'That gave me so much confidence' - Gravel win over Nino Schurter and stacked field at The Hills fuels Bradyn Lange for success at Sea Otter Classic

Bradyn Lange has emerged as a formidable contender in the gravel racing scene, securing back-to-back victories in his recent spring outings. His latest triumph came at the Sea Otter Classic gravel race in Monterey, California, where he edged out Keegan Swenson in a tactical sprint finish. This win places Lange at the top of the Life Time Grand Prix leaderboard and underscores his growing prominence in the discipline. At 26, Lange balances his gravel ambitions with a strong background in mountain biking, wearing the elite men’s US gravel champion jersey and demonstrating consistent progress in the series. Lange’s rise has been marked by significant milestones, including a breakthrough national title last year that boosted his confidence and performance. Earlier this season, he claimed a solo victory at The Hills gravel race in Spain, a demanding 120km course with substantial elevation, where he notably outpaced mountain biking legend Nino Schurter. Beating Schurter, a ten-time World Champion and Olympic gold medallist, was a pivotal moment for Lange, providing a major confidence boost and validating his development as a gravel racer. His mountain bike skills have translated well to gravel, particularly in adapting to race dynamics and technical terrain. The Sea Otter Classic victory was characterised by a strategic two-up sprint against Swenson, a fellow mountain bike crossover and multiple Grand Prix race winner. Lange admitted he had not anticipated a sprint finish given the windy conditions and expected a decisive move on the final climb. Instead, he launched a late attack in the last 200 metres to secure the win, describing the experience as a significant confidence builder. His endurance and tactical acumen, honed through years on the World Cup mountain bike circuit and marathon events like Leadville Trail 100, have equipped him well for the rigours of gravel racing. Looking ahead, Lange plans to maintain a dual focus on gravel and mountain biking, aiming to compete in marquee events such as the Marathon World Championships and the Hero series later in the year. He will next line up at The Growler at Levi’s GranFondo, where he finished fifth last year, facing a strong field including Swenson, Alexey Vermeulen, and Matt Beers. Lange’s ability to blend his mountain bike expertise with gravel racing tactics positions him as a rider to watch as the season unfolds.