth-to-sydney\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/its-going-to-be-one-hell-of-a-ride-brendan-johnston-sets-off-in-4-000km-pursuit-of-fastest-known-time-from-perth-to-sydney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Johnston<\/a> finished in a time of 4:17:30, taking a 10-second margin ahead of Josiah Wildman (Respira). In the sprint for third Ryker Brand (Maybird-Formula 369) edged Ethan Shirey (Bear National Team), another 14 seconds back. The trio of riders behind Johnston comprised the men&#8217;s 19-29 podium.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-1826a398-bdc9-43ea-9c77-57c04c1fd1c7-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/alexis-skarda-and-maddy-nutt-anchor-new-q36-5-womens-off-road-racing-expedition-with-early-2026-objectives-at-the-traka-and-unbound-gravel\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/alexis-skarda-and-maddy-nutt-anchor-new-q36-5-womens-off-road-racing-expedition-with-early-2026-objectives-at-the-traka-and-unbound-gravel\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/alexis-skarda-and-maddy-nutt-anchor-new-q36-5-womens-off-road-racing-expedition-with-early-2026-objectives-at-the-traka-and-unbound-gravel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Skarda<\/a> covered the course in 4:34:17, good for the women&#8217;s title and 10th overall. Second in the women&#8217;s field, and first among the 19-29 women&#8217;s division was Alex Charles (MOG Squad), finishing 35:13 back. Another 26 minutes down was Lily Halvorson in third.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"inline-block w-2.5 h-2.5 ml-2\" fill=\"currentColor\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" viewbox=\"0 0 1000 1000\"><path d=\"M1000 100L500 900 0 100h1000z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Salty Lizard was held in Wendover, located in Tooele County on the border of Nevada and 120 miles west of Salt Lake City. The route remained in Utah with more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain through the Silver Island Mountains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Both Johnston and Skarda are part of the invitation-only field of elite riders in the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/life-time-grand-prix\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/life-time-grand-prix\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/life-time-grand-prix\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Life Time Grand Prix<\/a>, with the first of six races taking place in northern California next Thursday. Charles is set to take the start at Sea Otter Gravel among the women&#8217;s U23 field, while Brand and Shirey will compete in the men&#8217;sU23 field.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-imageGallery-HRVBUF72VUHMzKvuSCxaMh-RmhvcRH2l6xuUVHfR3IfMMWeGGim3GAE\" class=\"slice-container imageGallery-wrapper imageGallery-HRVBUF72VUHMzKvuSCxaMh-RmhvcRH2l6xuUVHfR3IfMMWeGGim3GAE slice-container-imageGallery\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"inline-gallery first-slide-only\">\n<p>Image <!-- -->1<!-- --> of <!-- -->2<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:hidden\" class=\"inline-gallery__items\">\n<div style=\"-webkit-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-transition:all 0s ease 0s;transition:all 0s ease 0s;-webkit-transform:translate(0%, 0);transform:translate(0%, 0);direction:ltr;display:flex;will-change:transform\" class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\">\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1633px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:71.58603796693203%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ncWcJUoBCtwzNkeQVuRdWR.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Salty Lizard Gravel 2026 women&#8217;s winner Alexis Skarda<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Kristopher Braunberger)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:940px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:100%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Salty Lizard 2026 lead men on scenic desert route in western Utah\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZW7g3pk97CnZschSaDsRR.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Salty Lizard 2026 lead men on scenic desert route in western Utah<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Kristopher Braunberger)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"elk-pulaski-mtn-x-gravel-race-debuts-september-26-with-unbound-200-champion-cameron-jones\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pulaski-mtn-x-gravel-race-debuts-september-26-with-unbound-200-champion-cameron-jones\"><span>Pulaski MTN-X gravel race debuts September 26 with Unbound 200 champion Cameron Jones<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-207e4370-947a-4dcc-b745-b1348b7be7e4\">Coming to the Blue Ridge Mountains on September 26 is a new gravel race, Pulaski MTN-X, located in southwest Virginia. Timed sections will be used to determine winners in three ride distances, with the 100-mile race offering $20,000, split evenly between pro women and pro men.<\/p>\n<p>Unbound Gravel 200 champion <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/at-the-half-way-point-i-was-four-minutes-behind-unbound-gravel-winner-cameron-jones-surpasses-keegan-swensons-record-time-at-the-white-rim\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/at-the-half-way-point-i-was-four-minutes-behind-unbound-gravel-winner-cameron-jones-surpasses-keegan-swensons-record-time-at-the-white-rim\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/at-the-half-way-point-i-was-four-minutes-behind-unbound-gravel-winner-cameron-jones-surpasses-keegan-swensons-record-time-at-the-white-rim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cameron Jones<\/a> (Scott Sports USA &#8211; RCC), who is from New Zealand, has confirmed participation, the race start located 35 miles from his US home base in Blacksburg.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-HRVBUF72VUHMzKvuSCxaMh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-HRVBUF72VUHMzKvuSCxaMh slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\"\/>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWhen I&#8217;m not traveling to races around the world, I live in the nearby town of Blacksburg. I can safely say it\u2019s some of the best gravel riding in existence,\u201d said Jones in a press release.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis will be a truly spectacular event, and I can\u2019t wait to join my fellow gravel racers on this challenging MTN-X course.