FNLD GRVL, one of the biggest gravel events in Northern Europe, is set to return to the picturesque gravel roads of Lahti, Finland, on 15 June 2024. Co-founded by Formula 1 star Valtteri Bottas, the inaugural edition in 2023 saw tremendous success, prompting its return in 2024. Registrations are set to open on January 9.

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“I’m very happy that the 2023 event was such a success and we look forward to returning in 2024. To see so many participants from all over the world experience our local culture and gravel cycling was so rewarding. I had many riders approach me after the race to tell me how much they enjoyed the course and their time in Lahti. Bringing an event like FNLD GRVL to my hometown is a dream come true,” Bottas said. 

FNLD_GRVL_2023_RACEDAY_COURSE_51.jpg, by Suvi Loponen

Alongside the Finnish driver in organising the race are Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and Amy Charity, co-founding partner, and CEO of American gravel race SBT GRVL. 

The inaugural edition of FNLD GRVL attracted nearly 1,000 riders from 27 countries, making it one of the largest gravel events in Northern Europe. The race hosted the largest professional cycling field ever assembled in Finland and also welcomed hundreds of first-time gravel racers eager to test their mettle and explore the region's gravel roads. 

Riders have the option to choose from three distances, ranging from the beginner-friendly 40km green Forest Route to the challenging 177km Midnight Sun route. 
The epic rides conclude with an afterparty at Lahti harbour, where riders can dance, eat and drink and enjoy saunas until midnight hours.

FNLD_GRVL_2023_RACEDAY_AWARDS _ PARTY_52.jpg, by Suvi Loponen

Generous prize purse returns for 2024

A major highlight of the 2023 event was the impressive prize purse of 20,000 euros (£17,000), which will once again be up for grabs in 2024 for the Pro category riders. The prize money will be evenly split between the men's and women's fields, adding to the competitive spirit of the race. 

In the fierce 2023 race, Trek-Segafredo's Toms Skujiņš showcased his post-Giro d'Italia fitness to claim victory in the men's category, while CANYON//SRAM's Tiffany Cromwell dominated the women's race.

FNLD_GRVL_2023_RACEDAY_COURSE_273.jpg, by Suvi Loponen

"It was a nice surprise to find myself at the top of the Women’s podium this year and it was certainly a great way to experience the full route after testing it last autumn. Having ridden in the area extensively over the years, I knew that Lahti had what it needed to host a world-class gravel race, and now no one is left in doubt," Cromwell commented. 

Full details and how to register for the 2024 FNLD GRVL can be found on the event website. 

• www.fnldgrvl.com/

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