Jay Petervary
Athlete, Storyteller, Routeur
Athlete
Jay Petervary is a true legend of the sport and is one of the best-known personalities in self-supported ultra-endurance racing. His exploits have inspired countless athletes to push their boundaries and many look to him for inspiration for their own unique accomplishments.
Petervary started participating in ultra-endurance events well before they achieved widespread notoriety. His winning ride at the Great Divide Race in 2007 set the early Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the route. And today, even as younger riders strive to chase down his numerous FKTs, Petervary finds new ways to stay at the head of the pack.
To-date, Petervary has an incredible seven Great Divide Race/Tour Divide finishes, and he raced his first DK/Unbound 200 in 2013. In 2019, Petervary and his wife, Tracey, became the first tandem finishers of the 350-mile DK/Unbound XL. Today, Petervary still rides and the front in ultra-endurance races from the Unbound XL to the Silk Road Race, and each summer he hosts a grassroots gravel event at his home in Idaho.
In addition to his racing, Petervary has a passion for teaching and for sharing his wealth of knowledge with others. He’s always eager to share advice and decades of accumulated wisdom with less experienced cyclists. Petervary has also used his influence and presence to bring greater participation to lesser-known events across the country.
In addition to his advocacy and teaching, Petervary has been instrumental in the evolution of gravel bicycles and equipment. He’s well known as a constant thinker, tinkerer, and innovator, and he freely shares his knowledge for the benefit of every adventure cyclist.
Petervary has duly earned the respect and admiration of cyclists around the world, and his exploits have served to inspire a new generation of ultra-endurance and gravel cyclists. Through his support of the early gravel cycling scene, he helped drive the discipline to the heights of success it enjoys today.
According to Petervary, he still loves to compete and participate in events, but today he’s found new ways to find satisfaction in the sport.
“As the years have gone by, I still love to compete, but helping and watching others grow is much more rewarding,” Petervary said. “This is my now and it will grow in the future.
“Gravel racing has helped me grow as a person, make friends, travel, give me focus, and stay involved in the industry –– all things I love.”
