Empora, KS

Jouko about to begin a big day in the saddle... and then just over 15 hours and 200 miles later looking no worst for wear.

Founded in 2006 with only 35 participants, The Dirty Kanza 200 was one of the first racers of its kind in the new “Gravel Grinder” category of events. This event now attract upwards of 1500 participants looking to test themselves on the Kansas Gravel in an around Flint Hills.

Not for the faint of heart, the Dirty Kanza 200 event requires riders to spend anywhere from 12 to 20 hours on the bike.

This year’s event also features several “portage” and “hike a bike” sections due to unusually high rain fall in the days leading up to there event and certainly added to the challenge of such a huge race.

We were very proud to have Duke's Cycle Cannondale LapDogs Team representation at this unique event with Jouko Haapanen making the journey to Kansas. Jouko is not just a Team Racers, he is also one of the owners of Georgetown VW... one of our top sponsors and long time supporter of our race team program.

Jouko Haapanen, 9th Place, 50+ Men (also the top Canadian / Finnish racer), 15:10:45 Hours