Gallery: An in-depth look at the 2021 Unbound Gravel

Whether finishing in just over 10 hours or just under 21 hours, all riders battled the sharp flint, heat, and wind.

Nearly 1,000 riders rolled out of Emporia, Kansas at 6 a.m. on June 5 to tackle the 206-mile Unbound Gravel course. (There were also 25-, 50-, and 100-mile races, plus the invite-only 350-mile XL course.)

By the time the 3 a.m. cutoff rolled around, 600 riders had made it back to Emporia.

Wil Matthews was out on course all day, and he captured a multifaceted look at the most important gravel race in the world. Enjoy his photography below.