SBT GRVL, one of the world’s premier gravel cycling events, has announced the introduction of a new team-based competition aimed at increasing female participation in gravel racing. The GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge will offer a $3,000 prize purse and additional spots for amateur women cyclists in its sold-out 2025 event, scheduled for June 29. The 80-mile (128 km) course, featuring a 5,600-foot (1,706 m) elevation gain, is predominantly gravel, with 85% of the route composed of dirt trails.
Developed in collaboration with Zwift’s Watch the Femmes initiative, the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge is designed to encourage camaraderie and collective achievement by allowing female cyclists to race as teams. Groups of three or more riders will compete using a cross-country scoring system, where the top three finishers from each team contribute to the overall score. The team with the lowest cumulative time will be declared the winner and will share in the prize purse.
“This new team challenge is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate women’s racing at every level,” said Amy Charity, co-founder of SBT GRVL. “We aim to inspire more women to participate in racing and to create a supportive community where female cyclists can excel.”
In addition to the main competition, the event will feature a $500 prize for the ‘Best GRVL® Femmes Team Theme,’ which will be awarded to the team that brings the most creative flair. The team challenge is open to both new registrants and women who have already signed up for the event’s Saturday ride.
Zwift, the virtual cycling platform, is also supporting the initiative by offering training opportunities for women leading up to the event. A new SBT GRVL Zwift club will host virtual rides, guided by guest athletes, to help participants prepare for race day.
Kate Veronneau, director of women’s strategy at Zwift, expressed excitement about the partnership: “There’s never been a better time to support women’s cycling. We’re thrilled to see SBT GRVL creating meaningful opportunities for women in the sport and are proud to contribute to the Watch the Femmes movement at this year’s event.”
The GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge is expected to offer a new and exciting opportunity for women cyclists to participate in the prestigious gravel event while fostering a sense of community and collaboration in the sport.
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