Yuri’s contributions and influence in gravel cycling—and cycling in general—are as vast and extensive as America’s dirt roads. His impact spans the entire spectrum, from promoter to athlete to innovator to storyteller.
As an athlete, Yuri has excelled for more than three decades. In his most notable victory, the 2015 DK200—known as “the muddy year”—he overcame a 20-minute deficit to win a sprint finish on Commercial Street in Emporia, Kansas. He placed second in the inaugural 350-mile DKXL (now Unbound XL). Yuri first attended and supported California’s Grasshopper Adventure Series in 1995 and has competed in every edition of Rebecca’s Private Idaho, including earning a second-place finish in 2013.
As an event promoter, for more than a decade, he’s organized the Bantam Classic, celebrating his home roads in the Petaluma area of California. He’s played a part in growing NICA leagues across the country and has dedicated hundreds of hours as an instrumental supporter of his local league, NorCal MTB. Other community efforts include fundraising for the Pablove Pediatric Cancer Foundation, donating time and energy to the Be Good Foundation and leading gravel camps including Rusch Academy and the Special Blend Women’s Gravel Camp.
In his role as Athlete and Community Manager at GU Energy, Yuri has been a trailblazer, at the forefront of sponsoring diverse riders, including women, para, trans and non-binary athletes. By guiding capable athletes to carry the banner of gravel forward, Yuri has used his place in the industry to make more riders feel welcome.
From the Julbo family, we congratulate Yuri on this hugely deserved honor!
