On June 4, more than 1,000 gravel riders from across the globe converged on the small American town of Emporia, Kansas, for a race that has positioned itself as the crown jewel of gravel racing.
As the name implies, the Dirty Kanza 200 traverses approximately 200 miles of rolling terrain through the Flint Hills region of central Kansas. (This year’s course was actually 206 miles, so competitors got their money’s worth.)
What started as a niche event 11 years ago now attracts big names who duke it not for cash payouts, but for bragging rights to the titles of the king and queen of gravel racing.
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This year, former WorldTour racer Ted King decided to try his luck and came away with the win.
Many of his competitors crumbled under the oppressive midday heat and strong headwinds, including fellow Cannondale rider Tim Johnson and last year’s winner, Yuri Hauswald.
Even with his main rivals out of contention, it still wasn’t a smooth road to victory for the 33-year-old. King fought back from three flats, and unlike his days racing for Cannondale-Garmin in Europe, he was obliged to change them himself. “That was my first time changing a flat with a thru-axle,” King mused after the race.
Complete bike specifications
- Frame: Cannondale Slate, size XL
- Fork: Lefty Oliver, 30mm travel
- Stem: Cannondale C1, 110mm
- Handlebar: Zipp SL, 44cm
- Brakes/shifters: SRAM Force CX1 Hydraulic Disc
- Front derailleur: N/A
- Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 1
- Cassette: SRAM X1, 10-42t
- Chain: SRAM PC-1170
- Crankset: SRAM with Quarq power meter w/44t chainring
- Pedals: Speedplay SYZR
- Front wheel: Lefty 50 hub laced to 28h Cannondale Slate alloy rim w/DT Aerolite spokes
- Read wheel: Formula 142x12mm laced to 28h Cannondale Slate alloy rim w/DT Aerolite spokes
- Front tire: Schwalbe G1, 650b x 38mm
- Rear tire: Schwalbe G1, 650b x 38mm
- Saddle: Fizik Tundra
- Seatpost: Zipp SL
- Computer: Garmin Edge 1000 w/Bar Fly mount
- Accessories: Cycliq Fly 12 HD camera / light
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