"In 2025, Cameron Jones entered the series as a Wild Card and rode that opportunity all the way to the overall men's title. What was once a developmental side door into the Grand Prix is now arguably the most coveted pathway in elite off-road racing. For 2026, six riders (three women and three men) will again earn their way into the series and chase a record $350,000 equal-pay prize purse."
"Just like last season, Wild Card hopefuls must prove themselves across two of the most demanding early-season races: Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel - April 16, 2026 Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano - May 30, 2026 Athletes must contest both events, and the top combined performers across the two races will earn entry into the full 2026 Life Time Grand Prix series."
"It's a brutal filter. Sea Otter demands explosive early-season form and a big engine. All riders competing in the Life Time Grand Prix series are looking to make a good impression in front of sponsors at the Sea Otter Classic. UNBOUND is 200 miles of Flint Hills chaos. It rewards patience, punishes bad decisions, and has zero sympathy for poor equipment choices."
Six Wild Card riders (three women, three men) will earn entry into the full 2026 Life Time Grand Prix by posting top combined results at two early-season events: Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel (April 16, 2026) and Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano (May 30, 2026). Wild Card entrants must contest both events, with the top combined performers securing Grand Prix berths. Sea Otter demands explosive early-season form and strong power for sponsor visibility, while UNBOUND’s 200-mile Flint Hills course rewards patience and equipment resilience. The Wild Card pathway has produced overall champions and remains highly competitive.
Read at Bikerumor
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