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Kiwi cyclist Cameron Jones has claimed a historic victory in one of the most prestigious off-road races in the United States.
The 23-year-old won the elite men’s race in 8 hours and 37 minutes, becoming the first non-American to top the podium in the event’s history.
More significantly, the result secured him wildcard status for the rest of the gravel racing season.
Jones entered the race without guaranteed starts in the series, knowing that a top result could earn him a spot among the regular contenders.
"It was probably in my best interest to play it safe because there was more than just the race on the line," he said following his victory.
"But the whole time I was thinking, 'who I am kidding? I'm just gonna send it'."
After 80km, he broke away from the field alongside former pro road cyclist Simon Pellaud.
Jones said he was unsure at the start but that Pellaud assured him it was the right thing to do.
"We managed to keep morale high, helped each other as much as we could, he lubed my chain, I gave him some water."
Cameron Jones during the Unbound Gravel race. (Source: Gretchen Powers)
The impromptu duo spent the majority of the day working as teammates but as the gravel turned to pavement, Jones tore away for a sprint finish.
"I was keen to leave it to a sprint and just ride hard up the hill, and riding hard up the hill was enough to break the elastic and got to savour the roll into town," he said.
Jones' win was made more special with family there to see it.
"This is the first US race they've come to watch, having watched me chase this for a couple of years now."
It's the first time Unbound Gravel did not have an American rider on the elite men's podium.
