Cannondale crowns King and Queen of Kanza

Cannondale had an excellent ride at this years Dirty Kanza gravel race, carrying Ted King and Kaitie Keough to wins in the 206-mile gravel road race. Both racers rode Cannondale’s SuperX bikes, albeit with their own unique setups to deal with the long, challenging course.

RELATED: Geoff Kabush lands on the podium in muddy and windy edition of Dirty Kanza 200

For Keough, riding the Dirty Kanza’s endless stretches of gravel roads through wide open farm land was a new challenge. Keough was the first Woman to arrive at the finish line in Emporia, Kansas after powering away from her competition.

King is more familiar with the rigours of the Kanza, having tasted victory two years ago. His attempt to repeat that win was delayed by bad luck as last year’s edition, but the former pro-road racer made good this year. King used his aero bar setup to ride away solo and deliver the win by a clear margin.

As is tradition at the Kansas race, the new King and Queen of Kanza were crowned with commemorative belt buckles. For more on the how the race unfolded for the two Cannondale racers, watch the video above, then scroll through the gallery below:

Former Argyle rider Ted King on course at the Dirty Kanza 200. Image: Wil Matthews

Kaitie Keough all on her own in Kansas. Image: Wil Matthews

Long straights of headwind made the aero bars a distinct advantage. Image: Wil Matthews

Kough stands up a little rise, with the long Kansas horizon behind her. Image: Wil Matthews

Keough waves her way to the win in Kansas.Image: Wil Matthews

Champagne shower at the finish line. Image: Wil Matthews

Celebratory stoppy. Image: Wil Matthews

And the more traditional celebration, happy to be done a grueling event. Image: Wil Matthews

Thousand yard stare after 206 miles of gravel. Image: Wil Matthews