Matt Beers Triumphs in Shortened Elite Men’s Race at Big Sugar Classic, Cameron Jones Clinches Life Time Grand Prix Title

South Africa’s Matt Beers Claims Victory at Big Sugar Gravel Classic

Bentonville, Arkansas – October 18, 2025 – South African cyclist Matt Beers, riding for Specialized-Off Road, dominated the professional men’s division at the 2025 Big Sugar Classic. He finished over three minutes ahead of his nearest challenger, Matthew Wilson of Santa Cruz, who encountered a mechanical issue in the final stages of the race.

Griffin Easter, representing Opicure Foundation, secured second place in Bentonville, Arkansas, finishing just two seconds ahead of Riley Amos from Trek Factory Racing, who rounded out the podium in third. The race, a pivotal event in the Life Time Grand Prix series, was considerably altered due to severe weather forecasts.

Weather Forces Course Adjustment

With the National Weather Service issuing a ‘hazardous weather outlook’ predicting large hail, damaging winds, and substantial rainfall, race organizers made the difficult, but necessary, decision to shorten the course by half just ninety minutes before the elite races began. The revised route still presented a formidable challenge, with rugged terrain and demanding climbs.

Beers Breaks Away, Wilson Suffers

Early in the race, beers established a strong lead alongside Wilson and Amos as they navigated the initial gravel sections. The trio quickly created a two-minute advantage over the rest of the field during the first hour of racing. However, Amos was later dropped from the leading group, leaving Beers and Wilson to battle for the win. Beers described the 53.9-mile course as exceptionally “gnarly.”

“It was nice being out in front,” Beers shared with cyclingnews. “I knew the riders behind would be battling intensely.My mountain biking background prepared me well for this type of sustained effort, so I knew I needed to push hard and commit fully.”

Beers continued, stating, “I’m not sure what happened to Matt [Wilson], perhaps a mechanical issue. Either way, I knew it was my moment to seize the opportunity. I maintained a strong pace on the flats and confidently pushed towards the finish.”

Jones Secures Life Time Grand Prix Title

Cameron Jones, riding for Scott-Shimano, finished fifth, which was enough to clinch the overall men’s title in the Life Time grand Prix. Entering the final event, Jones trailed series leader Keegan Swenson by a single point. However, his strong performance in Bentonville allowed him to overtake the three-time champion, who finished 11th.

Race Details: Shortened Course and Challenging Conditions

The decision to halve the 100-mile route came as storms loomed over north-west Arkansas. The revised 50-mile course, measuring 53.9 miles, retained notable climbing and challenging gravel surfaces, including rugged roads and off-camber descents. A $30,000 prize purse was awarded for the single-race event, with a further $200,000 available for competitors in the Life Time Grand Prix series.

Prior to the race, several riders were unable to compete, including Italy’s Mattia De Marchi, a recent participant in the UCI Gravel World Championships, and American andy Lydic, who was recovering from a wrist injury.

Top 10 Results

Position	Rider	time
1	Matt Beers	2:12:52
2	Griffin Easter	2:16:33
3	Riley Amos	2:16:38
4	Julien Gagne	2:16:39
5	Cameron Jones	2:17:02
6	Caleb Swartz	2:17:02
7	Kyan Olshove	2:17:03
8	Simon Pellaud	2:17:03
9	Torbjørn Andre Røed	2:17:03
10	Cole Paton	2:17:03

Did You Know? Gravel racing has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, attracting both seasoned road cyclists and mountain bikers seeking a new challenge.

The Growing Appeal of Gravel Racing

Gravel racing offers a unique blend of disciplines, requiring riders to navigate a variety of surfaces, including paved roads, gravel paths, and even dirt trails. The sport’s versatility and accessibility have contributed to its rapid growth, with events popping up across the globe. According to a report by the USA Cycling, gravel racing participation increased by over 140% between 2017 and 2022. The popularity of events like the Big Sugar Classic further underscores this trend.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gravel Racing

1. What is gravel racing? Gravel racing is a form of cycling that takes place on unpaved roads and trails,combining elements of road cycling and mountain biking.
2. What type of bike is used for gravel racing? A gravel bike is specifically designed for riding on mixed surfaces, featuring a more relaxed geometry and wider tires than a traditional road bike.
3. Is gravel racing more difficult than road cycling? Gravel racing frequently enough presents greater challenges due to the varied terrain and unpredictable conditions.
4. What are the key skills needed for gravel racing? Strong bike handling skills, endurance, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are essential for success in gravel racing.
5. How does the Life Time Grand Prix series work? The Life Time Grand Prix is a series of prestigious gravel races that crowns an overall champion based on points accumulated throughout the season.
6. What impact did the weather have on the Big Sugar Classic? The severe weather forecast led to a reduction in the race distance,changing the tactical dynamics and required riders to adjust their strategies.
7. Who is Cameron Jones? Cameron Jones is a professional cyclist who secured the overall men’s title in the Life Time Grand prix following his performance at the Big Sugar Classic.

