Gravel to Glory: Bottas’ Unbound Adventure

Another weekend off for Formula 1, another grueling off-road cycling adventure for Valtteri Bottas.

After the Monaco GP, Bottas jetted off to the US to take part in last Saturday’s Unbound Gravel 100, a 174 km ultra-endurance cycling challenge held on the gravel roads through the remote Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas.

It was a long day in the saddle for the Sauber charger, but one the competitive Finn concluded on the podium following his remarkable second-place finish in the men’s 30-39 age group!

Bottas is on course to secure his spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships that will take place in Belgium next October.

If only Formula 1 races were held on gravel…

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.