The Power of the Pack: SBT GRVL Launches the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge - Redefining Women’s Racing
- James Ion
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Words James Ion - Photography provided by SBT GRVL
A New Dawn for Women’s Gravel Racing
Gravel racing has always been about more than just speed. It’s about grit, camaraderie, and the shared experience of riding through landscapes that challenge the body and inspire the soul. But for too long, women’s participation in competitive gravel racing has been a solitary pursuit, defined by individual effort rather than collective strength. That changes in 2025.
SBT GRVL, presented by Wahoo, the premier gravel event in the U.S., is making history with the first-ever GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge, a race designed to flip the script on women’s participation in the sport. More than just another competition, this event is a statement: women belong in gravel racing, not just as individuals, but as teams—riding, racing, and winning together.
More Than a Race, a Revolution
On June 29, 2025, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, will see an influx of female cyclists taking on the 80-mile, 5600-foot elevation gain course, where 85% of the terrain is pure, untamed gravel. But this isn’t just about who crosses the finish line first—it’s about fostering a new culture in women’s cycling.
SBT GRVL, in collaboration with Zwift’s Watch the Femmes movement, has structured the challenge to emphasize team-based racing. Riders will compete in groups of three or more, with the top three finishers from each squad contributing to the team’s overall score in a cross-country-style format.
The race isn’t just about podiums. With a $3,000 prize purse for the top teams and a $500 award for the most creative team theme, the event encourages both fierce competition and joyful participation. Whether pushing for the win or simply reveling in the ride, every participant will be part of something bigger than themselves.
Addressing the Gap: Why GRVL® Femmes Matters
The inspiration for the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge came from a startling realization: despite SBT GRVL’s strong history of female participation, far fewer women were signing up for the race compared to the recreational ride. When the 2025 format introduced separate race and ride days, most women opted for the ride, often hesitant to label themselves as ‘racers.’
Determined to change that, SBT GRVL reached out to female cyclists to understand their hesitations. The answer was clear: many women didn’t see themselves as racers and felt intimidated by the competitive atmosphere. To break down these barriers, SBT GRVL created a format that emphasizes camaraderie, mentorship, and fun, making racing a more welcoming experience.
“With the new GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge, we are continuing to elevate our commitment to women’s racing at all levels,” says Amy Charity, co-founder of SBT GRVL and former professional cyclist. “By creating a team structure, we’re encouraging amateur women to sign up with friends, support each other, and experience our iconic event with the thrill of racing in a more approachable way.”
Strength in Numbers: The Team-Based Approach
The team format brings multiple benefits beyond just competition. Women can sign up with friends or connect with new teammates, fostering a sense of community long before race day. Zwift’s partnership with SBT GRVL allows riders to train together virtually, strengthening bonds and building confidence.
“We see GRVL® Femmes as a way to build connected communities of female cyclists within the sport,” Charity explains. “Groups of women are reaching out for teammate suggestions, creating an environment where encouragement and support extend well beyond the race itself.”
Elevating the Experience: Race Day and Beyond
Race day at SBT GRVL isn’t just about competition—it’s a celebration. Media partners will spotlight GRVL® Femmes teams before, during, and after the event, sharing the stories of women who are stepping up to the challenge. Sponsor support has been overwhelming, with brands eager to highlight and uplift these competitors.
Special recognition will go beyond podium placements. The Unity Award, for example, will celebrate the team that best embodies teamwork—whether through their race strategy, shared history, or even their matching kits. “We’re encouraging teamwork, and that can be expressed in many different ways,” says Charity.
The GRVL® Femmes teams will race alongside age-group athletes and juniors in a mass-start format, ensuring that women of all experience levels feel fully integrated into the larger SBT GRVL experience.
Who Is This For? The Target Audience
SBT GRVL hopes to attract women who are new to racing—especially those who may have hesitated to compete in the past. The challenge is open to all ages, with riders ranging from juniors to women in their 70s signing up.
A unique aspect of the event is the inclusion of retired professional racers who will captain teams and mentor less-experienced riders. This creates an opportunity for newcomers to learn from seasoned athletes, making the competition not only accessible but also a learning experience.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Gravel Racing
The ultimate goal of the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge extends beyond this single event. SBT GRVL envisions a future where women make up 50% of the race start line, a groundbreaking milestone in gravel racing. While this might not happen in year one, the challenge is a crucial step in removing barriers and creating an inviting space for more women to race.
“We believe this competition will not only increase female participation in our race in Hayden, but also inspire more women to enter other gravel races across the country,” says Charity. “We know there are women who have spent years watching from the sidelines, and we want to invite them in.”
Join the Ride
For those ready to take part in this groundbreaking moment in women’s cycling, registration has reopened for amateur women’s teams. Whether racing for the podium or for the sheer joy of the ride, the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge is set to be a milestone in gravel cycling.
To learn more or to register, visit www.sbtgrvl.com.
PRO Gravel Magazine is committed to covering the evolution of gravel cycling and celebrating the stories that shape the sport. Stay tuned for more coverage on the GRVL® Femmes Team Challenge and other groundbreaking events shaping the future of women’s cycling.
awesome!