Backroads Gravel returns to Chapman Valley with festivities to take place alongside the race

Backroads Gravel, the Mid West’s biggest cycling event, is back for 2024 this weekend, set against the stunning backdrop of Chapman Valley’s rolling farming fields.

Races begin on Saturday for the Nabawa-hosted event, with the starting and finishing points at Mazzucchelli Oval.

The day’s events are highlighted by the 160km Big Canola: a 160km race through the countryside.

Cyclists will ride on gravel past farming paddocks of canola, lupins and wheat.

Riders will climb more than 1200m, including on the infamous Ward’s Wall, with water crossings and farm access also a part of the course.

Other events include the 100km, 60km, 20km, and 10km tracks, while a 5km running trail adds to the 14km course.

More than 600 riders competed in the events last year, while 44 runners took to the gravel track in 2023.

Festivities will begin on Friday, with the Backroads social hub at the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club operating from 5.30pm.

A Q&A panel at the event will feature Victorian cyclist Tasman Nankervis, WA competitors Mark Chong and Sarah Tucknott, along with course director Roger Swan.

At Mazzucchelli Oval, the Backroads village will feature a bar, food vans and entertainment, all at the finish line.

An after-race event will take place at the same venue from 5pm on Saturday, featuring food trucks, a bar, and live music.

Riders from the Mid West will compete against those from all over Australia.

The big names are set to turn out for the competition, headlined by Nankervis.

The Victorian finished in seventh in the Lifetime Fitness Grand Prix in the US, the world’s richest off-road cycling series.

Previous Backroads winners Rick Andrews and Chong also return for the race.

Meanwhile, 2023 100km distance winner Kate Bonner is aiming for another title, stepping up to the 160km event.

Spectators are welcome. Parking is at Chapman Valley Primary School for a gold coin donation.