Lincoln, Neb.—The Lauf Gravel Worlds, an annual gravel cycling event in Lincoln, Nebraska, will offer a record-breaking $150,000 professional prize pool in 2026, expand safety measures across the course, provide free junior racing, and deliver free live coverage of the event.
The prize purse, sponsored by Lincoln-based GOODLIFE Nutrition, will be split evenly between men’s and women’s professional fields and paid 10 places deep, making it the largest single-day prize pool in gravel cycling.
The increased investment in the professional race will also benefit amateur riders by enhancing safety and on-course support, including course marshals at every stop sign and a greater law enforcement presence.
“We’re proud to be leaders in moving our sport forward,” says Jason Strohbehn, lead promoter of Gravel Worlds. “But this isn’t just about the pro race. We’re using the pro field to make Gravel Worlds better for the everyday rider—by increasing safety, expanding our expo, adding more on-course resources, and elevating the entire experience for everyone who shows up to ride.”
Organizers also announced that the event will provide free, live coverage on the Gravel Worlds YouTube channel and Outside TV.
GOODLIFE Nutrition’s sponsorship marks a milestone for the event, which organizers say reflects the company’s commitment to supporting both elite and grassroots cycling. The sponsorship fully underwrites the prize purse and maintains equal payouts for men and women.
Gravel Worlds named Lelan Dains as the event’s “Maestro of Gravel,” a role overseeing key logistics of the professional race. Dains previously helped build Unbound Gravel and is a member of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame.
“I’m excited to be back in the sport and to help a truly legendary event take its next step,” says Dains. “Gravel Worlds has always pushed boundaries while respecting the more traditional aspects of the sport, and this next chapter is something special.”
Organizers said the expanded pro investment will also enhance the overall rider experience, including more frequent and fully stocked aid stations on the 150-mile course, with no more than 30 miles between stops. Additional entertainment is planned throughout race week and at the First2Last Party, which celebrates riders who finish after dark and push toward the 9:59:59 cutoff.
“I’m beyond thankful that these changes will increase the experience for every single rider,” says First2Last coordinator Hannah Shell. “And I can promise you, the last place party is going to be absolutely next level.”
For 2026, Gravel Worlds and GOODLIFE Nutrition will also make junior racing more accessible. Entry will be free for all under-18 riders in the 75-mile race and the noncompetitive 35-mile distance. Riders in under-23 categories for the 150-mile race will pay a reduced $50 entry fee.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue supporting young riders as they find their way into gravel cycling,” says Sofia Gibson, assistant lead promoter of Gravel Worlds. “By offering free and discounted entry to our junior categories, we’re lowering barriers to participation and helping build a stronger future for the sport. Investing in young athletes today is how we ensure gravel cycling continues to grow in healthy, inclusive ways tomorrow.”
Gravel Worlds has grown into a weeklong series of events, beginning Tuesday with a short-track mountain bike race, followed by a two-day industry expo, Friday’s USA Triathlon Gravel National Championships, Saturday’s cycling events, and Sunday’s ultra marathon and half marathon.
Celebrating its 17th year in 2026, Lauf Gravel Worlds began as a grassroots gathering and has become one of the most prominent gravel cycling events in the world.
