Organizers of the SBT GRVL announced Wednesday that they have canceled the mass participation gravel event in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the SBT VRTL, in which participants will run one of four distances using Ride with GPS, began on August 16.

"The SBT GRVL experience is rooted in our core values of safety, fun, and reliability," said co-founder and race director Mark Satkiewicz. [Given these values, it became clear that any changes necessary to protect the safety of all riders, spectators, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and members of the local community would result in a significant detriment to the SBT GRVL experience."

SBT GRVL was first held last summer. This year's event has four courses: the Black Course is 230 km with 9,400 ft of climbing; the Blue Course is 208 km with 6,300 ft of climbing; the Red Course is 102 km with 4,10 ft of climbing; and the Green Course is 54 km with 2,000 ft of climbing.

Due to the popularity of the event, registration for the race sold out within 25 minutes of the start of registration in December. However, due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, organizers consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal, state, and county government guidelines, and consulted with local officials in Steamboat Springs, and determined that the safest scenario for the community was to cancel this year's event The decision was made to do so.

"The SBT GRVL team had the courage today to postpone the event. This event set a new standard for gravel events in its inaugural year. It is a world-class party that puts racing, community gathering, and rider safety first," said Blair Clark, president of Canyon Bicycles and presenting sponsor of the event.

"As the title sponsor, we fully support their decision and are excited to work with them for years to come. On a personal level, it was something we really looked forward to, and it would be a very nice thank you if this happens again in the future.

"I will be back, as John Denver described it: the serenity of a clear blue mountain lake... I can talk to God and hear a casual reply" .... .to be 'Rocky Mountain High' at SBT GRVL!"

"John Denver described it this way.

Participants who signed up for any of the four distances at the 2020 event may choose to defer to the 2021 event or receive a refund for the race; participants who wish to defer to 2021 need not do anything at this time. Participants who wish to request a refund should email [email protected] to request a refund.

Details of the SBT VRTL have not yet been announced, but this option is free and open to all. According to the organizers, regional routes will be set up for all four distances and can be easily searched and followed using Ride with GPS. There will also be prizes from sponsors and opportunities to support advocacy partners on an ongoing basis.