What does it take to race Unbound? According to Keegan Swenson: resilience, a solid nutrition plan, and apparently, a very forgiving bike.
In this post-race deep dive, we sat down with one of gravel racing's elite to unpack what really happened at Unbound 2025, from a screw-induced flat to split-second decisions, and why his equipment might need some intense therapy afterward.
"Even if things don't go to plan early on..."
Keegan didn’t sugarcoat it, this years Unbound was, in his own words, "a bit of a crazy one." He hit the ground, punctured a tire, and he chased to make up on precious time. And still he found a way to finish in the top 10 and maintain the overall Life Time Grand Prix lead!
"This race is so long that even if things don't go to plan early on, there's still a lot of time to get back... Even if you don't end up exactly where you want to be, you still have a chance at a good result if you just keep pushing."
That mentality, to race through setbacks, to stay mentally locked in on your goal, is exactly why Keegan is at the top of his game and still atop the overall standings.
What Keeps Him Going?
We asked what motivates him when everything seems to go wrong. His answer?
"It's not over 'til it's over. You never know what could happen to those guys at the front... There's always a chance."
And no, Keegan wasn’t talking about blind optimism, he was talking about strategic stubbornness. He talked about the race and results are uncertain until it is finished, because someone might flat, bonk, or just look the wrong way for half a second. All you can do is hang in there and wait for your moment.
Lessons Learned: Nutrition, Positioning, and Instant Recovery
One of Keegan’s personal highlights during this year’s Unbound? Nailing his nutrition!
"Last year I kind of stumbled with that... but this year I was pretty stoked to get it figured. I had a plan and I executed."
He also noted his quick response post-crash this year as compared to last years:
"I got back up quick and just started chasing right away. You can’t waste time out there. Once the train leaves the station, you're not getting back on."
And of course we had to ask about his biggest regret, which was? Pack positioning.
"There were a few times where I ended up a little too far back and had to chase more. I let myself get too far back and wasn’t in a great place to react."
Gear Talk: Tannus Inserts and Gravel Tech
Are they useful?
Absolutely, especially for riders who value durability and reliability over shaving off every last gram.
“I think for like an amateur rider... just looking to get through the day and have a problem-free ride, the inserts are pretty much always the answer. I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to use them.”
He emphasized that recreational and endurance-focused riders benefit the most from inserts, especially in races like Unbound where finishing is the goal and terrain is unpredictable.
But what about pros?
For elite racers like Keegan, it depends. He's always weighing performance trade-offs, like rolling resistance, weight, and ride feel.
“They do have a little bit of weight, maybe a little rolling resistance… so it’s about figuring out when they make the most sense.”
In his case, with getting a screw in his tire, could inserts have helped? Maybe, but even Keegan acknowledged that inserts wouldn't have prevented that specific puncture.
“That screw would’ve gone through pretty much anything... except maybe one of those super thick, like DH-style inserts.”
When do inserts shine?
- In muddy conditions, where you want lower tire pressure for grip without risking pinch flats
- On those long distance, casual rides where you just want to focus on a good time.
- For bigger riders, who are more likely to bottom out tires or damage rims
- When training in unpredictable terrain
- For rear wheels only, as a “halfway” strategy for protection without full commitment
- As a safety net in races with unknown or rugged terrain
- "If you want to run a lighter casing but not risk flatting, you throw an insert in. They’re just a smart way to split the difference."
Keegan’s take in short:
Inserts are a smart, protective tool, especially for amateurs or riders prioritizing durability. But for pros chasing marginal gains? It’s a race-day call, not a default. Still, even he admits:
“I train with them in my tires almost all the time…makes things a little more durable when you’re bouncing around the desert.”
He’s also a known gear tinkerer, always chasing marginal gains.
"I just think of problems I've had and try to come up with solutions... You can't ever think your setup is perfect. Courses change, the gear evolves. You need to stay open."
Watch this video to hear Keegan's directly from him:
Keegan vs. His Bike
We had to ask: after everything Unbound threw at them, what would his bike say if it could talk?
"It would probably say it hates me. That I just totally abused it. That screw was smacking the frame and I thought it was a stick. Poor bike. Just gets absolutely thrashed."
Still, Keegan insists he’s gentle on gear compared to others: "I try to take care of it... but yeah, there are guys way harder on equipment than me."
Recovery and Rituals
No fancy hacks here:
"The biggest thing is just getting enough sleep. It sounds simple, but it’s always easier said than done."
His pre-race ritual? A warmup playlist and mobility work. That’s it. No superstition, just systems.
"I probably put on one sock before the other every time... but I don’t know which one."
The Mindset of Endurance
What’s the biggest thing he’s learned about himself?
"That I'm always capable of a bit more than I thought I was."
That might be the real core of this whole story. Not just pushing watts, but discovering limits you didn’t know existed and busting through them.
Gravel's Growth & Community
Why is gravel exploding?
"It’s so accessible. Easier equipment. Less intimidating. Safer than riding on the road... You can ride trail, pavement, gravel…it’s all fair game."
And the community?
"It’s cool. You finish and people are just stoked to be there. You're all riding the same course and having the same experience. That’s rare in big events like Unbound."
Keegan also highlighted the rising crossover from road cyclists, noting how it both elevates the field and puts everyone on equal ground.
"In gravel, you're on your own. You drop a bottle, you're hosed. That reveals a lot."
Final Words
From flat tires to podium finishes, Keegan Swenson proves what gravel racing is all about: grit, adaptability, and getting back on the bike when it tries to throw you off.
"You just keep pushing. There's always another level."
He’s right. And after this year’s Unbound, it’s clear: whatever level Keegan Swenson is on, it’s worth watching.
Want more? Follow Keegan @keegels99 and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories on the blog.
