Mid South, formerly known as Land Run, held its 10th edition over the weekend. By many to be the gravel season opener, thousands of racers made the trek to the remote location of Stillwater, Oklahoma, to contest the infamous red clay roads in either the 50-mile or 100-mile race.
All the Whos-Whos of gravel and even some WorldTour roadies and track champions were present on the start line, which took place in sub-freezing temperatures. Riders of note included two-time defending champion, Payson McElveen (Allied), Ted King (Cannondale), Kiel Reijnen (Trek), Colin Strickland (Meteor-Allied), Peter Stetina (Canyon), Ashton Lambie (Gravelnauts-Lauf), John Borstelmann (Abus), Amity Rockwell (Trek/Easton), Ruth Winder (Trek), Emily Newson (EF Education-Tibco-SVB), and Lauren De Crescenzo (Cinch).
While the racing within the peloton is fierce, perhaps the biggest competition, however, comes from the weather and the consequent road conditions. Every year, the race is defined by the state of Oklahoma’s red dirt. If dry, the red roads are hard packed and fast. If wet, the clay turns to thick, soul-sucking mud that’s barely rideable and is known to destroy many a drivetrain.
Racing Mid South is as much a gauge of your fitness as it is your grit and mental toughness.
On Friday, a day before the 10th edition was to kick off, Mid South runners and early arrivers awoke to a blanket of snow. While the snow wasn’t predicted to linger, the forecast of freezing temperatures led organizer, Bobby Wintle, to delay the start time to 9 a.m., in the hopes of slightly warmer, more bearable beginnings.
While the start was still frigid, a warm and windy afternoon the day prior had allowed the course to dry out, keeping the mud at bay and the racing fast.
Like most gravel races, the men’s and women’s fields and age categories all race together, but are scored separately.
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The men’s race was won by 23-year-old Cole Paton (Orange Seal Off-Road) in 4 hours and 52 minutes. Paton broke away from a strong lead group with approximately six miles to go and managed to hold on to his one-minute lead. Behind him, his teammate Dennis van Winden won the reduced bunch sprint for second. Canadian Adam Roberge (Elevate - Webiplex) rounded out the podium.
Red Bull rider and defending champion, Payson McElveen, crashed out of the race 90 miles in and sustained a broken collarbone and injured hand.
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Sub zero temps at the start made way for a sunny day in Oklahoma(Image credit: 241Photography)
Mid South 2022 - Photo Gallery
Like most gravel races, the men’s and women’s fields and age categories all race together, but are scored separately. (Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
Shequaya Bailey spent some 8 and half hours in the wintery sun(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
Infamous red clay had dried out after a snowy Friday(Image credit: 241Photography)
Jonathan Neve is all smiles despite the healthy dose of suffering(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
The 10th anniversary event was a family affair(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
Biggest return in 2022? A hug from race organizer Bobby Wintle(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
Mid South organizer, Bobby Wintle, celebrates with men's race winner Cole Paton.(Image credit: 241Photography)
(Image credit: 241Photography)
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Cycling Weekly'sNorth American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.
Originally from the Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon, she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a journalist for two decades, including 12 years in cycling.
