"The 2025 Big Sugar Gravel wasn't your typical season finale. The Life Time Grand Prix wrapped under dark skies, racing the clock - and the weather. With a looming storm cell, lightning warnings, and whispers of a tornado swirling through the start line (and media circles), the elite fields rolled out knowing the day could turn wild. Organizers made the call to shorten the race to a 50-mile burner - a move that turned strategy into survival."
"Jones wasn't even on the original 2025 Grand Prix roster. His entry came mid-season, earned the hard way - by winning UNBOUND Gravel 200 and forcing Life Time's hand with the kind of ride you can't ignore. From there, he stacked results across both gravel and MTB, including a win at Little Sugar and enough consistency to put him in contention heading into Bentonville."
"Jones's Big Sugar setup was nearly identical to his UNBOUND-winning rig, with one key twist: Shimano's newly released 1x wireless Di2 drivetrain. The prototype system paired an XTR Di2 long-cage derailleur and 10-51T cassette with a 50T Wolf Tooth Aero chainring."
Storm threats and lightning warnings forced organizers to shorten Big Sugar Gravel to a 50-mile race, turning tactical choices into survival decisions. Cameron Jones entered the Grand Prix midseason after winning UNBOUND Gravel 200, then added results across gravel and MTB, including Little Sugar, to build a points lead. At Big Sugar, he conserved energy through changing conditions, avoided early surges, and delivered a powerful final sprint to finish fifth and clinch the overall series title. Jones rode a SCOTT Addict Gravel RC equipped with Shimano's prototype 1x wireless XTR Di2 drivetrain and a 10-51T cassette.
Read at Bikerumor
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