As a new addition to the Grand Prix series, the Rad Dirt Fest was an unknown quantity for many of the racers last weekend. Alexey Vermeulen and Lauren De Crescenzo came away with the wins, shaking up the standings and setting the stage for the final race in Bentonville at the end of the month. In this recap episode, Payson catches up with Velo reporter Betsy Welch to talk about the race. Did it resemble Steamboat as the rumors claimed? Was it techy enough? Was it strange to race without points leaders Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafane? In addition to answering these questions, they debate whether the era of mass starts at gravel races has come to an end, and go over Payson’s front-row seat to the women’s finish.

We also hear from Ellen Campbell about her impressions of the course and how the women’s race played out. She talks about the chaotic start, her favorite part of the course, and what she hopes will change in the future.

Lastly, Payson digs into the power files of Alexey and Lauren to see just what it took to land on the top step of the podium at this event.


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