Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah's Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative - Gravel Bits

Brendan Johnston and Alexis Skarda clinched victories at Utah's Salty Lizard gravel race, adding significant wins to their respective seasons. Concurrently, MAAP announced its "Future of Off-Road Racing Fund," a new U23 initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of off-road athletes. This program, lauded by figures like Payson McElveen, signals a growing industry commitment to nurturing young talent in the burgeoning discipline of gravel racing.

These developments highlight gravel's continued expansion, both in competitive stature and commercial investment. Johnston and Skarda's wins reinforce their positions as top contenders, while MAAP's U23 fund addresses a critical need for structured development pathways, mirroring similar initiatives in road cycling. With Unbound winner Lachlan Morton slated for the new Pulaski MTN-X, the sport’s profile is clearly on an upward trajectory, attracting both established stars and crucial grassroots support.

Evidently, the gravel boom isn't just about bigger races and bigger names; it's now about building a sustainable future. Perhaps the industry is finally realizing that simply selling more bikes isn't enough.