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Courses have been designed by Scottie Weiss, a Pulaski resident who won a masters time trial world title in 2016 following a long career in road racing. The three routes at 30, 50 and 100 miles will be confirmed in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The event founder is Tim Miller, who was part of the organising groups for Tour DuPont and 2015 UCI Road World Championships. He is now the director of Pulaski County Sports &amp; Entertainment. Event management will be managed by Micah Rice, who also directs SBT GRVL and Valley of Tears Gravel.<\/p>\n<p>Registration opens April 20, with a free registration offered for individuals who submit an online event update form between April 9-19.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-maap-launches-future-of-off-road-racing-programme\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-maap-launches-future-of-off-road-racing-programme\"><span>MAAP launches &#8216;Future of Off-Road Racing&#8217; programme<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-892de5d5-81c7-413b-89aa-7349fb9e59ca\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:4663px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:68.69%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-1200-80.jpeg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-1024-80.jpeg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-970-80.jpeg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-650-80.jpeg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-480-80.jpeg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-320-80.jpeg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Payson McElveen shows off the new kit and setup for his 2025 campaign with Allied Cycle Works\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-1200-80.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-1024-80.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-970-80.jpeg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-650-80.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-480-80.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai-320-80.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai.jpeg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5BvpdMiub5ZtRSNGAoRai.jpeg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Payson McElveen has MAAP as a sponsor on his privateer off-road programme, shown here in his 2025 kit <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Payson McElveen \/ Allied Cycle Works)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-bd0e2b88-570d-40ae-89d0-4febeb148ef5\">A &#8216;Future of Off-Road Racing Fund&#8217; has been established by MAAP, an Australian cycling apparel brand, as part of a multi-year sponsorship with the Life Time Grand Prix. This programme will support two U23 athletes each year &#8211; one male and one female &#8211; in the US-based series of gravel and mountain bike races.<\/p>\n<p>The U23 athletes selected, a process yet to be disclosed by MAAP, will receive financial assistance and technical race apparel for the races in the Grand Prix, which include Unbound Grael 200 and Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The funding is backed by proceeds from sales of an exclusive MAAP Official Supporters Jersey will augment the fund.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Today, some young riders dream of chasing Unbound or the Life Time Grand Prix rather than XCO or road racing, so it\u2019s incredibly encouraging to see programs created to support that next generation of athletes,&#8221; <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/payson-mcelveen-unveils-film-about-once-in-a-lifetime-ride-finishing-242-miles-of-new-zealand-trails-with-25-000-feet-of-climbing-in-24-hours\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/payson-mcelveen-unveils-film-about-once-in-a-lifetime-ride-finishing-242-miles-of-new-zealand-trails-with-25-000-feet-of-climbing-in-24-hours\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/payson-mcelveen-unveils-film-about-once-in-a-lifetime-ride-finishing-242-miles-of-new-zealand-trails-with-25-000-feet-of-climbing-in-24-hours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payson McElveen<\/a>, who begins his fifth season in the Grand Prix this year and is among the top gravel racers supported by MAAP for his privateer programme.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I was an U23, I had a lot of interest in races like Leadville and other endurance off-road races, but it was often tough to rally support to pursue them. I was lucky to find a few sponsors at the time who also saw the incredible potential of these sorts of events right as the off-road boom was beginning, but it often still felt like an uphill battle.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The first Future of Off-Road Racing panel, comprised of athletes and industry experts, will gather on Friday, April 17, at 12:30 p.m. at the Sea Otter Awards Podium, part of the MAAP sponsorship activation at Life Time Grand Prix and a day after the first race of the series at the same California venue. The panel session can be attended by all Sea Otter patrons, with highlights integrated into the Grand Prix&#8217;s global media channels.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-37759241-b257-4fba-8666-fea9c9c175aa\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our gravel cycling coverage in 2026. We&#8217;ll be on the ground at the biggest races of the season, bringing you breaking news, expert analysis, in-depth features, and much more. <\/strong><\/em><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/sub24\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Gravel26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/brendan-johnston-alexis-skarda-win-titles-at-utahs-salty-lizard-unbound-winner-to-race-new-pulaski-mtn-x-maap-launches-u23-initiative-gravel-bits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brendan Johnston (Giant Bikes) and Alexis Skarda (Scott Bicycles-Q36.5) earned victories at Salty Lizard Gravel Race, using the opener in the Utah Gravel Series on April 4 as a tune-up for Sea Otter Gravel next week. Johnston finished in a time of 4:17:30, taking a 10-second margin ahead of Josiah Wildman (Respira). In the sprint [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":237663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-237662","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=237662"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237662\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/237663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=237662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=237662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=237662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}