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Good money, no team tactics and cute dogs: the rise of pro cycling freelancers

(www.theguardian.com)
36 points PaulHoule | 1 comments | 22 Oct 24 02:53 UTC | HN request time: 0.35s | source
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jsnell ◴[22 Oct 24 04:11 UTC] No.41911111[source]▶
Does anyone follow gravel racing? If I wanted to watch a couple of past races (ideally on YouTube) to see if it's for me, is there anything you'd recommend?

For context, I'd thought I wouldn't like pro cycling as a spectator sport, since my exposure to it was just from Tour de France and track cycling both of which I find somewhat ridiculous for different reasons. But I was totally riveted by the road races at the Olympics this year.

(Aside: What's up with the "cute dogs" in the title? The article body text has nothing to say about dogs.)

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matdehaast ◴[22 Oct 24 05:00 UTC] No.41911328[source]▶
Lifetime Grand Prix are the biggest right now. They have a series of 7 races that they are doing great media on. Start with Unbound, it’s the most prestigious
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1. Kon-Peki ◴[22 Oct 24 20:03 UTC] No.41918130[source]▶
I like it already!

Unbound athlete guide [1]:

"Special Note: The Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas is an extremely remote area. You will rarely pass through any towns, and there are no convenience stores between checkpoints. Always be aware of the distance to the next checkpoint and be prepared to travel that distance with the supplies you carry. Participants are solely responsible for their personal well-being, will have to make their own informed decisions, and suffer the consequences of those decisions. Please be aware... if you break down or become injured, it is YOUR responsibility to contact your support crew to come get you. DO NOT CALL US. WE WILL NOT COME RESCUE YOU. EVENT PROMOTERS AND SPONSORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND WELL-BEING. If you sign up for this event, make sure you have a support crew with a well thought out emergency backup plan. If you do not feel you are prepared to meet such a challenge, please consider a shorter route option."

Support crew info [2]:

"Support Crews are NOT allowed on course, except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. IF A SUPPORT CREW VEHICLE IS SPOTTED ON COURSE, THEIR RIDER WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. Providing support to a rider while on course goes against the self-sufficiency spirit of this event. It is unfair to other participants, and therefore will not be allowed."

[1] https://www.unboundgravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/202...

[2] https://www.unboundgravel.com/support-crews/