Swenson and Batten burn bright in Monterey as the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix begins with a bang

Monterey, California | Thursday, April 10th

Words James Ion - Photography provided by Life Time Grand Prix

CROWNS & CONTENDERS

The climb up Lookout Ridge wasn’t just steep—it was a launchpad. And Keegan Swenson had a rocket in his legs.

The Sea Otter sun broke over Laguna Seca with golden promise—but by day’s end, it was red-hot legs and blistering breakaways that set the stage for the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix. With a new gravel-forward format, this year’s Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental marked a bold shift in terrain—but not in outcome.

Keegan Swenson was once again the storm and the stillness, charging up the final pitch of Lookout Ridge like a man chased by ghosts. He tore free with a signature stinging attack and never looked back, collecting his fourth straight Sea Otter win and putting an exclamation mark on the Grand Prix’s season opener.

Behind him, Matthew Beers proved he’s not just a one-season wonder, riding to another podium in Monterey, just nine seconds adrift. Alexey Vermeulen, never one to fade quietly, rounded out the men’s top three with a gritty, measured ride 29 seconds further back.

BATTTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

Olympic mettle and gravel grit: Haley Batten dominates while Villafañe secures Grand Prix points

In the women’s race, Haley Batten unleashed her winning move some 50 miles from the tape—a solo charge that reeked of confidence and class. By the finish, the Olympic silver medalist had carved out a five-minute, 23-second margin. A statement ride.

But Batten’s not in the Grand Prix mix. That honor, and the points that came with it, went to Sofía Gómez Villafañe, who crossed the line second and stood tall atop the Grand Prix leaderboard. Just behind, Cecily Decker dug deep to claim third, finishing 14 seconds back in one of the day’s tightest battles.

General Classification Standings: After Round 1

Men:

1. Keegan Swenson – 35 pts

2. Matthew Beers – 33 pts

3. Alexey Vermeulen – 31 pts

Women:

1. Sofía Gómez Villafañe – 35 pts

2. Cecily Decker – 33 pts

3. Hayley Preen – 31 pts

WILD THINGS ON THE HUNT

New faces, early shakeups, and an Unbound showdown looming

It’s early days—but the gravel underdogs are already stirring up the dirt.

In the Wild Card competition, Czech powerhouse Petr Vakoc threw down for fourth overall, vaulting him to the top of the Wild Card men’s table. On the women’s side, Maude Farrell’s 17th-place finish earns her early control of the board.

Hot on their heels?

• Matthew Wilson and Cameron Jones sit second and third among the Wild Card men.

• Anna Yamauchi and Emily Newsom are closing fast on Farrell in the women’s standings.

But not all cards were on the table in Monterey. With just 46 men and 16 women finishing among the Wild Card fields, many riders are keeping their powder dry—or simply didn’t make the start. That opens the door for some serious reshuffling at the upcoming juggernaut that is Unbound Gravel.

It’s a long game. And with points up for grabs at Unbound, everything is still on the table.

U23 RISING

The future rolled strong in Monterey. Griffin Hoppin and Emily Stapleton top the U23 Program standings after placing 29th and 36th overall in their respective fields. Eyes on them as the season unfolds—they’ve got the legs, now it’s about the long haul.

Next Stop: Kansas Chaos

The gravel gods now turn their gaze to Unbound, where legends are written in flint and fury. If Sea Otter was a spark, Unbound will be a wildfire.

In gravel, nothing’s given. And in the Grand Prix, it’s only just begun!