Payson McElveen Gives Us an Insider Look at The Mid South

Payson McElveen Gives Us an Insider Look at The Mid South

In the realm of gravel racing, where live coverage often falls short, athletes like Payson McElveen are pioneering new ways to bring fans closer to the heart-pounding action. At the forefront of this innovation, McElveen introduced a unique "visual podcast" during the UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy, captivating audiences with firsthand footage from the chaotic start of the race. Continuing this trend, he recently captured the essence of competition at the Mid South gravel race, recording the critical final 18 miles of the 100-mile challenge. Despite the camera's limited 40-minute battery life, McElveen's unedited footage, coupled with his insightful commentary, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the strategies, struggles, and spirit of gravel racing. Although a puncture forced him out of contention with just seven miles to go, his footage vividly captures the dramatic narrowing of the lead group, providing an exclusive look at the sport's dynamic nature and the fierce determination of its athletes.

The last 18 miles of Mid South Gravel 2024... well, mostly. I punctured out of the lead group with 7 miles remaining, but enjoy all the fireworks of the lead group exploding from ~16 down to the final 6 riders. I'm calling these a visual podcast for now, narrating as the attacks, battles for position, and singletrack ripping unfolded in real time, while adding some background about the other riders along the way.