Unbound Press Conference
- James Ion
- May 27
- 3 min read
Words by James Ion - Photography provided by Life Time Grand Prix
We were invited to the digital Unbound press conference to hear from Grand Prix contenders and European adventurers. Under the digital glare of a press conference screen, riders gathered to speak their truths ahead of the 2025 Unbound Gravel 200.
.
Thomas de Gendt: No Breakaway This Time
Known for his grand tour raids, Thomas de Gendt won’t be going long this time.
“My level is not what it used to be. I’d have to train much harder to get back to that, and honestly, I wasn’t up for that kind of dedication again,” he admitted. “I thought gravel might be a bit easier, but the level is super high. I’m getting older and not into intervals anymore. So no, it won’t be a breakaway day.”
Michelle Duffy: The No-Drafting Rule Will Be Enforced
As Senior Director at Life Time Events, Michelle Duffy confirmed that the no-drafting policy, a pivotal change for 2025, will be enforced with conviction.
“We won’t change the policy whether it’s muddy or not. It’s a rule for everyone: elite men cannot draft off other categories, and neither can elite women. All athletes signed waivers. We’ve got motos, aerial cameras, and even a trained official in the helicopter.”
Paige Onweller: A Celebration of Fairness
For Paige Onweller, the rule marks a turning point in women's racing.
“I’m just celebrating it. It’s so much more fun to race this way—without worrying about someone catching a male’s wheel. Lifetime’s plan seems solid, and honestly, a lot of the men here respect it. I’ve already seen them say, ‘Good luck, I’m not sitting in.’ That’s powerful.”
Brendan Johnston: Wild Cards Bring Wild Variables
Australia’s Brendan Johnston, a consistent Grand Prix presence, acknowledged how the wild card riders are changing the game.
“Even after the first race, I dropped a spot because a wild card rider finished ahead of me. But I’ve done the overall thing for a couple of years now—it’s not my focus anymore. I just want to let it fly at Unbound.”.
Mattia de Marchi: Sprints Are Possible, But Risky
The Italian diesel engine, Mattia de Marchi, mused on the possibility of a sprint finish:
“Maybe this year is more of a race. Last year there were 40 riders at the front—it could be the same. It’s hard to say if a break will go. Maybe after the feed zone, if you have the legs, three or four could go clear. I think the finish could be a sprint among four or five.”
Tire Talk: Wide and Wild
As always, tire choice looms large. With unpredictable weather threatening to turn Kansas dirt into cement, both Brendan and Paige weighed in.
“If it dries, most will go big,” Brendan said. “It’s about comfort and survival now, not aero.”
“The mud here doesn’t care what you run,” Paige added. “It just cakes. Whether you're on 30s or 2.2s, you’re walking if it’s bad. Wide tires aren’t just a trend, they’re faster, more efficient, and way more comfortable.”
From the Air and On the Ground: Unbound Goes Live
Duffy also announced that, for the first time, the Unbound Gravel 200 will be livestreamed for free. You can watch it live on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube Channel
“To be inspired, you have to be able to watch. We’ve removed the paywall. We’ll have eight cameras, drones, a finish-line feed, and both studio and field commentators. It’s not just about professionalizing the sport, it’s about telling the story to a global audience.”
Unbound Gravel is taking place this Saturday. Follow along here and on Instagram for more Unbound Stories.