Quinn Simmons crashed early in the race and retired from the Unbound Gravel.

The Trek Segafredo rider crashed in the first three hours of the 200-mile (321.9 km) gravel race, which started at 6:00 local time in Emporia, Kansas. Simmons, 21, was not at the first time check after the 68.3-mile race.

His team confirmed that Simmons had left the race and said he was in pursuit after suffering a flat tire when he crashed. As a result of the fall, he suffered stitches to his knee.

"Unfortunately, Quinn Simmons left the race after suffering a flat tire and falling while chasing. He is on his way to the hospital to get stitches in his knee."

For Simmons, who returned to racing earlier this year after being suspended by his team for "divisive, inflammatory, and harmful" comments on social media, the event was a return to his roots, given his mountain biking background and second place in the 2019 Leadville 100 It was.

At the 99.4-mile (159.9 km) mark of the unbound gravel, a group of five male riders led the race, reaching the checkpoint after 4 hours and 52 minutes of racing. Former World Tour pros Peter Stetina, Lawrence Tendam, Ted King, and Ian Boswell were in the lead group along with 2019 winner Colin Strickland.

Three more athletes, including Rally's Robin Carpenter, crossed the checkpoint in under five hours, with Flavia Oliveira and Lauren De Crescenzo the fastest women at 68.3 miles in 3 hours 20 minutes.

The first finisher of the Unbound Gravel 200 is scheduled to finish at 16:00 local time (22:00 GMT).