Lauren De Crescenzo here, otherwise known as “LDC” for the rather challenging pronunciation of my Italian last name. I’m the newest contributor to Cyclingnews, writing from the behind-the-scenes perspective about the inner workings of professional gravel cycling and beyond.
I began my professional cycling career on the road and like to say, “I have a roadie heart, full of gravel”. So, when the opportunity arose to race in The Growler at Levi's GranFondo, I couldn't resist. The timing aligned perfectly with the Sea Otter Classic mountain bike race, Fuego XL, the first stop of the Life Time Grand Prix, a few hours away in Monterey, California. The 100% road Growler seemed the perfect opportunity for a mini-confidence boost before presenting myself to the mountain bike gods.
