Prestigious Unbound Gravel coming up, featuring many Dutch cyclists: here's what you need to know

Unbound is a gravel race in the United States, formerly known as Dirty Kanza. The race takes place in the region of Emporia, in the state of Kansas. The course through the Flint Hills is a whopping 320 kilometers long, and participants take approximately ten hours to complete it, although other distances are also available. The first edition of the race dates back to 2006, and will this edition will take place on Sunday, June 4th. This year, Garmin has become a sponsor of the event, which is now officially known as Garmin Unbound Gravel.

Prior to last year, Unbound's list of past was dominated by Americans. Last year, Dutch cyclist Ivar Slik won in the men's category, while the women's race was won by Argentinian rider Sofía Gómez Villafañe. In previous years, former professionals such as Ted King, Ian Boswell, Kaitlin Keough and Alison Tetrick also emerged victorious.

In 2022, Dutch rider Slik managed to win the race. In pouring rain, Laurens ten Dam initiated the final push together with Italian rider Mattia de Marchi. However, Slik made a solo breakaway with over a hundred kilometers remaining. It turned out the move was a bit too early, as some chasing riders caught up to him. In the end, Slik prevailed against Boswell and Keegan Swenson in a three-way sprint. Ten Dam finished fourth.

Compared to last year, some changes have been implemented. The most significant one is the introduction of the so-called aerobars. Last year, these were used by Slik and Gomez, among others. These are a type of time trial setup that is attached to the handlebars and can provide participants with an advantage. Additionally, the riders will start in different groups, and doping controls will also be conducted.

Looking at the start list of Unbound 2023, you will find many (former) professionals on the list. Among them, of course, are a lot of Americans, including Logan Owen, Kiel Reijnen, Peter Stetina, Alex Howes, Alexey Vermeulen and Boswell. Also on the list is Larry Warbasse, who recently competed in the Giro d'Italia for AG2R Citroën, as well as Australians Lachlan Morton and Nathan Haas. Nicolas Roche from Ireland and Paul Voss from Germany are also on the start list.

The Dutch Mafia, as the Dutch participants are called by the locals, consists of Ten Dam, defending champion Slik, Thomas Dekker - who has just recovered from a collarbone injury - and Jasper Ockeloen. AD journalist Thijs Zonneveld is also participating on behalf of BEAT Cycling. From a Belgian perspective, we look forward to the participation of Jan Bakelants. Niki Terpstra was supposed to participate as well, but he is dealing with an injury.

Almost all of the aforementioned names have a chance of winning Unbound (some more so than others, of course), but there are also a few specific riders who may not be as well-known in the Netherlands. For example, Swenson, who finished second behind Slik last year, is once again among the favorites. But names like Russel Finsterwald (USA), Mattia de Marchi (Italy), Brendan Johnston (Australia) and Adam Roberge (Canada) could also go far in the race.

Unfortunately, Unbound is not available to watch on TV, neither in Europe nor North America. Live updates of the race can be followed on Twitter (@UnboundGravel) and Instagram (@UnboundGravel). On Sunday morning, IDLProCycling.com will publish a comprehensive report covering the race and reactions.