The race within a race — life line to the Life Time

Words James Ion - Photography courtesy of Life Time Grand Prix

The gravel season opens not with a whisper but a war cry. The Sea Otter Classic will not only ignite the fuse for another season of the Life Time Grand Prix, but also stage the first dance of the Wildcards — 138 hopeful hearts chasing six golden tickets. A roster filled with legends, redemption stories, and fresh dirt dreams.

Among the returning royalty: Czech tactician Petr Vakoč, mountain-soul turned gravel-gunslinger Alex Howes, Australia’s dynamo Peta Mullens, and the ever-resilient Amity Rockwell. They, and 134 others, saddle up in Monterey with eyes fixed on what lies beyond Unbound: a coveted place in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix.

But only six spots await. Three for the women. Three for the men. The trail ahead is short, sharp, and unforgiving.

The Wild Ones

When the gatekeepers say no, the trail says maybe.

For those who didn’t get the official invite, the wildcard path is paved in grit. Ride Sea Otter. Survive Unbound. Do it faster than most. Make your case not with words, but watts.

They aren’t just names on a list — they’re stories in motion: Angela Naeth, Truman Glasgow, Emily Newsom, Tobin Ortenblad, Kyle Trudeau, Hannah Shell, and more. Legends and longshots, shoulder to shoulder.

The Youth Movement

Under 23 and under the radar — not for long

Enter the next generation. Sixty-three young chargers, aged 18 to 22, make up the inaugural U23 Development Program. Their task? Race four out of six Grand Prix events. Top man and top woman earn their way into the 2026 series. One shot. One ride at a time.

Among them is Ruth Holcomb, Rock Cobbler 12.0 winner. A Colorado native with mtb roots and gravel dreams.

Keep an eye on rising talents like Emily Stapleton, Kylie De Jager, Luke Mosteller, Justin Peck, and Brady White. These names will not stay small for long.

The Gravel Gauntlet

Two races to earn it all

The path to Grand Prix glory is set:

• April 10: Sea Otter Classic – Monterey, CA

• May 31: Unbound Gravel 200 – Emporia, KS

Wildcard athletes must shine in both. Scores from the two will decide who earns the six final spots in the Life Time Grand Prix’s invitation-only peloton of 25 men and 25 women for the remaining season.

This isn’t just a race. It’s a proving ground. A stage. A race within a race.

Grit and Glory

The Grand Prix is calling — who will answer?

The dust is about to rise. The gears are about to grind. And somewhere between Monterey’s coastal climbs and Kansas’s endless rollers, six wildcard stories will be written — inked in sweat, grit, and the unmistakable rhythm of fast wheels over wild roads.

Let the chase begin.

THE FAVORITES

The Usual Suspects & Gravel Dark Horses

Who’s primed to punch their wildcard ticket?

Peta Mullens

The Aussie doesn’t just race gravel — she reads it like poetry. With legs sharpened from a summer of road and singletrack, Peta’s got the experience, grit, and flair to ride straight into the Grand Prix.

Alex Howes

Gravel’s philosopher-king is back in the mix. After a top-10 finish in the series’ inaugural year, Howes has unfinished business. He knows how to play the long game — and win hearts while doing it.

Amity Rockwell

Former Queen of Kanza, Amity rides with that rare fire — cool as the breeze until it’s time to strike. She’s no stranger to the pressure, and with experience on her side, she’s a top bet.

Petr Vakoč

The Czech engine. If it comes down to watts and willpower, Vakoč can bury the field. He’s made the jump from WorldTour to the world of gravel — and it looks like home.

Adam Roberge

Aerodynamic, analytical, and absolutely relentless, Roberge is gravel’s thinking man with monster power. If he’s on form, he’s in.

Hannah Shell & Anna Yamauchi

Two riders on the verge. Shell brings consistency, Yamauchi brings fire. If either catches momentum, they could disrupt the favorites.

Truman Glasgow & Tobin Ortenblad

Fast, fearless, and California tough. Glasgow has the legs; Ortenblad has the racing smarts. Both know how to animate a field.

U23 Wild Cards

Don’t sleep on the youth wave. Luke Mosteller, Jenny Fletcher, and Izzy Flint have the punch to surprise — and no pressure. Dangerous combo.

Who do you think is going to make an impact at Sea Otter, and who will go all the way?