Barry-Roubaix
Barry-Roubaix trophy | |
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Late March/Early April, annually |
| Region | Michigan, USA |
| Nickname(s) | Killer Gravel Road Race |
| Discipline | Cyclo-cross, Gravel grinder, Gravel road race |
| History | |
| First edition | 2009 |
| Editions | 15 (as of 2024) |
| First winner | Michael Simonson & Mackenzie Woodring |
| Most recent | Mat Stephens & Kae Takeshita |
Barry-Roubaix is a classic-style road/off-road cycling race featuring a variety of terrain and surfaces to test cyclists of all skill levels. Named to the Global Cycling Network's Top Five Gravel Events and Nine Coolest Races of 2018, the event is known as the World's Largest Gravel Road Race.
The course is located in Barry County, Michigan near the Gun Lake Unit of Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Most years, Barry-Roubaix consists of rolling gravel roads (80%), pavement, one mile of rough two-track, rocks, sand, mud, and possibly snow and ice, along with 2200 feet of climbing. The race features three distinct levels of competition corresponding to different race course distances. The Beginner/Intermediate riders complete a 22-mile course, the Expert riders complete a 36-mile course, and the Elite/Pro riders complete a 62-mile course. The name "Barry-Roubaix" was selected in a naming competition; it is a reference to the famous spring classic Paris–Roubaix one day professional cycling race held in France. Barry-Roubaix is held annually on the third Saturday in April unless Easter happens to fall on that weekend. Participants use a variety of bicycle types (cyclocross, mountain, road, fat), depending on course conditions and individual preferences.