Most of us in all probability know Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas greatest for his work on the tarmac and 4 wheels. But should you’ve been following alongside on social medial, you additionally in all probability know the Finnish athlete additionally has a factor for bikes.
SBT GRVL introduced right this moment it partnered with Bottas to current FNLD GRVL, a new gravel race in Lahti, Finland. The inaugural occasion in June 2023 will supply two distances and pay out a €20k professional prize purse. The companions anticipate it to draw 1,500+ gravel riders from all over the world.
A race weekend packed with actions and leisure will concentrate on environmental sustainability and local weather change advocacy efforts.
Bottas’ Hometown Gravel Paradise
For Bottas, the race hits near dwelling and actually at dwelling.
“I’ve been riding gravel around my hometown of Lahti, Finland for years and discovered SBT GRVL in Steamboat Springs, CO (USA) in 2021,” the veteran F1 driver mentioned. “I was impressed with such a world-class event. When [SBT’s] Amy Charity and Chris Lyman reached out to me about partnering on a race in Finland, I saw it as a tremendous opportunity to build something similarly special in Lahti.”
Gravel roads winding by means of the area’s lake-rich nation promise picturesque driving at FNLD GRVL. Lahti lies on the fringe of Finnish Lakeland, which pulls its identify and traits from the greater than 55,000 lakes that dot its forest-covered plateau.
“Lahti shares so many similarities with Steamboat Springs and what we feel has made SBT GRVL successful: incredible scenery, endless gravel roads, and a community that understands hospitality and infrastructure for hosting a major sporting event,” mentioned Charity, SBT GRVL co-founder and proprietor.
Lyman, a advertising company co-owner and avid bike owner, added that Bottas’ enthusiasm for gravel driving helped breathe life into the idea.
“When we first approached Valtteri with the idea, it was evident how passionate he is about gravel riding and his community, so with our combined backgrounds, it was natural for us to team up to create a world-class gravel event,” he mentioned.
Registration for the inaugural FNLD GRVL weekend will open within the fall of 2022.
FNLDGRVL.com