Who is riding Unbound XL? Maddy Nutt, Heather Jackson, Rob Britton and Peter Stetina among big names to watch in 350-mile race in Kansas

The Unbound XL, a grueling 356.5-mile gravel ultra race in Emporia, Kansas, is set to take place this weekend, drawing a strong field of notable riders despite the spotlight typically falling on the shorter Unbound 200 event. The XL race, which begins on Friday afternoon and runs through the night, challenges competitors with an unmarked, unsupported route that often takes nearly a full day or more to complete. Last year’s men’s champion, Rob Britton, returns to defend his title, while several other high-profile riders, including Peter Stetina and Maddy Nutt, have opted for the ultra-distance challenge. Rob Britton aims for back-to-back victories in the men’s race, with the absence of last year’s runner-up Lachlan Morton, who has chosen to compete in the 200-mile event instead, potentially easing Britton’s path. Peter Stetina, a seasoned gravel racer and former podium finisher at Unbound 200, will tackle the XL for the first time as he approaches retirement. Stetina has expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about entering the ultra-distance discipline, highlighting the unique mental and physical demands of racing through the night and battling sleep fatigue. On the women’s side, British rider Maddy Nutt is among the favourites after her impressive debut win at The Traka 560, where she set a new women’s course record. Although initially planning to compete in the Unbound 200, Nutt switched to the XL event, which is slightly longer than The Traka, signalling her readiness to embrace the challenge. She will face strong competition from former champions Heather Jackson and Svenja Betz, as well as former triathlete Ruth Astle, all of whom bring considerable endurance experience to the race. The Unbound XL field also includes several other accomplished ultra-distance and gravel specialists, such as Victor Bosoni, Taylor Lideen, and retired road professional Ted King. The race’s demanding nature and growing prestige within the gravel community continue to attract riders transitioning from traditional road racing or triathlon backgrounds, reflecting the expanding appeal of ultra-distance gravel events. With the race’s unique format and course, the event promises to test the limits of endurance cycling and mental resilience. As the Unbound XL unfolds, it will offer a compelling spectacle of endurance racing, with athletes pushing themselves over an extraordinary distance under challenging conditions. The event not only highlights the evolving landscape of gravel racing but also provides a platform for riders to showcase their stamina and strategic acumen. Coverage from the race is expected to provide insights into how these top competitors manage the physical and psychological rigours of such an extreme event.