Oh My God! kickstarts Mississippi Gravel Cup p/b Lauf

160 socially distanced masked riders took on 25, 50 and 100 miles courses across a wide range of prizes categories in round one of the 2021 Mississippi Gravel Cup from Oxford, MS

local cyclist Bart Luther said "Having snowflakes in Mississippi was a bonus!"

Riders from all around Mississippi and even people from eight other states as far as Iowa and Colorado, enjoyed an inspiring ride.

Masked riders in waves of 50 set off on a journey through the many rolling hills of the Holly Springs National Forest. The course was characterized by rolling hills, fun descents, gorgeous forest views and well-packed gravel service roads.

The 100 milers conquered over 7,000 feet of elevation. The 25 and 50 mile courses were headed up with a ride leader, for the newly initiated or who wanted to explore gravel riding.

Riders experienced an awesome backroad gravel experience with Premium swag, a sick finishers patch, and fist bumps and socially distanced air hugs.

There were aid stations stocked with water, sports drink and assorted snacks, plus a post-race meal.

"We're really proud to bring people into our Mississippi communities and experience Mississippi on two wheels," said organizer Jason Shearer, "What we were excited and surprised to see was that those riders signed up in minutes," Shearer said. "Everybody was ready to get back on their bikes. So we were happy to see that they trusted that we had the right program in place."

"Seeing all the smiles, seeing all the exhilaration, I think sometimes competition is good for the soul, " local cyclist Bart Luther said "Having snowflakes in Mississippi was a bonus!

The race was capped at 160 riders due to COVID. Face coverings and social distancing are required while in common areas and Individually packaged snacks and individual bottled water at aid stations. Aid station volunteers required to wear face coverings and Individually packaged food and drinks for post-race

The podium prizes were awarded three deep in each category after every race.

Michelle Cheetseen was fastest in the women's 100 mile open category in a time of 7h 14m and Matthew Govero was fastest in the men's 100 mile open category in a timeof 5h 10m.

2021 Oh My God Gravel Race Results

Click here for the full results: https://bit.ly/3bCrdVV

About the Mississippi Gravel Cup Series

The series is the brainchild of three guys who love bikes and gravel: Matt Roland, Jason Shearer, and Landon Voller. They have spent the past several years riding gravel and watching how gravel racing has caught the interest of cycling communities around the country.

Each of the four races in the series will have 100 and 50-mile competitive distances as well as a 25-mile fun ride. Our goal is to make sure seasoned racers are challenged and those who may be new to the idea of riding off-road can have a great experience getting a little dirty.

The races are held in four very different parts of the state which allows riders to enjoy different terrains for each race. Between the varying grades of gravel and the ever-changing course conditions, these four races provide just about everything you could ask for in a gravel series. Add to that the unique culture and personality that comes with those who love this type of course and format, and you’ll find yourself in the perfect place for an exciting and inspiring ride! Check out each individual race for a rough description of the course and terrain, and then get ready for some gravel grinding fun!

There are four gravel races in the Mississippi Gravel Cup series:

January 9, 2021 - Oxford, MS
January 23, 2021 - Hattiesburg, MS
February 6, 2021 - Starkville, MS
February 20, 2021 - Bentonia, MS

For more information, please visit: https://www.ordinaryepics.com