Stephens to race Gravel Worlds this Saturday

August 18th, 2021

Lauren Stephens will squeeze in one more demanding gravel race on Saturday before shifting focus back to the road for the upcoming UCI Joe Martin Stage Race next week. The 34-year-old Texan has had an incredible gravel season so far this year with a win at Unbound Gravel and podiums at SBT GRVL, Iceland's The Rift and Rooted Vermont.

Lauren Stephens finished second at SBT GRVL last weekend. Photo/Linda Guerrette

After claiming second place at SBT GRVL just a few days ago, the US road champion will take part in the 11th annual Gravel Worlds in Lincoln, Nebraska, opting for the 75-mile category, or "Privateer." The laid-back, unique culture of the blossoming gravel scene has been fully embraced by Stephens, who loves the opportunity to wear her US national jersey whenever she can. On Saturday, she'll be sporting the stars and stripes in a 'shorter' distance than usual.

"I'll be racing the 75-mile distance on Saturday," Stephens said. "I'm keeping it shorter to be ready for Joe Martin Stage race starting next week."

"On Friday, I'm a part of a women's panel, followed by a women lead shake-out ride, which is open to all."

Stephens navigates some single track at SBT GRVL. Photo/Linda Guerrette

If you're in the area, be sure to visit the women's panel, all about women's-specific issues within the sport of cycling. The panel starts at 11 a.m., with the women's lead shake out ride to follow at noon. The ride will be led by Megan Hottman, The Cyclist Lawyer.

Stephens' 75-mile race begins on Saturday at 7 a.m. Route information and live tracking will be available on the race website, gravel-worlds.com.