Unbound Gravel 2025: how to watch for free, schedules and favorites

On Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, the town of Emporia, Kansas, will once again become the global epicenter of gravel with the celebration of Unbound Gravel 2025, the most prestigious event on the international calendar of this discipline. In its 18th edition, Unbound Gravel will bring together thousands of cyclists, both professionals and amateurs, on the limestone roads of the Flint Hills, with routes that vary from year to year and are known for their toughness, elevation gain, and unpredictable terrain.

Where to watch Unbound Gravel 2025 for free?

The elite race of Unbound Gravel 200 can be watched live on Saturday, May 31 starting at 17:00 (CET) through the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel. There will be over seven hours of live coverage, from mid-race to the finish line and post-event interviews.

Dates and times for Unbound Gravel 2025 races

Friday, May 30

• Unbound XL (350 miles) - Start at 3:00 PM local CDT time - 10:00 (CET)

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Saturday, May 31

• Unbound 200 Elite Men - Start at 5:50 - 12:50 (CET)
• Unbound 200 Elite Women - Start at 6:05 - 13:05 (CET)
• Unbound 200 (mass start) - Start at 6:30 - 13:30 (CET)
• Unbound 100 - Start at 7:30 - 14:30 (CET)

Who are the favorites?

In the men's category for the 200-mile race, Keegan Swenson (USA) is one of the top names to watch. The 2023 champion has focused on reclaiming the title after a fall in 2024. Other contenders include Petr Vako? (Czech Republic), second in 2023 and in great form after winning The Grallach; Tobias Kongstad (Denmark), recent winner of The Traka 360; and Matthew Beers (South Africa), with solid previous results but no top 10 finish in Emporia yet.

Outsiders like Peter Stetina, Alexey Vermeulen, or Brendan Johnston are also in the mix, while figures like Lachlan Morton (winner in 2024) are taking on the challenge of Unbound XL.

For the Unbound 200 in the women's category, defending champion Rosa Klöser (Germany, Canyon-SRAM) arrives under pressure after her victory in 2024 and recent move to professional road racing. She will face tough competition from riders like Sofia Gómez Villafañe (Argentina, Specialized), 2022 champion and winner of The Traka 200 in 2025, or Karolina Migo? (Poland, Rose), current champion of The Traka 360 and Gravel Locos.

Firm contenders also include Paige Onweller, third in 2024; Axelle Dubau-Prévôt, fourth in The Traka 360; and legends like Annika Langvad, returning to gravel after her triumphant return to MTB by winning the last Cape Epic.