Bytager the publication "Records broken at UNBOUND Gravel 2025: Migoń and Jones shine in Emporia"
Pellaud and Decker climb the Life Time Grand Prix rankings in a spectacular edition
The 19th edition of the UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano made its mark with record-breaking performances in the Flint Hills. Karolina Migoń and Cameron Jones dominated the elite 200-mile races, while Cecily Decker and Simon Pellaud climbed the rankings in the Life Time Grand Prix.
New records in the women's race
Karolina Migoń dominated the women's 200-mile race with an unprecedented average speed of 32,36 km/h, winning in 10:03:54. The 29-year-old Pole took the early lead alongside Cecily Decker and Lauren Stephens, before distancing her rivals with 77 km to go. Decker secured second place in 10:12:29, followed by Sofía Gómez Villafañe, who took third after a fierce sprint from Rosa Klöser and Cecile Lejeune.
Jones wins in the men's race
In the men's race, Wild Card competitor Cameron Jones put in a remarkable performance, breaking away with Simon Pellaud after 2 hours and 30 minutes of racing. The two riders worked together to open up a decisive gap. Jones made the decisive attack on one of the final climbs, finishing in 8:37:09 with a speed record of 37,81 km/h. Pellaud crossed the line 42 seconds later, securing second place.
Movements in the general classification
With her second place, Cecily Decker joins Sofía Gómez Villafañe at the top of the women's standings of the Life Time Grand Prix. In the men's standings, Simon PellaudtagHe is now in second place with Brendan Johnston, while Keegan Swenson maintains his lead despite finishing seventh.
Records in the XL race
In the XL category, Rob Britton smashed the 2024 record by finishing in 17:49:51, 2:15:45 faster than the previous benchmark time. Heather Jackson also broke the 2022 women's record with a time of 20:57:57, beating Serena Gordon by over an hour.
Runners' reactions
Karolina Migoń (1st, women's 200 miles) : " The three of us rode hard until the second aid station. When I saw Cecily was tiring, I attacked alone. It was risky, but it paid off. Faced with such a strong peloton, I had no expectations, but I was the strongest today. »
Cameron Jones (1st, Men's 200 miles) : " I had to play it safe to secure my spot in the Grand Prix, but once the race started, I gave it my all. Simon and I built a solid lead. I attacked on the final climb and savored the finish. It's special to win in front of my family. »
Cecily Decker (2nd, Women's 200 miles) : " I was exhausted after a mistake at the first refueling stop. Taking second place behind Karolina, who was untouchable, is incredible. I gave it my all to finish quickly. »
Simon Pellaud (2nd, men's 200 miles) : " Being in the lead so early in a strong wind was a bold move. Cameron and I gave it our all, but I ran out of energy at the end due to lost gels. I'm disappointed, but finishing second is already huge. »
Full results: Men (#) | Women (#)
