The King Kong Challenge has come and gone, leaving riders with unforgettable memories of grit and glory. This year’s event featured three exhilarating races: the Little Apple (50K), the Kong (100K), and the ultimate test, the King Kong (150K).

The King Kong race, combining the Little Apple with the rugged No Man’s Land, stretched across 150 kilometers of challenging terrain, including about 80% gravel. Riders faced a self-supported challenge, requiring them to be fully prepared with top-notch gear and bikes. The winners, crowned King Kong and Queen Kong, will hold their titles until the next year’s race.

The State Championships were also a highlight, with jerseys awarded to top men and women in the 100K and junior competitors in the 50K.

Matt Zalewski, who triumphed in the 150K race for the Hardcore Cycling Team, reflected on his experience:

“Fun and challenging course! I crashed early but quickly caught back up to the group, attacked several times, and went solo out front for 20 miles before another rider joined me. Took the win in a sprint finish.”

The King Kong Challenge proved once again to be a thrilling test of endurance and skill. Congratulations to all the riders who took on the gravel and made this event a memorable one!