A challenging full gravel course, a hefty prize purse and a slot on the calendar that provided another handy hit out right before many of the nation's top riders in the discipline head overseas – it is no surprise that even in its first edition the Sutton Grange Winery Uncorked Gravel pulled in a healthy dose of Australia’s top performers.
The fact that the race was near Bendigo also probably didn't hurt, given the region has emerged as a hotspot for producing top contenders in the discipline. Those that call the Victorian regional city home include Australian champion Connor Sens, 2022 Dirty Warrny winner Courtney Sherwell and RADL GRVL victor Tasman Nankervis. The trio also all swept up a UCI Gravel World Series round win each in 2023.
