Cheers to an Incredible Season of Gravel Racing with Iz King and Pete Stetina
Lazer’s Gravel Athletes Shine Bright in 2023
As another thrilling season of gravel racing wraps up this fall, we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for our lineup of exceptional Lazer gravel athletes. With grit, determination, and an unyielding passion for the sport, these athletes have conquered the most challenging races and pushed their limits (and our helmets) to the max. We cheered them on as they claimed hard-fought victories and podium finishes, and we’ve celebrated their unwavering resilience both on and off the racecourse.
As we look back on this season's countless gravel miles, grueling climbs, and mud-riddled courses, Lazer is proud to be part of this incredible journey. But before we say goodbye to 2023, we caught up with two of our fantastic gravel athletes, Pete Stetina and Iz King, to share some reflections on this season and, more importantly, what they're looking forward to in the off-season.
What was the highlight of your 2023 race season?
Iz King: I think Unbound was the highlight this year - both the race and the days leading into it. The energy around that race is unlike any other, and I loved walking around the expo, meeting people, and talking about their journey to get there. Everyone knows we're about to go out and do something incredibly hard on Saturday, and you don't know what's going to happen. There's mutual respect and excitement among us, pros and amateurs alike. And, of course, the race was WILD...it was muddy, boiling hot, pouring down rain, lightning, you name it. Can’t wait to go back!
Pete Stetina: Overall, I stayed healthy and was able to balance marquee events with grassroots events to sample the entire gravel landscape, as well as focus on my growing family. The juggle was tough but successful.
What are you most looking forward to doing in the off-season?
Iz King: Spending time with my family! I'm still getting used to balancing racing and life outside the bike. I'm super close with my family, and it's important to spend the holidays together while I can disconnect from racing a bit.
Pete Stetina: Paying back my wife for all the solo twin duty she did. Catch up with non-cycling friends, and drink more beer!
How do you balance the highs and lows throughout the season?
Iz King: It’s definitely still a work in progress! I feel like I get a little bit better each year, but it's a challenge. Having goals outside of race results has helped me. I hope to inspire others to push themselves and take on new challenges. If a race doesn't go well, but I manage to overcome an obstacle I didn't think I could, or I had a super positive interaction with someone on course, those can be little wins outside of "What place did you finish?"
Pete Stetina: My season was very hot and cold, some top-shelf podiums along with generous helpings of bad luck. I've done this long enough, though, to know that it's all cyclical, and you just have to keep plugging away. Nothing in this sport is permanent and there's always another race.
Even though the race season is winding down, we know that this break is just the calm before the storm, and we are already looking forward to the excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead in the next racing season. We have no doubt that our Lazer gravel athletes will return with even more determination, new goals, and a desire to push the boundaries of what's possible.
