With gravel riding surging in popularity around the world and with many gravel-related events starting up in the United States, USA Triathlon has started up an eight-race Gravel Triathlon Series to go along with the first USA Triathlon Gravel National Championships set for June 3 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Rather than ride on paved roads or technical mountain-bike trails, the bike portion for these new events will be held on unpaved dirt roads, offering a “safer alternative to road cycling.” While gravel bikes will likely be used by most competitors, athletes can also use mountain or road bikes if they so choose.
“Gravel cycling is growing incredibly fast and the multisport community is positioned to take advantage of this trend by providing athletes with new and unique race formats and disciplines like gravel triathlon,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “USA Triathlon is proud to partner with local race directors across the country to create this exciting new series. As the National Governing Body for triathlon and multisport in the United States, we fully support gravel triathlon and other gravel multisport disciplines, and we look forward to being a part of its continued growth.”
USA Triathlon has set up a new set of rules for gravel events – you can see them here.
The new series will start in May and run through to October and include races in New Jersey, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado, California and Texas.
2022 USA Triathlon Gravel Series
May 15, 2022 – Jersey Gravel Triathlon – Hewitt, NJ
June 18, 2022 – The Theoi – Donnelly, ID
July 23, 2022 – Ugly Dog Gravel Tri – Chelsea, MI
July 31, 2022 – Stagecoach Gravel Triathlon – Steamboat Springs, CO
September 10, 2022 – The Gravel X Triathlon – Folsom, CA
September 25, 2022 – The Dirty Mitten – Middleville, MI
September 25, 2022 – XTERRA Laguna Beach – Laguna Beach, CA
October 23, 2022 – Brick House Triathlon – Navasota, TX
The national championships will be held in conjunction with the Off-Road National Championships, which will serve as a qualifying event for the Cross Triathlon and Cross Duathlon World Championships.
