SCOTT Squad in Full Force at Unbound Gravel
It’s Unbound Gravel, and the entire cycling world turns its eyes to Emporia, Kansas, for the biggest gravel race in the world. This year, the competition is at an all-time high on the notoriously unforgiving course, making it a challenging day for everyone who lines up at the start line. Not only did the best gravel racers in the world battle for the crown, but thousands of amateur riders made the trip from near and far to take part in this epic day.
The SCOTT gravel squad showed up in force this year, bringing serious firepower not only for the Unbound 200 but also for the mind-bending Unbound XL—a 350-mile, unsupported race through the night. SCOTT athletes put it all on the line and came away with three podiums, including the Unbound 200 crown. Check out all their stories below and follow these incredible athletes.
Cameron Jones
“It was probably in my best interest to play it safe, but who am I kidding, I was just going to send it”
– Cam Jones
Photos: Jim Merithew // Kyle Thornhill
Cameron felt good in the days leading up to the race, having completed all of his training rides and tinkering with his bike setup as the weather constantly changed the course conditions. Even with the course shifting and wild speculation about how the race would play out, Cam stayed calm and composed, with one thing on his mind: the top step of the podium. Cam had never set his sights on anything other than the top step. It was only a matter of time before all the pieces would fall into place for a win! What a day for it all to come together!
Cam rode out of Emporia with the red sun hanging low in the sky. Not satisfied with the pace from the start, he bridged up to a small group ahead of him off the front of the pack. Then, he proceeded to ride right through them to join Simon Pellaud at the front of the race. They both understood the assignment and got to work establishing just over a one-minute lead into the first aid station. Clean through the aid station, and all fueled up thanks to pro hand-ups from Cam’s parents and the SCOTT Crew. The leading duo set a blistering pace, extending their lead to around eight minutes at one point!
As they closed in on the final 50 miles of the race, it was clear that Cam had no intention of getting caught and took over the bulk of the pace-making. There was nothing the chasing riders could do to pull Cam back as he hunkered down in his aero position and went to work. In the final miles, it was clear one of the two riders would win the biggest gravel race in the world. Cam had no doubt in his mind that it would be him and put the screws to his breakaway partner up the final climb, creating enough separation to enjoy a solo run down the finishing stretch to victory!
Cameron not only won the biggest gravel race in the world but also set a new course record and secured his spot in the Lifetime Grand Prix! The next stop is Leadville, where Cam will be right at home in the big mountains on his Spark RC!
Get to know the new Unbound Champion in Hunt for the Wildcard with Cameron Jones—Episode 1 follows Cam from his touchdown in California through his Sea Otter race day and more! Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we’ll share all the details of his Unbound victory!
Hannah Otto
“I was so close now that I considered just coasting in to the finish, but I looked behind and I saw a woman way down the road. I wouldn’t give up all that I had fought for. I put my head down and began my final effort to the finish.”
– Hannah Otto
Photos: Kyle Thornhill
Hannah Otto came into the Unbound 200 ready to push the pace—just as she did last year. She rolled out of Emporia as the sun rose over the Kansas hills, the tempo slowly ticking up until it turned into a full sprint as racers battled for position heading into the first rough double-track section.
Each time the race cleared a technical section, the pace would settle on the smoother gravel roads—only to spike again at the next stretch of double track, claiming victims along the way. Hannah was handling the rhythm well until a crash in front of her ended in a muddy faceplant and forced her into a hard chase to rejoin the group.
As the temperature climbed and the sun beat down, Hannah began to struggle—her body refusing to keep down fuel or fluids. Despite the setback, she pressed on, ticking off the miles one pedal stroke at a time, without the advantage of a group to ride with.
In a true show of grit, Hannah carried on and crossed the line in 17th place. Now, she’ll swap her Addict Gravel RC for a Scale RC as she sets her sights on the Leadville 100.
Brennan Wertz
Photos: Jim Merithew // Kyle Thornhill
The Gravel National Champ, Brennan Wertz, is no stranger to high-stakes gravel racing. He arrived in Emporia, Kansas early in the week to recon the course and get his legs ready for the brutal 200-mile effort on tap for Saturday.
