2025 Iowa Spring Classics
- The Iowa Spring Classic - Cumming gravel gran fondo is set to take place on March 22nd, offering cyclists an exhilarating gravel racing experience that pays homage to the storied tradition of European Spring Classics.
- The Colfax - Gravel Bonanza Fondo gravel gran fondo occurs the week after on March 29th with an 8 mile loop of nice Jasper county gravel.
- The Pella Roubaix Spring Classic is April 12th where you can experience the unpredictable weather and relentless challenge with a 50km Gran Fondo or a 100km race.
History of the Iowa Spring Classic
Established almost two decades ago, the Iowa Spring Classic has become a cornerstone event in the local cycling community. Inspired by the challenging one-day races of Northern Europe, this race brings the spirit of the cobbled streets and steep climbs of the European classics to the gravel roads of Iowa. Each year, the event attracts a diverse group of riders, from seasoned racers to enthusiastic newcomers, all eager to test their mettle against the unpredictable March conditions of the Midwest.
In 2006 (maybe 2007?) the Iowa Spring Classic was born in Mitchellville with a 3-race series consisting of two 30 mile laps, each one half pavement and half gravel. At the time all there was to ride was road road bikes (skinny tires and minimal gears). This was the kind of Spring training that got everyone into shape for the upcoming Iowa road races.
Fun Fact - One year, Jason McCartney (J Mac) rode over from Iowa city, won the race and rode home! Coralville native Jason McCartney signed with Team Radio Shack for 2010 and raced in the Tour De France.
Brett Griggs took over in 2009(?) as race director and expanded the Iowa Spring Classics to more towns and was race director until 2021.
- Iowa Spring Classic - Cumming
- Iowa Spring Classic - Colfax
- Iowa Spring Classic - Hills/Iowa City
- Iowa Spring Classic - Kellogg/Grinnell
When Brett moved out of state and BIKEIOWA took the Cumming race, the Lisa and Boyd Burnham took the Colfax race, and Hills/Iowa City race was retired. The Kellogg/Grinnell Spring Classic was retired in 2013?
In 2022, Zealous Racing and Iowa Bike Co. launched a new Iowa Spring Classic called "Pella Roubaix Spring Classic" out of Pella.
The Legacy of Spring Classics
The Spring Classics are a series of prestigious one-day professional cycling races held primarily in Northern Europe, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These races are renowned for their challenging terrains, including cobblestone sections, steep hills, and often inclement weather, making them a true test of a cyclist's endurance and skill. Notable races among the Spring Classics include:
Milan-San Remo: Known as "La Primavera," first held in 1907, it's the longest professional one-day race, favoring sprinters despite its length.
Tour of Flanders: Established in 1913, this race is famous for its short, sharp climbs and cobbled sections in the Flemish Ardennes.
Paris-Roubaix: Dubbed "The Hell of the North," since 1896, it challenges riders with extensive cobblestone paths and finishes in the iconic Roubaix Velodrome.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège: First run in 1892, it's the oldest of the classics, featuring numerous steep climbs in the Ardennes region.
These races have become legendary, with victories often defining a rider's career. The Iowa Spring Classic seeks to emulate the essence of these monumental events, offering riders a taste of the classic European racing experience on American soil.
USAC Permitting Benefits and Gran Fondo Status
The Iowa Spring Classic operates under a USA Cycling (USAC) permit, ensuring that the event adheres to standardized rules and safety protocols. Benefits of USAC sanctioning include:
Insurance Coverage: Participants are provided with liability and secondary medical insurance during the event.
Official Recognition: Results are officially recorded, but no ranking points are accumulated due to the gran fondo designation.
Structured Categories: Races are organized into categories that match riders' skill levels, promoting fair and competitive racing.
Additionally, the event's designation as a Gran Fondo—a long-distance, mass-participation cycling event—emphasizes its inclusive nature, welcoming both competitive racers and recreational riders. This status encourages a broader audience to experience the thrill of gravel racing in a supportive environment.
Other Iowa Spring Classics permit their events differently.
Race Categories and Recommendations
The Iowa Spring Classic - Cumming offers multiple race categories to accommodate varying levels of fitness and experience:
Men's and Women's A *: Designed for elite and advanced riders with extensive racing experience and high fitness levels.
Men's and Women's B *: Suited for intermediate riders who have some racing experience and are looking to challenge themselves further.
Men's and Women's C *: Tailored for beginners or those new to gravel racing, focusing on participation and personal achievement over competition.
Riders are encouraged to assess their fitness, experience, and comfort with gravel terrains when selecting a category. It's advisable to start in a lower category if uncertain, as this allows for skill development and a more enjoyable experience.
* Other Iowa Spring Classics may break their races into different categories.
Acknowledgments
Thanks Brett Griggs for organizing the Spring Classics in the early years, and Thanks to Zealous Racing, Iowa Bike Co, Lisa and Boyd Burnham, BIKEIOWA and the BIKEIOWA Racing Team for continuing the Iowa Spring Classic tradtion.
A heartfelt thank you to the Cumming main race sponsor, Stew Hansen's Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, for their generous support, and to the Cumming Tap for graciously hosting the event. Their contributions are instrumental in bringing this race to life and fostering a vibrant cycling community in Iowa.
March Weather and Course Conditions
March in Iowa is notoriously unpredictable, with potential for rain, snow, wind, or sunshine—all in a single day. The gravel course can vary from hard-packed and fast to muddy and treacherous, depending on weather conditions leading up to the race. Participants should prepare for all possibilities by:
Equipment Choices: Opt for gravel or cyclocross bikes with appropriate tire tread and tire clearance for mixed conditions.
Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations, and consider waterproof gear to stay dry based off conditions.
Mental Preparedness: Embrace the adventure and challenge that come with variable conditions, embodying the resilient spirit of classic European races.
Registration Details
Registration for the Iowa Spring Classic - Cumming and the Colfax - Gravel Bonanza Fondo are currently open. Participants are encouraged to register online ahead of time to secure their spot and to assist organizers in planning. While day-of registration may be available, early registration ensures a smoother check-in process and may offer discounted entry fees. For detailed information on registration fees, deadlines, and to sign up, please visit the official event page on BIKEIOWA.
Join us on March 22nd in Cumming, Iowa, for the first Iowa Spring Classic which will be a memorable day of gravel racing that celebrates the enduring legacy of the Spring Classics. Whether you're aiming for the podium or seeking a personal challenge, the Iowa Spring Classic promises an authentic and rewarding experience for all cycling enthusiasts.
RIDE SAFE !