Unbound Gravel 200 has the history but 'The Traka pushed me into entirely new kinds of discomfort' – Lauren De Crescenzo compares the two titans of gravel

Lauren De Crescenzo, a prominent figure in gravel racing, reflects on her experiences competing in two of the sport’s most significant events: Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas, and The Traka in Girona, Spain. Having participated in Unbound Gravel multiple times since 2019, including a solo victory in 2021, De Crescenzo regards the race as a pivotal influence on her career and a benchmark for all other gravel competitions. She aims to join the exclusive 1,000 Mile Club by completing her fifth Unbound in 2026, underscoring her deep connection to the event’s challenging Flint Hills terrain. De Crescenzo’s first encounter with The Traka, often dubbed the “European Unbound,” revealed stark contrasts between the two races despite their similar distances and prestige. While Unbound Gravel is characterised by a measured, cautious start with riders conserving energy before the long haul, The Traka begins aggressively with immediate climbing and technical descents in darkness. The race atmosphere in Girona also presented organisational challenges, notably a start-line mix-up that allowed amateur riders to precede and intermingle with the pro women’s field, complicating the competitive dynamic and highlighting ongoing issues in gravel racing regarding elite and amateur separation. One key distinction lies in the structure of the events. Unbound Gravel focuses on a single marquee race, the 200-mile event, which attracts the entire elite field and commands widespread attention. In contrast, The Traka splits its elite competition between a shorter 200km race and a longer, more demanding 360km event, dividing talent and creating two distinct racing narratives. This division influences race tactics and rider selection, with The Traka’s longer course blending ultra-endurance demands with technical European gravel, whereas Unbound offers a unified, all-in contest on broader Midwestern roads. The terrain itself further differentiates the two races. Unbound Gravel’s wide, open gravel roads allow riders to see and pass each other more easily, fostering a different style of racing compared to The Traka’s narrow, twisty routes. The Spanish course features a variety of challenging elements including steep ramps, sharp turns, river crossings, and urban sectors, demanding heightened technical skill and constant attention. These contrasting environments contribute to the unique physical and mental challenges De Crescenzo describes, with The Traka pushing her into “entirely new kinds of discomfort” beyond what she has experienced at Unbound. De Crescenzo’s observations underscore the evolving nature of gravel racing as it grows internationally, with events like The Traka introducing new formats and challenges that test riders in diverse ways. The organisational hiccups and race format differences also highlight ongoing discussions within the gravel community about how best to structure elite competition and maintain fairness. As gravel racing continues to expand, experiences like De Crescenzo’s provide valuable insight into the sport’s future direction and the varied demands placed on its top athletes.