The race started off well for Brennan, who used his experience and massive power to fly the Stars and Stripes at the front of the pack. But as every racer knows—some days everything clicks, and some days it just doesn’t.
Around the 100-mile mark, in the notorious Little Egypt section, Brennan hit a patch of sharp rocks and flatted. As the chase group rode away, he got to work fixing his wheel. He never panicked—just got back on the bike, put his head down, and pushed hard to the finish.
It wasn’t the day he had hoped for, but there’s no doubt Brennan will have plenty more chances this season to show what he’s made of.
Get to know the US National Gravel Champion in This is Gravel – Behind the Bike with Brennan Wertz. Discover what motivates Brennan and see the amazing bike that SCOTT designers built for him!
Robin Gemperle
Photos: Ri Ganey
Robin Gemperle is no stranger to long-distance racing—in fact, the 350-mile Unbound XL is actually one of the shorter events he’ll take on this year. The ultra-distance specialist, who won the Transcontinental Race last year in just 8 days and 23 hours, was ready for a new challenge in Kansas and set his sights on Unbound XL.
This year’s Unbound XL pro field featured more top-tier talent than ever before, but Robin approached the race with quiet confidence. He rolled out of Emporia with ease, staying with the lead group for the first 100 miles before stopping in Alma—a key resupply point—alongside another rider to refill water. Back on course and heading into the night, Robin was riding inside the top five.
With just 50 miles to go, Robin found himself shoulder to shoulder with Laurens Ten Dam in the battle for third. Not one to leave it to a sprint finish, Robin attacked on the final climb, pulling away to secure 3rd place in a time of just over 19 hours.
But Robin’s North American racing season is far from over. On June 13th, he’ll take on the Tour Divide—a 2,745-mile ultra-endurance race from Banff, Canada, to the U.S.-Mexico border. Stay tuned for updates and to follow Robin’s next big adventure!
Ryan Standish
Photos: Kyle Thornhill
Ryan Standish just can’t stay away from Unbound Gravel. He’s raced it five times and is known not only for his skill on the bike but also for his good vibes at the massive Unbound Expo. Ryan rolled out onto the familiar Flint Hills roads, but within the first hundred miles, a crash and injury forced him to pedal with one leg to the First Aid station—where he ultimately had to pull the plug.
It marked the first time Ryan didn’t finish the race, but there was a silver lining: he was able to celebrate at the finish line with teammate and friend Cameron Jones. We know Ryan will be back next year. In the meantime, he’s got some epic adventures planned—so stay tuned to SCOTT channels for more.
Check out Ryan's latest project, Why Wait – A Film by Ryan Standish , where he takes on two iconic trails in Southern Utah in one massive ride. It’s just the beginning of this athlete’s incredible story.
Iz King
Photo: Kyle Thornhill
Soon-to-be mom Iz King just can’t stay away from this race—she had to be part of the fun! This year, she took a new approach and pedaled the 50-mile course. But at seven months pregnant, we think she should’ve entered the tandem class—she was racing for two! In true Iz fashion, she crushed it, taking the top step in the 50-mile race and still had time to make it to the finish to celebrate with Cam.
Lukas Malezsewski
Photos: Kyle Thornhill
Of all the SCOTT athletes, Lukas had the longest journey to Emporia. Shortly after racing The Traka in Spain, the Belgian rider headed to Kansas to get some time on the Emporia gravel ahead of the race. His day was unfolding as planned—no big moves, just staying with the lead group and watching for opportunities that might suit him. But, as often happens, the flint-covered gravel of Kansas had other plans.
Lukas suffered multiple flat tires before reaching the second aid station, where SCOTT mechanics quickly swapped wheels and cooled him down with ice packs and water. He powered to the finish on fresh wheels and a fully fueled body.
While it wasn’t the result Lukas had hoped for, valuable lessons were learned—and the all-important first Unbound is now checked off. We’re looking forward to seeing him return next year, stronger than ever.
If you are one of the lucky ones who took on the Flint Hills last weekend, congratulations on your hard work; even lining up for this race is a huge task, and we salute your drive to push yourself and your bike in all the distances offered at the race. We hope to see you next year!
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