Multi-Sport is Taking to the Gravel

By Sam Piccolotti

The multi-sport world continues to evolve and one of the latest evolutions is following the growing surge in gravel biking. The multi-sport world is getting dusty. The sport of Gravel Triathlon has emerged.

Gravel triathlon athletes “are angling for something laid back,” said Lance Panigutti, race director and owner of Without Limits Productions LLC. Lance grew up in the sport of triathlon and prior to embarking as a race director, Lance raced as a Jr. at 19, and professional ITU up until 2009.

Lance always had a love and fascination for what goes on behind the scenes, he and his brother formed Without Limits in 2008. They grew to 66 race events in 2014, and now have narrowed down to 33 events. They are the host of the popular Xterra Lory Triathlon and Harvest Moon Triathlon along with CYCLO X, NOCO Criterium and the Buff Gold Gravel cycling events.

Panigutti and team are always on the hunt for events that hold a grass roots vibe and attract athletes of all levels. The pandemic slowed efforts to host the first gravel triathlon, but in 2022,Without Limits was successful in  kicking off what may be the next big wave in triathlon, the Stagecoach Gravel Triathlon held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This event is one of five USAT gravel series events profiled in the USA.

These are USA Triathlon Sanctioned events. They don’t have nationals and they don’t fit the distance parameters of standard Sprint or Olympic distance triathlons and for now, that is okay. The 2022 event which consisted of a 750-meter swim, a 17- mile mixed gravel and paved road bike, and a 4-mile trail run boasted 250 athletes.

The event takes on many unique flavors including an Auqa Bike/Run category and a SUP and category in place of the swim and relay options.  This approach has enabled Without Limits to attract and welcome new racers to the sport. This year’s event has an improved and more challenging course with a 100% gravel bike route. This year the event has a cap of 300 racers and is currently half way filled. Spots are still available so if you want to test your limits, register soon here.

Panigutti and team are looking forward to this year’s race season as athletes emerge from the pandemic and look to return to the thrills and enjoyment of racing in Colorado.

By:  Sam Piccolotti, Founder, NO ZERO DAYS, and Contributor to Colorado Avid Cyclist.