Big Sugar Gravel 2024
It was a big weekend in cycling-centric Bentonville, Arkansas, as SCOTT athletes took on the final race of the Lifetime Grand Prix. Separated by a handful of points, this was the final chance for the Top 10 riders in the series to secure their spot, break ties, and advance in the overall. With so much at stake, the racing was full gas from the start, making this "short" gravel race of 100 miles an all-out battle.
Bentonville is known for its chunky, tire-eating gravel. A month without rain added to the equation meant the racers had to contend with loose descents and corners plus the infamous moondust. These moondust-covered roads set a dramatic stage for the fiery pace that would quickly surpass everyone's predictions. The conditions forced riders to make a choice: either be upfront turning the screws or ride blindly at full speed in the dust globe, hoping to be spared from a race-ending rock or rut.
As the women's race rolled into the gravel, Erin Huck took to the front determined to maintain her 7th overall in the Grand Prix. She was ready to dig deep knowing that riders were poised to take points from her in the standings. More at home on the mountain bike, Erin’s handling skills allowed her to focus on pushing the pace, giving everything to ride with the lead group. When the elastic snapped after the second feed zone, those in contention rode all-out for the finish line intending to end the season on with no regrets. Erin’s grit paid off, finishing 6th on the day, and securing her 7th overall position!
Bradyn Lange came to the line ready to capitalize on his success from the Little Sugar MTB race where he finished fourth. Despite tired legs from the previous weekend, he overcame an early mechanical to ride with one of the main chase groups. Bradyn eventually caught fellow SCOTT rider Cameron Jones, who was in the day’s early moves. Bradyn and Cameron rode together to take a solid 20th and 23rd in a stacked field with Bradyn locking in a top 20 position in the overall Grand Prix standings.
Cameron Jones didn’t participate in the Grand Prix, so overall standing was not a concern. With the pressure off, he was in it to win it! Cameron pushed some serious watts early in the race, taking flyers off the front and driving the pace with a few groups. Let's just say Cameron did not go unnoticed during the first part of the race as he closed gaps and created some himself. Cam ended up paying for the early efforts and was caught in the race's final miles by a larger chase group containing Bradyn Lange. The two SCOTT riders rolled across the line together, with Cameron taking a well-earned 23rd.
Iz King has a love-hate relationship with Big Sugar. Last year, Iz had what most people would have considered a race-ending injury after she took a heavy fall, badly slicing her arm. Still, she finished the race in true Iz King fashion before heading to the ER for stitches. This year she aimed to finish Big Sugar unscathed and in the best position possible. The women’s race was blazing from the start leaving Iz struggling in the opening miles but she found her rhythm and was able to group up with other pro women to finish the race strong in 28th place, accomplishing her goal. Iz is, without a doubt, a fan favorite inspiring cheers of "Go Iz" from the crowd as she brings the stoke from the expo to the finish line.
