Records broken at UNBOUND Gravel 2025: Migoń and Jones shine in Emporia

Pellaud and Decker Climb in Life Time Grand Prix Standings After Spectacular Edition

The 19th edition of UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano made a lasting impression 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 moved up in the Life Time Grand Prix standings.

New Records in Women’s Race

Karolina Migoń flew through the women’s 200-mile race with an unprecedented average speed of 32.36 km/h, winning in 10h03’54”. The 29-year-old Pole took the lead early on alongside Cecily Decker and Lauren Stephens, before distancing her competitors 77 km from the finish. Decker secured second place in 10h12’29”, followed by Sofía Gómez Villafañe, who took third position after an intense sprint against Rosa Klöser and Cecile Lejeune.

Jones Wins Men’s Race

In the men’s race, Cameron Jones, a Wild Card competitor, delivered an exceptional performance by breaking away with Simon Pellaud after 2h30 of racing. The two riders collaborated to build a decisive gap. Jones launched the decisive attack on one of the last climbs, finishing in 8h37’09” with a record speed of 37.81 km/h. Pellaud crossed the line 42 seconds later, securing second place.

Movements in the General Classification

Thanks to her second place, Cecily Decker joins Sofía Gómez Villafañe at the top of the women’s Life Time Grand Prix standings. In the men’s category, Simon Pellaud now shares second place with Brendan Johnston, while Keegan Swenson maintains his lead despite a seventh-place finish.

Records in the XL Race

In the XL category, Rob Britton shattered the 2024 record, finishing in 17h49’51”, which is 2h15’45” better than the previous reference time. Heather Jackson also broke the women’s 2022 record with a time of 20h57’57”, beating Serena Gordon by over an hour.

Riders’ Reactions

Karolina Migoń (1st, women 200 miles): « We rode hard as a trio until the second aid station. When I saw Cecily tiring, I attacked alone. It was risky, but it paid off. Facing such a strong field, I had no expectations, but I was the strongest today. »

Cameron Jones (1st, men 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 last climb and savored the finish. It’s special to win in front of my family. »

Cecily Decker (2nd, women 200 miles): « I was exhausted after a mistake at the first aid station. Taking second place behind Karolina, who was untouchable, is incredible. I gave everything to finish fast. »

Simon Pellaud (2nd, men 200 miles): « Being in the lead so early with a strong wind was audacious. 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. »