Gravel Racing is a rapidly growing discipline in cycling that blends elements of road racing, mountain biking, and endurance riding. It takes place on unpaved roads—typically gravel, dirt, fire trails, or mixed-terrain routes—and has become popular for its adventurous, inclusive, and challenging nature. Races are held on a mix of surfaces—gravel roads, forest tracks, farm lanes, and even rough singletrack. Courses can range from smooth hardpack to rugged, technical sections. Riders use gravel bikes, which are similar to road bikes but with wider tyres (usually 35-50mm), more stable geometry, and disc brakes for better control on loose surfaces. Events vary from short, intense races (~50km) to ultra-endurance challenges (200km+). Some are single-day, while others (like Migration Gravel Race) are multi-stage. Unlike road races with support cars, gravel events often require riders to carry their own food, tools, and spare parts, adding a survival element. Gravel has a laid-back, inclusive vibe compared to traditional road racing. Many events encourage participation over pure competition, though elite UCI Gravel World Series races (like the one CSM’s interviewee this week won. She won at Safari Gravel (a UCI World Series event)) are highly competitive.
This week, Dom Wightman, Editor of Country Squire Magazine, sat down with gravel racing champion Maddy Nutt to discuss her remarkable journey from the world of Goldman Sachs finance to cycling stardom.
Dom: Hi Maddy, great to meet you. So, why is gravel racing so popular?
Maddy: Hi Dom. The three reasons I’d give are: Freedom— we choose our own race calendars and sponsors. Adventure—courses explore scenic, remote areas road races can’t access. Accessibility— anyone can enter a gravel race. You don’t need the support of a team or sponsors to sign up. Plus, events like the UCI Gravel World Series and Unbound Gravel have really boosted its profile.
You left a high-pressure finance job in the City to pursue cycling—a leap many would consider risky. What was the final push?
Maddy: The hours were brutal, and I realised too many people there had abandoned their dreams for a pay cheque. Cycling was my escape—though I’d never even considered it as a kid. I was more into volleyball after the 2012 Olympics than cycling even though cycling was taking place in my county of Surrey and we watched the races as a family in person. I took an unpaid opportunity in the sport and even worked as a maths tutor to make ends meet.
How did your finance experience shape your approach to racing?
Maddy: Finance taught me discipline and how to handle pressure—useful when you’re 100km into a race with cramps and no support car. But let’s just say Excel spreadsheets don’t prepare you for dodging potholes at 40km/h.
You’ve mentioned struggling with imposter syndrome. How do you combat that?
Maddy: Oh, it’s still there! I didn’t come up through the British Cycling system, and some people told me I didn’t have the ability. Proving them wrong has been sweet. My family’s support helped—shout-out to my dad, a keen cyclist who never doubted me, even when I was vomiting from overeating carbs mid-race.
If you could go back, would you change anything about your transition?
Maddy: Not a thing. The challenges made the success sweeter—though I might’ve skipped the phase where I mistook a gravel race for a buffet. Lesson learned: gels over sandwiches.
You’ve raced everywhere from Kenya to Mexico. Your most memorable event?
Maddy: Brazil, hands down. The course was lined with spectators, and the crowd was electric. Actually I led that race by accident but the energy was unreal. Chile was incredible too. Though, full disclosure, I still get sworn at on UK country lanes. Apparently, cycling still offends some drivers.
Your win at Safari Gravel was huge. What was going through your mind in those final kilometres?
Maddy: It was brutal—dehydration, fatigue, the works. I was actually suffering with really bad cramping in my legs, so all I was thinking about was trying to continue rotating the pedals and get to the line before anyone caught me. But crossing the line made it all worth it and I was tearing up it was so emotional.
Gravel racing is still young. How do you see it evolving for women?
Maddy: More visibility, equal pay, and better coverage. We’re getting there, but there’s work to do. I’d love to see more women encouraged to join—hence my social media ramblings.
Speaking of, how do you balance being an athlete, content creator, and advocate?
Maddy: I think it has become part of the job now as an athlete to create content. It enables you to build a community and bring people along for the journey. If my YouTube or Instagram can inspire people to get on bikes, then it is worth all the hard work behind the scenes!
Your favourite piece of gear, Maddy?
Maddy: My LAUF suspension fork. It’s like swapping a wooden cart for a Rolls-Royce on descents. And my back thanks me daily.
Dream race?
Maddy: Gravel Burn in South Africa. Top ten finish is the goal.
Finally, what advice would you give your younger self before leaving finance?
Maddy: “Buy Bitcoin.” Just kidding. “Trust your gut. And maybe pack more snacks.”
Brilliant. Thanks, Maddy, and best of luck in Iceland!
Maddy: Cheers—I am looking forward to the post race geothermal spa!
