SBT GRVL, billed as ‘a world-class gravel bike experience presented by Canyon Bicycles’, has cancelled the 2020 event due to Covid-19 concerns.
Based on guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal, state and county governments, and after discussions with local authorities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the SBT GRVL team determined the safest scenario for the community will be to cancel the event this year.
“The SBT GRVL experience remains rooted in our core values including safety, fun and credibility,” says Mark Satkiewicz, co-founder and race director of SBT GRVL. “Taking these values into account, it became clear to us that the required changes needed to keep every rider, spectator, volunteer, sponsor, vendor and members of our local community safe would result in a significantly compromised version of the SBT GRVL experience.”
Participants who signed up for one of the four distances in the 2020 event have the option to defer to 2021 or receive a race refund. Participants wishing to defer to 2021 will not need to do anything at this time. Participants wishing for a refund will need to reach out via email to info[at]sbtgrvl.com.
The SBT GRVL team adds that it remains committed to keeping the gravel community connected and providing an experience to look forward to on August 16th, the originally planned race date. Working with sponsors and pro athletes in different regions, the SBT GRVL team is introducing SBT VRTL.
This is positioned as ‘a localized plan to connect people all over the world and ride one of the four distances of SBT GRVL together, while apart.’
The SBT VRTL experience will be free and open to everyone to participate. Regional routes will be created for all four distances, to find and follow using Ride with GPS. There will be prize giveaways from sponsors and opportunities to continue to support advocacy partners.
SBT VRTL will continue to work with its sponsors, including Canyon Bicycles as the presenting sponsor.
Blair Clark, President of Canyon Bicycles said, “The team at SBT GRVL showed courage to postpone their event which in its introductory year, set a new standard in gravel events: a race, a community gathering and a party done on a world class level putting the riders safety first.
“As the title sponsor we fully support their decision and we are excited to work with them for years to come. On a personal level, it was something I was really looking forward to doing, but when it happens again in the future, it will be such a sweet appreciation.”
Silver level sponsors of the event include: Colorado Come to Life, ABUS, SRAM, Stages Cycling, GU, ZIPP, ROKA, Smartwool, The Paoli Group, OtterBox, Alpine Bank, iKOR, CTS, Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, Panaracer, Primal, Chamois Butt’r, Orange Seal, The Feed, BOCO Gear, Feedback Sports, Town of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Mountain Resort and Steamboat Wyndham Resorts.
Bronze sponsors include: Mountain Tap Brewery, Yampa Sandwich Co, Celestial Seasonings, CAA, People for Bikes, Groove Silverthrone, APIDURA, 305 Spin Inc., Simple Canvas Pants, Splats Sunscreen, Muc-Off, Altra, Steamboat Coffee Company, SANS, Bike Flights, Old Town Hot Springs, Bubs Naturals, Ride with GPS, Amp Human and Yakima.
“Brian Vaughan, Chief Endurance Officer at GU Energy Labs said, “Like so many folks in the endurance community, we were looking forward to this year’s SBT GRVL experience and all that it offers. We live for these events and the opportunity to support athletes as they challenge themselves on the beautiful gravel roads around Steamboat.
“It’s disappointing to hear that the 2020 edition will be cancelled, but we totally understand that the SBT GRVL team made the responsible choice. We believe that movement is essential, and racing with our friends at events like SBT GRVL feeds our need to move. As a family owned business, we know first-hand that short term sacrifices are essential for long term gains and happiness.”
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