Lauren Stephens, the reigning U.S. Gravel National Champion, crushed the competition at SBT GRVL on Vittoria Terreno Dry tires and the new Air-Liner Light Gravel tubeless insert. SBT GRVL returned on Sunday, August 18 for its fifth edition. The race rolled out major changes this year, including a brand new ‘Black’ course that was reduced from 144 to 125 miles with an additional 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and more technical than in years past.
SBT GRVL is one of the most prestigious events on the gravel calendar. Held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, SBT GRVL has quickly gained a reputation for its stunning yet grueling courses. Riders are treated to the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, but they also face an unforgiving mix of terrain that includes everything from smooth, fast-rolling “champagne” gravel to chunky, technical descents and the infamous loose, sandy sections that test even the best riders and equipment.
Lauren’s Winning Setup: Vittoria Terreno Dry and Air-Liner Light Gravel
Lauren chose our 47mm Terreno Dry Lite tires, and for good reason. Here’s what she had to say:
"I chose to ride 47mm Terreno Dry Lite for SBT. This new course for 2024 had chunky descents and one notable loose and sandy section. I chose the Dry for the control and traction it provides while still being fast rolling on the long sections of ‘champagne’ gravel. I felt the 47mm width was the best choice for the soft and sandy sections and was willing to accept the small weight penalty over a smaller width. I also used the new Air-Liner Light Gravel inserts as added protection for the chunky descents. As for pressures, I ran 24 PSI front and 26.5 PSI rear."
The Terreno Dry is the ultimate all-around tire for mixed terrain, offering that perfect blend of speed and control. The 47mm width that Lauren opted for proved to be a game-changer, giving her the extra traction and stability she needed on the tricky sections while still rolling fast on the smoother stretches.
Lauren also relied on our brand-new Vittoria Air-Liner Light Gravel tire inserts, providing an extra layer of protection—perfect for those chunky descents that SBT GRVL is known for—without compromising the tire’s performance. They work seamlessly with tubeless setups, giving riders the confidence to push harder, knowing they’ve got that extra cushion against flats and rim damage.
Lauren’s win at SBT GRVL is more than just another race result—it’s a statement. It’s proof that with the right gear and a lot of grit, you can tackle even the toughest courses. We’re incredibly proud to have Lauren trusting Vittoria to lead her to victory.
Congratulations, Lauren!
