Tiffany Cromwell Dominates Unbound Gravel 100-Mile Race

Tiffany Cromwell emerged victorious at her first-ever Unbound Gravel 100-mile race, securing her third consecutive gravel race win this season. With a comfortable lead of over 25 minutes, Cromwell expressed her excitement over the impressive feat.

Reflecting on the race, Cromwell mentioned the challenging mud sector. She described it as a messy experience, stating, “I’ve learned quickly that I don’t know how to carry a bike and walk or run for kilometers so well.” Despite the difficulties, she strategized like entering a cobbled sector at the classics, positioning herself at the very front. However, the mud was so intense that riding became impossible, forcing her to carry the bike. The weight of the mud made this task even more arduous. Cromwell added, “I had to go into full catch-up mode.”

Without any knowledge of her position compared to other female racers, Cromwell found herself mixed in with the age group 200-mile riders. Determined, she passed numerous competitors and eventually joined a group of riders when they veered from the 200-mile course.

The midsection of the race was characterized by ups and downs. Cromwell faced the challenge of still having mud caked to her chain ring, leading to increased resistance. Additionally, the scorching heat and cramps posed further difficulties. Fortunately, she stumbled upon a hose to cool off and persistently fueled herself with food and water.

As the race progressed, Cromwell encountered smoother terrain and found a solid group to ride with towards the end. At the aid station where Canyon provided support, she initially believed she was in second place. To her pleasant surprise, she was informed that she had secured the victory.

Reflecting on the race, Cromwell emphasized the significant challenge posed by the mud sector, resulting in a loss of approximately an hour. The heat and the day’s prolonged exposure also played a role in her exhaustion. Commenting on the course, she noted that while the gravel wasn’t exceptionally fast and there were no significant climbs, the rolling hills seemed endless as fatigue set in.

While acknowledging that the 100-mile event may not have featured the strongest female gravel racers as the 200-mile race did, Cromwell expressed her satisfaction at achieving her goal of winning. She admitted that after the challenging mud section, she initially doubted her chances of victory. However, she triumphed and celebrated securing three consecutive wins. Cromwell praised the support of Canyon and SRAM throughout the race, recognizing their unwavering assistance and ensuring her optimal performance.