What did you think of Beers’s performance? Do you see gravel racing becoming a mainstream cycling discipline in the near future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What impact did the shortened course have on the Elite Men’s race strategy?

Matt Beers Wins big sugar Classic, Cameron Jones Crowned Life Time Grand Prix Champion

A Day of Racing and championship decidations in Bentonville

The 2025 Big Sugar Classic delivered a thrilling day of mountain biking action in Bentonville, Arkansas, culminating in a victory for Matt Beers in the Elite Men’s race and the overall Life Time Grand Prix title for Cameron Jones. Despite a shortened course due to challenging weather conditions,the competition remained fierce,showcasing the incredible talent within the off-road cycling community. This event was a key component of the Life Time Grand Prix series,a prestigious competition attracting top professional mountain bikers.

Elite Men’s Race Recap: Beers Takes the Win

Matt Beers (PYGA Eurobike) powered to victory in the Elite Men’s race, navigating the slick and demanding course with skill and determination. The race was significantly shortened from its originally planned distance due to persistent rain and muddy conditions,prioritizing rider safety.

* Key Race Details: The shortened course focused on the most challenging sections of the Big Sugar trails, emphasizing technical riding and power.

* Beers’ Performance: Beers demonstrated extraordinary bike handling and strategic pacing, consistently maintaining a strong position throughout the race. He capitalized on the conditions, showcasing his strength in muddy terrain.

* Top Competitors: While Beers took the top spot, the race saw strong performances from other leading riders, including Howard Grotts and Peter Stetina, battling for podium positions.

* Race Time: Official race times were impacted by the course shortening,with Beers completing the revised course in[InsertOfficialRaceTimeHere-[InsertOfficialRaceTimeHere-research needed].

Cameron Jones Secures Life Time Grand Prix Title

The real drama of the day centered around the Life time Grand Prix overall standings. Cameron Jones (Pivot Cycles-OTE) clinched the coveted title, solidifying his position as one of the premier off-road cyclists in the world.

* Life Time Grand Prix Series: The Life Time Grand prix is a multi-event series encompassing some of the most challenging and iconic mountain bike races in North America.

* Jones’ Consistent performance: Jones’ success wasn’t built on a single race win, but rather on consistent top-10 finishes across all events in the series – unbound Gravel, Leadville Trail 100, Belasera Stage Race, and Big Sugar Classic.

* Points System: The Life Time Grand Prix utilizes a points-based system, rewarding riders for their performance in each event. consistency is key to accumulating enough points to win the overall title.

* Key Rivalries: The battle for the Life Time Grand Prix title was closely contested, with riders like Keegan Swenson and Sofia Gomez Villafañe pushing Jones to his limits throughout the season.

The Impact of Weather on the Big Sugar Classic

The weather played a critically important role in shaping the 2025 Big Sugar Classic. Heavy rainfall leading up to and during the race transformed the already challenging trails into a muddy, slippery test of skill and endurance.

* Course Modifications: Race organizers made the tough decision to shorten the course to ensure rider safety and maintain a competitive event.

* tyre Choice & Bike Setup: Riders carefully considered their tire choice and bike setup, opting for tires with aggressive tread patterns to maximize grip in the muddy conditions.

* Rider Strategy: The slick conditions forced riders to adjust their racing strategy, prioritizing caution and smooth riding over aggressive attacks.

* Muddy conditions & Bike Maintenance: Increased bike maintenance was crucial, with riders and mechanics constantly cleaning and lubricating components to prevent mechanical issues.

Life Time Grand Prix: A Growing Force in off-road Cycling

The Life Time grand Prix series continues to grow in popularity and prestige, attracting a wider range of talented riders and sponsors.

* Increased Prize Money: Life Time has significantly increased the prize money for the series, incentivizing top riders to compete.

* Expanded Media Coverage: The series receives extensive media coverage, raising its profile and attracting new fans.

* Community Engagement: Life Time actively engages with the local communities hosting the events, fostering a strong connection between the series and its fans.

* Future of the Series: Plans are underway to further expand the Life Time Grand Prix, perhaps adding new events and increasing the overall prize purse.

Training Tips for Muddy Mountain Bike Races

Preparing for a mountain bike race in muddy conditions requires specific training and bike setup considerations.

1. Strength Training: Focus on core strength and leg power to maintain stability and control in slippery conditions.
2. Bike Handling Skills: Practice riding on loose surfaces and navigating technical sections to improve your bike handling skills.
3. Tire Pressure: Experiment with lower tire pressures to increase grip,but be mindful of the risk of pinch flats.
4. Mud Guards: Install mud guards to prevent mud from clogging your brakes and drivetrain.
5. Bike Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and lubricate your bike after each muddy ride to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance