Ep 18: Organizers of SBT GRVL Take Their Event Format to Finland aka FNLD GRVL
A sport's popularity depends on the people and community to push it to new levels. Today we are joined by two such people, Amy Charity and Chris Lyman, Founders and Partners of FNLD GRVL, to talk everything about the gravel movement. Amy has been a guest previously on the show, where we discussed her career as a professional cyclist. Both Amy and Chris are respected figures in cycling and share a passion for expanding the impact of the sport and making it inclusive. In our conversation, we learn how Amy and Chris first met, the road to forming their professional relationship, and the moments leading up to the first official event. We also discuss an aspect essential to both of them, inclusivity, and why they think this is vital to keep growing the gravel movement. They also share advice and best strategies for people interested in joining future events and unpack the controversy surrounding the pro men's race event. Hear how the idea for FNLD GRVL first came about, how the partnership with Valtteri Bottas was formed, and what it is like working with a Formula One superstar. Don't miss out as we take a deep dive into the gravel revolution with Amy Charity and Chris Lyman!
Key Points From This Episode:
We start the show by finding out if Chris and Amy managed to ride before the podcast.
An update on Rob’s wrist injury and when he can ride again.
Hear how Amy and Chris first met and began their professional relationship.
What other critical connections were formed during the early days of their partnership.
A brief discussion about how the gravel movement has evolved since its inception.
Learn more about the primary value of SBT: inclusivity.
The benefits of inclusivity to the overall cycling community.
How Amy and Chris plan to grow and expand the impact of the event.
The unique challenge associated with a popular race event.
An outline of the activities to do before the main event.
We discuss the terrain and race strategy of the event.
Advice for people who are interested in competing in the Steamboat race.
We unpack the controversy surrounding the pros men’s final.
Aspects that differ between amateur riders and pro riders.
Whether Amy and Chris will make or implement rules for the next event.
Details about how FNLD GRVL first began, including the associated partnerships.
The value of partnering with Valtteri for FNLD GRVL.
How confident they were that it would have the terrain expected by the SBT community.
We share our experiences of the 177 Lahti course we recently rode.
Who the group that rode the Finland course consisted of.
Whether they are trying to create a unique event in Finland or replicate the SBT event.