The FoCo Fondo has joined forces with three independent Colorado gravel races to create the Colorado Summer of Gravel Series. Four races built on an omnium format with payouts for women, men and non-binary racers. Points and placings are separate to overall race results. i.e. You may be 118th place at CO2UT in the overall for the 125 mile race results but 7th Male SOG finisher and you would receive points based on the 7th place male finisher in the SOG standings.
From the organizers:
Summer of 2023 will see a new gravel racing series hit Colorado: Colorado Summer of Gravel. The series is a cooperative of four independent gravel races, showcasing the diverse terrain in Colorado and running from May to July. Signing up for the series includes receiving entries to all four events at a discounted rate, a chance at an overall $3000 prize purse split between men, women, and non-binary riders, as well as a parting gift for riders completing the entire series.
The series kicks off on the Western Slope in Fruita, Colorado at Co2uT, May 14th. With 100 miles and 5000 feet of climbing over the Book Cliffs, it’s the perfect season kick-off and an ode for an incredible summer to come.
From Fruita, riders will travel to the mountains for Telluride Gravel Race on June 10th. Coming in at 85 miles, it boasts an impressive 10,400 feet of climbing. The views will make up for all the heavy breathing at elevation, we promise.
July gives us a double whammy on the Front Range starting with Nederland’s Ned Gravel on July 8th at 60 miles and 7100 feet of elevation. It’s chunky, it’s challenging, and should not be underestimated.
Finally, the series wraps up in Fort Collins at FoCo Fondo on July 23rd. The series finally has 118 miles and 7400 feet of elevation on a largely fast and draftable course.
Points will be tallied at the end of each race. The points structure, rules, and current standings can be found at coloradosummerofgravel.com. The hopes of the series is to offer a more accessible, high-quality series to Colorado riders and showcase the range of amazing terrain our state has to offer. Registration opens January 17, 2023 at 8am MST.
