Unbound Stories: Brennan Wertz
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Unbound. The first edition in 2006 saw just 34 riders at the start. Today, Unbound is without a doubt the most important gravel race on the calendar. Even though the UCI is now organizing world championships on gravel, Unbound is the race every gravel racer wants to win. In Part 3 of our series celebrating 20 years of Unbound, we talk to 2024 Gravel National Champion Brennan Wertz.
Jan: Why do you think Unbound has become so important?
Brennan: Honestly, sometimes I wonder the same thing. I think the fact that the race is the longest on the calendar for most racers has cemented it as such an iconic race. There are many beautiful races each year, but, for many riders, only Unbound is over 200 miles long. I personally think that is the biggest factor. Add the crazy/epic stories that have come from the race every year, and you’ve got the seeds for the race’s legendary status. If you are racing 200 miles, it is going to be epic, no matter who you are or what result you’re chasing.
Jan: Every race course favors a certain type of racer. Unbound seems to be an exception—we’ve seen all kinds of riders win in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Why do you think there’s no clear ‘Unbound Racer’?
Brennan: In my mind, this boils down to the chaos of Unbound. It is a race that is often decided based on the right combination of luck and making bold moves. But no other race comes close to the chaos of Unbound. Because of this, it is a race that’s difficult to control, which means there is no real specific ‘Unbound Racer.’
Jan: You’re racing as a privateer in a sport that’s becoming more and more professional, with several teams entering gravel racing over the past year. How does that change the dynamics of the race?
Brennan: In some ways, having teams in the race changes the dynamics a lot. In other ways, not so much. I am genuinely curious to see how this will affect the way the race plays out. As I mentioned above, it is a race that is difficult to control due to the chaotic nature of it, which does hamper teams’ abilities to control the race. I’m excited to see the sport continue to develop, and this certainly feels like a moment where we are turning the page to a new chapter in the story of gravel racing.
Jan: The 20th anniversary course includes most of the iconic sections that have made Unbound famous. You know quite a few of them from past experience. Give us your take on the course!
Brennan: I’ve raced this race many times and seen many corners of rural Kansas. It is all very beautiful and full of flint stones that are some of the sharpest I have ever ridden a bike across. I’m sure the positioning battle will be intense into the key selective sectors, and the sharp rocks will play a big part in the race, too. This year, it looks like there will be rain and mud. If that’s the case, then all hell will break loose, and it quickly becomes a survival battle. I’ve been here in Kansas for most of the week to check out the new course and see many of the most important sectors.
Jan: What’s your impression of the conditions this year? The photos you posted from your pre-rides of the course (above) suggest it’s wet and muddy…
Brennan: Let’s just say that it looks like another challenging year.
Jan: What are your goals this year?
Brennan: My goal for just about every race I line up for is to win. My coach also reminds me of another goal: to stand on the start line with a smile and enjoy the day. But, in all seriousness, I am racing to win. This is a race where I have had a lot of bad luck, but I keep coming back because I know I could win in the right circumstances. Hopefully this is the year!
Jan: Tell us about your equipment. Which bike are you riding?
Brennan: For the 2026 edition, I will be on my trusted Scott Addict Gravel RC. The setup will be largely similar to what I have run for most other gravel races so far this year, but I am switching back to the tighter Sram XPLR gearing after using the mountain bike cassette and derailleur for Sea Otter and Belgian Waffle Ride California. There is a lot less steep climbing in Unbound than in either of those races.
Jan: Which tires do you plan to run?
Brennan: This is always the question. Not knowing how the course conditions will develop, it is hard to say for sure. I am planning to run a combination of smooth Rene Herse tires, with a 55 mm Antelope Hill and a 44 mm Snoqualmie Pass, or semi-slicks with a 48 mm Poteau Mountain and a 44 mm Corkscrew Climb. If the new course ends up being much looser than the old course, I may opt for a knobbies, with a 48 mm Oracle Ridge and a 44 mm Manastash Ridge. All of these would be in the Endurance Plus casing for maximal protection, likely paired with inserts and extra sealant.
Jan: May we ask about tire pressure?
Brennan: Again, this is quite up in the air still at this point, as I narrow down my options outlined above. Generally speaking mid/high 20s (psi) for the 48 mm or 55 mm tires and low 30s for the 44 mm tires. But as the race gets closer, I will be dialing that in and making final selections.
Jan: Any advice for other racers, especially first-timers?
Brennan: Stand on the start line with a smile. During the race, don’t forget to look around, and enjoy the beautiful Flint Hills. And never ever stop eating and drinking!
Photo credits: Jim Merithew (@tinyblackbox; Photos 1, 6); Marc Arjol Rodriguez (@velophoto.tx; Photos 2, 3); Rachael Galipo (Photo 4)
