'Dutch cowboys' Ten Dam, Dekker, Terpstra, Zonneveld, and more are gearing up for well-attended Unbound

Unbound Gravel continues to gain prestige each year, and this edition is no exception. A quick glance at the participants' list confirms this: the 320-kilometer course is brimming with both well-known and lesser-known (former) pros, all converging from various corners of the globe to Emporia — the race's starting and finishing point.

First and foremost, let's delve into the so-called "Dutch mafia," a term coined for a group of Dutch participants over the years. Laurens ten Dam, often hailed as the "godfather" of Dutch gravel culture, naturally leads the pack. However, joining him are Niki Terpstra, Thijs Zonneveld, Jasper Ockeloen, Thomas Dekker, Ivar Slik, and others, who have all ventured to America in his wake.

Some of them had already participated in races like Gravel Locos and Gravelicious, but in between, they were also confronted with a scare. Swallow, Unbound's first foreign winner two years ago, was involved in a collision with a car during a training session and sustained injuries. "We received some unfortunate news from America. Yesterday, our friend Ivar collided with a car during a group training ride around Bentonville. He was transported to the hospital unconscious, and it was discovered that he had sustained several injuries," shared cycling friends Zonneveld, Ockeloen, and Terpstra after the incident. "He suffered a severe concussion, a broken nose, a small crack in his skull, and numerous bumps, scrapes, and cuts."

Meanwhile, the Dutchman is recovering well, as Zonneveld shared on his podcast 'In het Wiel'. His father is by his side, and he has already resumed physiotherapy. Moreover, he's regained his sense of humor. In the crash, Zonneveld himself was struck by his biking companion's bike but escaped with only a scare (and stitches). Unfortunately, Slik will not be participating in Unbound; however, his three companions will be at the starting line.

Just a few days prior, the North Hollander finished fifth in the Gravel Locos race, won by Canadian Julien Gagne. Terpstra (second), Ockeloen (fifth), and Ten Dam (ninth) also secured top-ten finishes. Zonneveld encountered difficulties with three flat tires, preventing him from contending for prizes. "It was a tough and intense race. The downside: I fell behind the lead group due to three flat tires. The upside: I still felt strong," he posted on social media after the race.

Ten Dam shared an extensive race report on the course on his website LSRF. "Gravel Locos is something we eagerly anticipate every year. It's just an atmosphere where, for us Dutch cowboys, it feels like we're on the set of a Western movie. But it's authentic, and we savor every minute of it."

"The Dutch Mafia was out in full force, but the weather wasn't cooperating. Due to heavy rain and subsequent flooding, the course had to be shortened by 15 kilometers to 237 kilometers. Consequently, the peloton kicked off as if chased by the devil, amidst rumors that not only would the Dutch Mafia ride in unity, but also the French-Canadian riders in response to the Dutch.

After just 33 kilometers, Lau suffered a puncture, forcing him to chase for 35 kilometers. Just when he managed to bridge the gap, several riders surged ahead. Eventually, another group formed, leaving behind a leading pack of eleven riders, from which the eventual winner emerged. An unknown rider clad in black seized the opportunity, benefiting from being the dark horse. With his capabilities unknown, he led the race for a hundred kilometers," they referred to Gagne. "Niki emerged as the best of the rest, while LtD was content with his ninth-place finish."

A few days later, Gravelicious was won by another Dutchman, namely Ockeloen. Other Dutch riders on the (provisional) start list include Piotr Havik, Lars Loohuis, and Joris Nieuwenhuis.

In Unbound on Saturday, however, the competition appears quite different for the men from the chilly country. For instance, gravel world champion Matej Mohoric will be participating, amidst his preparation for the Tour de France. Matevz Govekar and Lukasz Wisniowski are also competing for Bahrain Victorious, marking the first time a professional team has sent a substantial delegation to Kansas.

"It's significantly longer than last year's gravel world championships," stated Mohoric, who is making his comeback after a fall in the Tour of Flanders. "It's double the distance, double the time, and double the altitude difference, so it's more suited for riders with greater endurance. I'm not certain how I'll stack up against the competition, but I'll certainly give it my all and relish the opportunity to ride in the rainbow jersey as the current world champion. It will be a unique experience that comes once in a lifetime. I'll make the most of it because, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what to expect."

The Belgians are well represented in Kansas, as in previous years. Alongside Jan Bakelants, former Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet, Lawrence Naesen, Ruben Apers, Seppe Odeyn, Arthur Eeckhout, Daan Grosemans, and even former soccer player Jelle Van Damme (formerly of Ajax, Anderlecht, and Standard Liege) are also on the start list.

Van Avermaet is undoubtedly the most prominent name. The former BMC rider, among others, is embarking on his first year of gravel racing, riding for the Last Dance Cycling team managed by Martin Velits. The team also includes Petr Vakoc, the former Quick-Step rider who has been competing in gravel events for several years.

"I'm enjoying it, but it's quite challenging," Van Avermaet mentioned to CyclingWeekly. "It still demands a lot of hours, and I have to balance it with other commitments. From what I've seen in pictures, the course at Unbound features quite large stones, which makes me a bit apprehensive. You have to ride cautiously, something I've managed well on the road. In thirteen editions of Paris-Roubaix, I've only had one puncture. Additionally, the distance is daunting because it requires meticulous planning. I underestimated that aspect, but I'll be prepared."

Other former WorldTour pros on the start list include Ted King, Nicolas Roche, Paul Voss, Daniel Oss, Peter Stetina, Alex Howes, Nathan Haas, Chad Haga, Ian Boswell, Lachlan Morton, Sebastian Schönberger, Logan Owen, Asbjorn Hellemose, and Alexys Brunel. Freddy Ovett, Mathieu van der Poel's training buddy in Spain, is also among the competitors. Last year's champion, Keegan Swenson, will naturally be present to defend his title on Saturday.