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Since its inception in 2019, SBT GRVL has been a trailblazer in promoting women’s participation in gravel cycling, consistently achieving a field of at least 30% women. However, with the introduction of a new format in 2025—splitting the event into a non-competitive gravel ride on Saturday and a race on Sunday—the organizers noticed a significant disparity in women’s participation between the two events. While many women signed up for the ride, far fewer registered for the race. To address this gap, SBT GRVL co-founder Amy Charity and director of marketing Ryan Steers launched two innovative initiatives: the GRVL Femmes team-based competition and the GRVL Captains mentorship program.
Understanding the Barriers
Through surveys, the SBT GRVL team identified key reasons why women were hesitant to race. Many felt intimidated, particularly younger riders, and believed that racing was reserved for elite athletes, not everyday cyclists. These findings highlighted a need to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in gravel racing.
GRVL Femmes: Racing as a Team
The GRVL Femmes competition is designed to make racing more approachable and fun by introducing a team-based format. Modeled after cross-country running meets, the competition allows teams of women to score points based on their placements in the amateur 80-mile race. The team with the lowest cumulative score wins. While teams can include as many riders as they like, only the top three finishers from each team contribute to the score. This structure encourages camaraderie and ensures that every rider’s performance matters, regardless of their position in the field.
The team-based approach not only fosters a sense of belonging but also provides motivation to train and race hard. Even if a rider isn’t vying for the overall win, their effort contributes to the team’s success, making the experience more rewarding and less intimidating.
GRVL Captains: Mentorship and Support
Recognizing that not every woman has a network of fellow cyclists to form a team, SBT GRVL introduced the GRVL Captains program. This initiative pairs riders with experienced mentors who guide them through the process of preparing for and participating in the race. The six Captains are accomplished cyclists with diverse backgrounds:
- Alison Tetrick: Road and gravel pro
- Ellen Noble: Former pro World Cup racer
- Christie Tracy: Former elite gravel racer
- Leah Thorvilson: Road pro
- Lani Woods: Adventure and long-distance cyclist
- Kate Veronneau: Zwift director of women’s strategy
Each Captain leads their own team and tailors their mentorship approach to align with their riders’ interests, goals, and pace. Activities may include shared Zwift rides, team meetings, and pre- and post-race events to build camaraderie and celebrate achievements. Riders can choose the Captain they feel most connected to, ensuring a personalized and supportive experience.
How to Get Involved
The GRVL Captains program is open to all women interested in racing SBT GRVL. While the event is already sold out, organizers have reserved 100 spots specifically for participants in this program. Over half of these spots have already been claimed, so interested riders are encouraged to sign up soon. Participation in the Captains program is free, with riders only needing to pay the standard race entry fee.
Looking Ahead
SBT GRVL’s initiatives aim to not only increase women’s participation in gravel racing but also to create a lasting impact on the sport. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the GRVL Femmes and GRVL Captains programs hope to inspire more women to take on the challenge of racing. Charity envisions expanding these initiatives to other events, such as RADL in Adelaide, Australia, and beyond.
Event Details
SBT GRVL 2025 will take place in and around Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on June 28 and 29. The Saturday ride offers a non-competitive experience, while Sunday’s race features the new team-based competition and mentorship opportunities. For more information or to sign up for the Captains program, visit sbtgrvl.com.
Conclusion
SBT GRVL continues to lead the way in making gravel cycling more inclusive and accessible for women. By addressing the barriers to racing and providing innovative solutions like the GRVL Femmes and GRVL Captains programs, the event is empowering women to embrace the thrill of competition and the joy of gravel riding. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-timer, SBT GRVL offers a welcoming and supportive environment to challenge yourself and connect with a vibrant community of cyclists.
