No Drafting: Life Time Grand Prix Drops a Bombshell Rule Change

Words James Ion - Photography Wil Matthews

Breaking News from the Sea Otter Classic

We were in the room when it happened. At the Sea Otter Classic press conference, Life Time’s Kimo Seymour dropped a game-changing announcement: no more drafting outside your category in the Life Time Grand Prix. The revelation has caused a stir through the gravel community, marking a major shift in race strategy for the 2025 season.

A Major Shift for Gravel Racing

The new rule eliminates one of the most controversial tactics in gravel racing—drafting off riders outside of your category. For elite racers, particularly in the women’s field, this is a seismic shift.

The Biggest Impact: Pro Women’s Field

For years, pro women have used male riders—both amateur and pro—as draft support, sometimes even employing teammates to draft behind. With this rule change, that strategy is dead. No longer will women’s contenders be able to latch onto fast-moving men’s groups to gain an edge. Most importantly it creates a level playing field for the women’s peloton.

This move follows Life Time’s efforts to professionalize gravel racing while keeping it fair. Last year’s staggered start at Unbound Gravel, which gave the pro women a 25-minute head start on the amateur men, was a step in that direction. It worked—mostly. While the lead group of pro women stayed clear, some blending still happened in the chase packs.

What’s Next? Testing at Sea Otter Classic

Kimo Seymour made it clear: Sea Otter Classic will be the perfect race to test the new rule and iron out any kinks. The race’s structure—separating the pro fields from the amateurs—makes it an ideal proving ground.

But there’s still one big question: How do you enforce it?

“We have thought about this for a long time, and I have always challenged my team with the question—how do we enforce it?” Seymour said. “We hopefully have a way, but it will have to be tested.”

Life Time is expected to release the full details of the drafting ban in the coming days, and PRO Gravel Magazine will be covering every update. One thing is certain—this rule will change the game.