It was a milestone morning in Gering, Nebraska, as the inaugural USA Cycling Gravel National Championship kicked off.
Elite cyclists from coast-to-coast are vying for their share of the $60,000 prize purse.
This world class event spawned from an idea less than 12 months ago. Scotts Bluff County Tourism Director Brenda Leisy says following a sports convention in January, she made contact with directors for USA Cycling, who learned about the local Robidoux Rendezvous bike race.
“We had a request for proposal from USA Cycling, and of course my first calls were to Charlie (Knapper) and Aaron (Raines) and to see if they were up for it,” explained Leisy. “And since then we’ve built a really nice local group who totally intends on blowing this out of the water and making it one of the best USA events in Western Nebraska.”
Gering Visitor’s Bureau Director Karla Niedan-Streeks says this opportunity will allow us to truly showcase the beauty of our area and what Nebraska Nice is all about
“We pledged to USA Cycling and all of the competitors in the Gravel National Championships that they’ll experience a welcoming city with an energetic vibe and a rich cycling culture,” says Niedan-Streeks.
On Saturday morning, Niedan-Streeks told KNEB News this event is even more amazing than she could’ve imagined.
“I can not even tell you how many states I’ve seen that are being represented here this morning,” she said. A total of 192 bikers are competing in this year’s race.
Elite bikers are competing in the grueling 131 mile course spanning four counties in the Nebraska Panhandle, while other competitors are competing in smaller, but challenging courses.
One of those participants is William Hardin, who travelled to Gering from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He says he’s excited at being in the inaugural gravel championship- and hopes to earn a chance to qualify for the World Gravel Championships next month in Scottland.
Tourism officials say the local economic impact is being felt at our local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
“The reality of it is, is what’s most valuable for us as a community is that this is the first time the majority of those athletes will have been in Nebraska, western Nebraska, in Gering, and in Scotts Bluff County.” says Niedan Streeks.
Gering Parks and Recreation Director Amy Seiler says as the host City, Gering is really fortunate to showcase its amenities that it has invested in over the years.
The Gering Civic Plaza will be the go-to area for competitors and locals to meet Saturday afternoon and enjoy live entertainment, food, and beverage options.
For more information about this event, you can go to https://visitgering.com/usa-cycling-gravel-nationals/
