Gravel is a great unifier. Anyone can join an off-road ride. That’s the beauty of cycling’s drop-bar, dirt-road discipline. There are no rule books, established norms, or stodgy old traditions. It’s about connecting to people. Connecting to nature. That’s why we support initiatives like the Ultra Distance Scholarship (UDS), a prime example of the unifying joy of riding beyond the beaten track.
The UDS aims to increase diversity and representation within ultra-distance cycling and racing. And over the years, they have gone to great lengths (literally!) to change the nature of one of cycling’s most challenging disciplines: ultra.
But what is the UDS?
The UDS is a U.K.-based non-profit that supports a small group of riders annually through a scholarship format. Founded in 2020, the UDS does terrific work to help bring more diversity to the starting line of ultra-distance cycling. Each year, three riders will receive full support, including awesome bike builds, coaching, kit and gear, all leading up to some truly beautiful rides—this year, they will be finishing with the Pan-Celtic Race 2024!
The three scholars for this year’s UDS are Musa Akinosho, Fatima Ahmed, and Cai Wang. These passionate cyclists also joined this year’s REBOUND. Follow their journey through @ultradistancescholarship and the UDS website.
UDS ReGathering
The community of ultra-distance cyclists is growing. And it’s a fun bunch. In April, the UDS scholars, coaches and directors, past and present, got together for a beautiful ride through the Cotswolds—for their very first ride on their brand-new bike builds.
Powered by GRX
Naturally, the UDS scholars will be powered by GRX. As they receive their bike buildup, a Shimano product expert will provide a workshop to help them select their GRX setup. 11-speed or 12-speed? To Di2, or not to Di2? One by, or two by? These are the questions. On top of a groupset, the riders will also receive Shimano footwear, a LAZER helmet and a PRO finishing kit.
GRX Mechanical 12-speed is an ideal companion for even the longest journeys off the beaten track. Become UNDROPPABLE, UNSTOPPABLE, or UNBEATABLE. Gravel gives us the freedom to explore every grain of beauty in the world. With friends by our side, we express ourselves through what we ride. We are race day competitors, long-distance dreamers, and everything in between.
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