Bottas hits the gravel and lands on the podium!

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Valtteri Bottas headed west for his summer break, jetting off to Colorado where the Finn hit the off-road trails around Steamboat Springs, the venue of the incredible SBT GRVL gravel bike race.

Flanked by girlfriend and pro-cyclist Tiffany Cromwell who also entered the fantastic event, Bottas trained hard on site ahead of race day to complete the 64-mile red course an impressive fifth overall – out of over 500 riders – and second in his age group!

As for Tiffany, the Aussie was entered in the grueling 144-mile black course race, and clocked in 8th overall in the women's category.

Talk about a summer break, guys!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.