The main rosters for the invitation-only 2025 Life Time Grand Prix were unveiled today, featuring a diverse selection of new international challengers aiming to dethrone three-time men’s series champion Keegan Swenson and two-time women’s winner Sofia Gomez Villafane.
Headlining the men’s side are three-time The Traka 360 winner Mattia De Marchi from Italy, alongside former WorldTour road pros Lawrence Naesen from Belgium, Tsgabu Grmay from Ethiopia, and Simon Pellaud from Switzerland.
Six female riders will debut in the Grand Prix next year, starting at a new Sea Otter Classic Gravel race on April 11 in Monterey, California. Notable international riders include reigning Australian gravel champion Courtney Sherwell, British gravel champion Annabel Fisher, and Oregon Trail Gravel stage winner Axelle Dubau-Prévot from France.
From hundreds of applicants representing 23 countries, the initial lineup for 2025 comprises 22 women and 22 men who will compete in the six-race, off-road series with a season-ending prize purse of $280,000 shared among the top 10 in each division. Three additional women and three men will be added as wildcard athletes following the results from Unbound Gravel 200 on May 31, 2025.
Last year, 30 elite women and 30 elite men were invited to participate in the series, with the top 10 in each category sharing a $300,000 prize purse. All top 10 female riders from last year’s standings return for another year of off-road racing. Additionally, all three riders from the men’s final podium, Swenson, Matthew Beers, and Payson McElveen, will compete again in 2025.
Notable riders not returning for another season include veterans Peter Stetina, Lachlan Morton, Petr Vakoc, Lance Haidet, and Alex Howes, among others. Several past fixtures from the Grand Prix, like Stetina, opted not to submit applications, preferring to explore new gravel-specific adventures.
Reflecting on the Grand Prix, a 37-year-old rider mentioned that the series has elevated North American cycling while acknowledging a shift towards mountain bike riders, which influenced his decision to focus on gravel instead.
On the women’s side, notable absences from last season’s invited riders include Crystal Anthony, Ellen Campbell, and others, citing conflicts with other events in their calendars.
The application process required athletes to indicate interest in being considered as wildcard entries if not initially selected. Results from key races like Sea Otter Classic Gravel and Unbound Gravel 200 will help determine the final roster additions at the end of May.
Kimo Seymour, senior vice president of Life Time Events, expressed excitement for the upcoming season, underscoring the series’ growing global presence and showcasing a diverse mix of new and returning talent in both the men’s and women’s fields.
