Talking about favorites in the men's Unbound 200 is almost an impossible task. The level of this edition is so high and so open that any list will inevitably be incomplete. Even so, we highlight a few names who, due to their form, track record, or ability to surprise, are real contenders.
As always, the first name to keep in mind is Keegan Swenson, two-time winner of the Life Time Grand Prix and an undisputed leader in North American gravel racing. It will be interesting to see how he handles a race as chaotic and unpredictable as this year's in Emporia.
Image credit: Life Time Grand Prix
Mattia De Marchi, fifth last year, arrives in good shape and with the ideal profile to shake up the race again like Lachlan Morton (who this year has decided to run UNBOUND XL) in 2024. “It's very difficult to stay focused for nine hours straight. But I love this type of racing and I'm ready. The weather this year can change everything; I'm used to the dry European gravel, but Emporia could be very different,” explains Mattia.
Image credit: Gravel Earth Series
Also worth mentioning Petr Vakoč (who is playing for the Wild Card), always solid, with a winning mentality and a competitive instinct that makes him a candidate for everything, especially considering his good sprint.
Thomas De Gendt, A first-time competitor in the Unbound, Thomas explains: “I've seen a lot of documentaries about the Unbound, and I always thought it was fun. But now that I'm here, it seems really tough, especially with the recent rain.” Thomas is looking for a strong first result; his ability and profile make him a great candidate for gravel, although results are still a long way off.
They are also arriving in force from Europe. Simen Nordahl Svendsen and Magnus Bak Klaris, two of the sensations of the UCI Gravel World Series calendar. Bak, until recently unknown in the gravel world, won convincingly at Santa Vall, while Simen is the reigning winner of the Gravel Earth Series.
Both share equipment with Tobias Kongstad, winner of La Traka 360 a few weeks ago after a solo breakaway of over 150 kilometers that captivated everyone. It's worth remembering that he already stood on the podium last year in Unbound, and he's arriving with a lot of confidence, having already completed more hours under his belt. Tobias is the head of PAS Racing and a direct employee of PAS, but it seems that this season he's having an easier time training, as the results show.
Image credit: Gravel Earth Series
Another name that we want to highlight is that of David LozanoHe may not be on the top list, but at POLVU we know he has the ability to surprise. He wasn't lucky last year, but 2025 could be his chance.
"This year is very different from last year. The terrain is very compact, very slow, and the bike is constantly catching. The mud here is like peanut butter, as they say. The most important thing is to avoid falls and mechanical problems. We'll have to draw on past experience, from cyclocross, and try to enjoy it and finish the race on a high note," David explained.
Classics such as Peter Stetina, the dear one privateer, who would embody, like Morton in 2024, a victory that would thrill the entire gravel community.
From Australia, Brendan Johnston, fifth at Sea Otter, is also aiming for a strong result: “This race has been my goal since December. It's been very positive to start the season with good results. Still, it's hard to feel confident before the Unbound because it's such a tough and changeable race.”
And finally, Matt Beers, who for us is one of the clearest candidates to win. He's in excellent form, coming off a string of race wins and proving very competitive and active at La Traka. Everything points to him arriving with hunger and ambition.
As we said, the list is endless, and we'd love to know which names you're missing. We love seeing how the riders you highlight in your comments and posts end up putting in memorable performances. Share your bets!