'Rainstorm came in and changed everything' - Peter Stetina and Ted King crash out of Unbound XL while Lachlan Morton is the first casualty in 200-mile race

The 2026 Unbound Gravel races in eastern Kansas were dramatically affected by an overnight rainstorm that transformed the course into a treacherous mix of mud and standing water. This sudden change in conditions led to several high-profile withdrawals and crashes across both the 200-mile Unbound Gravel and the longer Unbound XL events. Notably, Lachlan Morton, the 2024 Unbound Gravel 200 winner, was the first major casualty, pulling out after a crash shortly beyond the 50-mile mark. Despite riding in a strong position within a chase group just behind the leaders, Morton was forced to abandon the race due to the hazardous terrain. French rider Romain Bardet, competing more for experience than victory, also withdrew near the halfway point of the 200-mile race. Bardet, who had been riding near the front, cited the challenging weather and muddy conditions as factors in his decision to stop. His exit underscored the brutal impact the rain had on the race, which saw many contenders struggle to maintain pace and mechanical reliability on the slippery prairie roads. The Unbound XL race was equally affected, with former champions Peter Stetina and Ted King both suffering serious crashes in the worsening conditions. Stetina described a heavy fall in deep mud after a rainstorm hit at night, resulting in a significant knee injury that forced him to seek hospital treatment. King, the 2018 Unbound Gravel 200 winner, also ended up in hospital with a similar knee wound. Both riders’ injuries highlight the extreme risks posed by the course in such adverse weather, with mud and darkness compounding the challenge. The rainstorm not only caused physical injuries but also disrupted race dynamics, breaking up groups and forcing riders to make difficult decisions about continuing. Stetina noted how the storm changed the composition of the lead group, with some riders stopping to resupply while others pressed on in increasingly hazardous conditions. The event saw 133 men and 67 women start the 200-mile race, but many competitors were unable to finish due to crashes and mechanical failures exacerbated by the weather. Looking ahead, the 2026 Unbound Gravel races have once again demonstrated the unpredictable and punishing nature of gravel racing, especially under severe weather conditions. Organisers and riders alike will need to consider how to better prepare for such challenges in future editions, while fans can expect thrilling but often unforgiving competition in the heartland of American gravel cycling. Updates on other riders’ progress and withdrawals are expected as the weekend continues.