What is the Great Plains Gravel Cup?
“The Great Plains Gravel Cup (GPGC) is a new gravel points series. The series is owned and managed by the people at Discover Gravel LLC. The 2025 season will include results from 6 individual gravel events. The series will have cash prizes for the overall winners as well as unique awards and recognition for other categories and accomplishments. The 2025 calendar of events runs from April to September.”
Who or What Events are in GPGP?
“The GPGC consists of 6 events. The GPGC event members are Flint Hills Gravel, Open Range Gravel Race, Muleskinner Gravel Classic, Solstice Gravel Grinder, Rock Ridge Gravel and Pony Express Gravel Dash. These are all established events with veteran Race Directors. The events share a common goal of providing a safe and stellar gravel experience for all rider levels. The events remain independent with their own unique rules, categories and traditions.”
The Basics. How does the series work?
“At its very basic level, you go ride and you are rewarded with a point value based on your finishing ranking. Points accumulate after each event you finish. The rider with the highest point total from FIVE events at year end wins. Pretty simple.”
The fun part:
- You sign up for an event. You receive one point.
- You check in at the event. You receive one point.
- You finish your registered distance. You receive one point.
- Most events have two distances that qualify for points.
- The “premium” distance gives a max of 40 points for 1st place, 39 pts for 2nd place and so forth down to 1pt for Finishing.
- The “secondary” distance gives a max of 15-20 points for 1st place and so forth.
- GPGC allows the event Director to choose which distance is “premium” vs “secondary” before the season begins to help you plan.
What are the Prizes & Awards?
“Prizes are fun. Rewards for hard efforts are fun. Recognition is fun. GPGC is more than a series that determines the fastest. The series adds a little fun to the enjoyment you already have while cycling. The GPGC will recognize Overall Points Total podiums as well as podiums for Single Speed, Masters and U23. Any rider earning just one point during the GPGC season will be eligible for end of the GPGC season prize giveaways!”
“Riders competing for the Overall Points Total victory will be racing for a cash prize podium. The series will also reward the points leader after each week with the Points Leader Jersey. The final race of the season will have a podium ceremony giving out the GPGC Overall Points Jersey.”
“Unique prizes will also be given to the 2025 season winners of the SS, Masters and U23 categories. Finally each cyclist Finishing a qualifying distance in all SIX events will receive special recognition and a token of appreciation from the GPGC!”
How do I enter, what’s the cost?
“Zero cost for the cyclist!! Zero effort to be a part of the GPGC!! All you have to do is what you already do, go ride. The GPGC is completely event member and sponsorship driven.”
Results can be found on the official Discovergravel.com website the week after each qualifying event.