'Riding to the start line is not a sacrifice, it's a gift' – One man's quest to cycle between America's 9 big gravel races

Canadian cyclist Alexis Cartier embarked on an extraordinary challenge in 2025, aiming to compete in all nine of America’s major gravel races, including the six-event Life Time Grand Prix series. Determined to minimise his environmental impact amid growing concerns about climate change, Cartier imposed a strict personal rule against flying or driving between events. Instead, he chose to cycle the entire distance, covering approximately 15,000 kilometres over seven months, effectively bikepacking across the continent to reach each race. Cartier’s journey was documented in the short film The Spirit of Gravel, which captures the physical and mental demands of his odyssey, as well as the stunning landscapes he traversed. Riding a single bike for the entirety of the trip—except for one rented mountain bike at Leadville—he faced a variety of terrains and weather conditions but maintained an optimistic and authentic spirit throughout. His approach highlights a growing awareness within the cycling community about the environmental costs associated with professional racing, particularly the reliance on motorised transport. In the film, Cartier reflects on the broader implications of his quest, challenging the traditional notion of sporting excellence. He argues that the act of riding to the start line should be embraced as part of the race experience rather than seen as a sacrifice. By rejecting air and car travel, he suggests that cyclists can reconnect with the essence of the sport—moving at a pace that allows for a deeper appreciation of the journey and the natural world. His philosophy emphasises personal standards and sustainability over competition and winning. Cartier’s message resonates as a call to rethink how cycling events are approached in the context of the climate crisis. His example encourages riders and organisers alike to consider more environmentally responsible ways to participate in and support the sport. While his method may be extreme for many, it presents a compelling vision of how cycling can evolve to align with ecological values without compromising the joy and challenge of racing.