Last year, Unbound Gravel 200 introduced a separate start time for the elite women, but it didn't keep the fields split for long, particularly with the bottleneck of the mud-field chaos just 11 miles in.
Australian gravel champion Justine Barrow appreciated the separation at the start line, as it reduced chaos and enabled better tracking of competitors. It shifted the race focus to competition among women rather than outside interference from men.
The extended gaps between pro men, pro women, and the general field in Unbound Gravel 200 this year aim to delay the inevitable mingling of groups during the race. However, the issue still remains a matter of 'when' and not 'if' the groups will mix.
The article questions if the adjustments to start times will significantly alter the race dynamics for women or reduce interference from men, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive and fair environment.
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