Lauf Gravel Worlds Announces $150,000 Prize Pool
17th edition of Lauf Gravel Worlds Announces Record-Breaking $150,000 Pro Prize Pool, Major Safety Investments, Free Junior’s Racing, and Free World-Class Live Coverage
Lauf Gravel Worlds today announced a historic $150,000 professional prize pool, sponsored by GOODLIFE Nutrition, divided evenly between men and women and paid 10 deep—making Gravel Worlds the largest single-day prize purse in all of gravel cycling. The event will also deliver free, world-class live coverage on the Gravel Worlds YouTube channel and Outside TV, while also rolling out Free Junior’s entry and significant new safety measures that benefit every rider on course.
GOODLIFE Nutrition’s sponsorship of Gravel Worlds’ $150,000 prize pool marks a major milestone for both the event and the brand. As a Lincoln-based company, GOODLIFE Nutrition is investing directly in the sport it loves, helping to make Gravel Worlds the largest single-day prize purse in gravel cycling. By supporting both men’s and women’s professional divisions equally, the company reinforces its commitment to fairness, performance, and the growth of competitive cycling. This sponsorship also reflects GOODLIFE Nutrition’s broader mission to fuel athletes of all levels while celebrating and strengthening the local endurance sports community.
This expanded investment in the pro field is designed to also elevate the experience for the 99% of riders who are there to ride, with course marshals at every stop sign and additional law enforcement on course—a level of support that raises the bar for gravel racing safety.
“We’re proud to be leaders in moving our sport forward,” said Jason Strohbehn, Lead Promoter of Gravel Worlds. “But this isn’t just about the pro race. We’re using the pro field to make Gravel Worlds better for the everyday rider—by increasing safety, expanding our expo, adding more on-course resources, and elevating the entire experience for everyone who shows up to ride.”
Gravel Worlds also announced Lelan Dains as the event’s Maestro of Gravel, overseeing key logistics of the professional race. A legend of the sport, Dains helped build Unbound Gravel through its meteoric rise and is an inductee of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame.
“I’m excited to be back in the sport and to help a truly legendary event take its next step,” said Dains. “Gravel Worlds has always pushed boundaries while respecting the more traditional aspects of the sport, and this next chapter is something special.”
The investments in the pro field will also increase the on-course and finish line experiences for all riders. On-course services will be increased with no more than 30 miles between water and fully stocked aid stations for the premier 150 course. Increased efforts on entertainment throughout the week and at the First2Last Party which celebrates the riders finishing after dark attempting to make the 9:59:59 cutoff time. From the front of the pack to the final finisher, Gravel Worlds continues to double down on inclusivity and experience.
“I’m beyond thankful that these changes will increase the experience for every single rider,” said Hannah Shell, First to Last Coordinator. “And I can promise you, the last place party is going to be absolutely next level.”
For 2026 Gravel Worlds and GOODLIFE Nutrition are also investing in the next generation of the sport by making Junior’s races free. All U18 categories of the 75-mile and non-competitive 35-mile distances will be Free. U23 categories of the 150-mile distance will only be $50.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue supporting young riders as they find their way into gravel cycling,” said Sofia Gibson, Assistant Lead Promoter of Gravel Worlds. “By offering free and discounted entry to our junior categories, we’re lowering barriers to participation and helping build a stronger future for the sport. Investing in young athletes today is how we ensure gravel cycling continues to grow in healthy, inclusive ways tomorrow.”
Gravel Worlds has evolved into a full week of festivities, beginning Tuesday with a Short Track MTB race, followed by a two-day industry expo, Friday’s USAT Triathlon Gravel National Championships, Saturday’s bike events, and Sunday’s Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon run—cementing Gravel Worlds as one of the most diverse and inclusive endurance celebrations in the world.
Summary
- Free Entry to Juniors in 75-mile distance and discounted U23 in 150.
- Added safety and experience to the general field with stop sign marshals and more stops on the course.
- $150,000 Prize Pool 100% sponsored by GoodLife Nutrition About Gravel Worlds
Celebrating its 17th year in 2026, Lauf Gravel Worlds has grown from a grassroots gathering of adventurous riders into one of the most influential gravel events in the world. Built on the principles of inclusion, self-reliance, and community, Gravel Worlds has always existed to celebrate the spirit and history of gravel cycling while challenging what the sport can become.
As the event continues to evolve, its purpose remains unchanged: to honor where gravel came from, elevate the experience for every rider, and push the sport forward in meaningful, rider-first ways.
About Gravel Worlds Foundation
Founded in 2025, the Gravel Worlds Foundation serves as the nonprofit arm of Gravel Worlds, created to be a magnifying glass for the generosity of the gravel community. The Foundation exists to turn participation into impact—supporting cycling, running, and fitness-related causes while reinvesting directly into communities that make the sport possible. Through rider support, partner commitments, and event initiatives, the Foundation ensures that Gravel Worlds leaves a lasting legacy well beyond race weekend. Gravel Worlds Foundation donated over $98,000 in 2025 and will match $50,000 in donations made through the GWF.
About 1000 Women of Gravel Initiative
In 2026, Gravel Worlds will again pursue its 1000 Women of Gravel initiative, an effort designed to encourage and celebrate women’s participation across all aspects of the event. For every woman who attends or volunteers, $10 will be donated to NICA GRiT Nebraska, supporting programs that empower young women through cycling. The initiative reflects Gravel Worlds’ commitment to growing inclusivity in the sport while helping foster and fund the next generation of cyclists.
For more information, visit gravelworlds.com and follow along on Gravel Worlds social channels.
Sun Jan 25 - 4am, 9am, 3pm EST
