Formula One driver back for more GRVL at Santos Tour Down Under

Formula One superstar, Valtteri Bottas and Adelaide professional cyclist, Tiffany Cromwell, together with Amy Charity of GRVL Events, will reprise RADL GRVL next January. The sellout pilot gravel cycling event in 2024 attracted hundreds of professional and amateur riders, with participants travelling from 12 countries to compete. 

The second edition of RADL GRVL, will run from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 January during the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under. In the lead-up, an engaging schedule of ride-outs, expo, Pro Panel and activities will take place in the spirit of all GRVL events. The competitive gravel ride will take place on a mix of sealed and gravel roads across McLaren Vale wine region in the Fleurieu Peninsula on Friday 24 January, just 30 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre.  

RADL GRVL is co-founded and co-owned by 10-time F1 Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas, professional cyclist and South Australian Tiffany Cromwell, together with former professional American cyclist Amy Charity who is the CEO and Co-Founder of GRVL Events.  

Adelaide was chosen as the destination to host the third international GRVL event, as it is co-founder Tiffany Cromwell’s hometown. RADL GRVL follows the success of the sold-out premier founding event, SBT GRVL in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2019, followed by FNLD GRVL in 2023 which was held in Lahti, Finland, Valtteri Bottas’ native home.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said RADL GRVL returning to the Santos Tour Down Under was another way to enhance the overall event offering for cycling fans.  

“South Australia is the destination of choice for cycling enthusiasts in Australia. The inaugural event attracted riders from across the world, all adding to our visitor economy and exploring what South Australia has to offer,” Minister Bettison said.  

“I look forward to welcoming hundreds of riders back once again for the second edition of RADL GRAVL, and seeing the event continue to grow.”  

Valtteri Bottas said he was thrilled with South Australia’s response to the 2024 event.  

“I was very happy to see RADL GRVL go so well and receive such positive feedback and support from both participants and the South Australian community,” Mr. Bottas said.  

“I’ve never been shy about my love for South Australia; I absolutely love riding there and love the culture that Adelaide has, especially as a cycling destination. I had so much fun riding alongside not only South Australians but those who came from all over to be there.”  

“I’m excited to have the course travel once again through what I think is some of the best wine country in the world, and we have some new exciting things planned for the 2025 event.” 

Tiffany Cromwell said she felt so proud RADL GRVL would return to her hometown of South Australia.   

“It is such an honour to be able to contribute to the strong cycling community in Adelaide, South Australia, where I grew up exploring on my bike and found my love for gravel cycling,” Ms. Cromwell said.   

“To see so many participants from all over and of all abilities enjoying my backyard here in Adelaide was so rewarding. We want this event to feel friendly and accessible to anyone who wants to have a go. You don’t need to be a professional athlete or to have even competed before. It’s about the camaraderie and fun that comes from riding with friends and exploring this incredible countryside.” 

GRVL Events CEO and Co-Founder Amy Charity said she believes in the potential for RADL GRVL to grow in proportion to the popularity of gravel cycling in Australia and Australasia.  

“RADL GRVL is perfectly positioned and timed to attract both local, national and international riders from North America, Asia and beyond, during the UCI World Tour’s first major road race of the year. The spectacular gravel riding in South Australia combined with the energy and atmosphere around Santos Tour Down Under combine to make RADL GRVL a world-class gravel cycling event, and we look forward to welcoming riders back in 2025.” 

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