Gallery: Sunshine and suffering at the 2019 Dirty Kanza

The 2019 Dirty Kanza featured hot temperatures, sunshine, and a compelling battle in both the men's and women's races. VeloNews photo director Brad Kaminski was in Emporia this year to capture all of the action from the weekend.

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — The Salsa Chaise at the start of the 2019 Dirty Kanza. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Riders lined up before sunrise eager to get rolling on their 200-mile adventure. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Taylor Phinney was a first timer at the Dirty Kanza. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Previous winners Alison Tetrick and Ted King were in good spirits at the start. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — And they’re off, 2,700 riders participated in the 2019 Dirty Kanza. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski — The field rolled through downtown Emporia before hitting the gravel. Photo: Brad Kaminski

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Gravel fans and Emporia locals came out to cheer on the riders. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Christian Meier attacked from the gun opening up a sizable gap just 25 miles into the 200 mile race. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — The lead group settled into a sustainable pace. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — This rider was bloodied but still motivated to take his pull on the front of his group. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Conditions were ideal in the morning, but the temperature would heat up later in the day. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Some riders just went at their own pace. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — 35 miles into the race Christian Meier had a 3 minute lead. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Amanda Nauman lost contact with the lead group before the first feed zone. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — At the first feed zone the Cokes were being guzzled like water. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Not going out too fast, and staying on top of your nutrition is essential for a good ride at the Dirty Kanza. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Ted King led the super strong chase group, which perhaps underestimated the strength and endurance of Colin Strickland. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — After flatting earlier in the day Kiel Reijnen chased the leaders with the help of Jeremiah Bishop. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — 2018 Dirty Kanza XL winner Matt Acker, restocked at a connivence store just outside Alma, Kansas. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — There were various hazards to overcome at the 2019 Dirty Kanza 200. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Colin Strickland held his lead through a water crossing. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Second-place Women’s finisher Alison Tetrick ran through this water crossing. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — On your left! Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Cole House took a dip to cool off. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Geoff Kabush chased the leaders by himself for five hours. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — As temperatures climbed, many riders took the opportunity to cool off at the water crossings throughout the day. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Jay Petervary won the DK XL setting a new record time for the race. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Colin Strickland was the first to cross the line and was greeted by Dirty Kanza co-founder Jim Cummins. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — Alex Howes and Lachlan Morton rode together for the final few hours, crossing the line in 3rd and 4th place. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com

Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com — This rider crashed just 8 miles before the finish but she still had a big smile on her face as she received a little medical attention. Photo: Brad Kaminski | VeloNews.com