Rigs of the 2024 Badlands (2024)

The 2024 Badlands event starts in Granada, Spain, on Sunday morning. It follows a challenging 790-kilometer off-road route through southern Spain, dishing up more than 15,000 meters of elevation gain. The race finishes in Capileira, traversing diverse landscapes along the way, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Granada Geopark, the Gorafe Desert, the Sierra de Baza, the Sierra de los Filabres, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the Sierra Alhamilla, and the Tabernas Desert. The route features tough climbs, remote areas, and stunning natural beauty, making it a demanding but rewarding experience. An impressive 241 solo riders and 49 pairs are registered for this year’s event, with over 30 countries represented.

Like last year, we received an overwhelming number of rig submissions from the folks riding the 2024 Badlands and have put them together into one massive rig roundup with over 100 riders and rigs! As always, we gathered details on the riders’ gear, bike, and kit highlights, plus a photo of their bike setup. Dig into them all below, and then head over to our2024 Badlands Tracker pagefor live tracking and regular updates during the event.

Cees Akkermans

Breda (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Swapping the John Deere for a Specialized Crux with SRAM XPLR 10-44, Ratio Technology 34T chainring, Exposure lights. Same bike and almost identical setup as used for Badlands 2022 but with wider 2.1″ Schwalbe Thunder Burt Dylan Johnson MTB tires with trimmed-down knobs on the back to keep the frame from cracking.
BAGS: Pro Discover bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No sleep system, but I hope to find shade under a tree for some siestas.

Johnny Anaya

Age 31 / Vilassar de dalt (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2023 Finna Taroko, featuring XC30 Carbon Wheels with 50mm wide Continental Terra Hardpack, SRAM AXS 2×12 transmission 43/30T/10-44T, Fizik Argo Terra saddle, Deda Drop bars with AMS Sterrato bart tape.
BAGS: Camelback M.U.L.E. 3, on the bike center and a camelback M.U.L.E. 1 on the saddle. A top tube framebag and two 710ml camelback podium insulated bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Four pistons Hope RX4+ callipers, Wahoo Elemnt ROAM V2 and Daysaver toolkit.

Hallgrimur Arnarson

Age 48 / Reykjavik (Iceland)

BIKE: Lauf Seigla Race, SRAM Eagle X0 rear derailleur, 10-52T cassette and flat top chain, SRAM 42T chainring. SRAM Force shifters and brakes, Shimano Dura Ace 160mm discs. Hunt Limitless 42mm wheels and 50mm Goodyear Connector tubeless tires. Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow saddle. Simple areobars and SRAM eTap AXS wireless blips. SRAM AXS power meter and Garmin Edge 1040 solar. 2x 750ml Fidlock water bottles.
BAGS: 13L Ortlieb saddle bag and 3L frame bag, Apidura x Canyon top tube bag and a small handlebar snack pouch. Camelbak with 2L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Love the wireless blips for easy gear shifting when on the aerobars.

Nathalie Baillon

Age 34 / Meylan, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (France)

BIKE: Liv Devote Advanced with ShockStop steam and seatpost that I will try for the first time in Badlands, rotor crankset 46/30T and 11x34T cassette, Schwalbe G-One RS 700 x 45mm.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack and top tube + a pouch bag. I will have a lot of pockets on my Pedaled clothing, so I don’t need too many bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Infinity saddle.

Marie Baron

Age 30 / Lyon (France)

BIKE: Rose Backroad, Aluminium frame, GRX 600 1×11 (38T x 11/42), Hutchinson tires, SON Dynamo hub up front on a Duke World Runner Wheel, KLite front light.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition set.

Boyd Belshof

Age 28 / Utrecht (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Canyon Grizl 8 equipped with a Shimano GRX822 groupset featuring a 38T chainring and 10-51T cassette. I’ve added Profile Design aerobars with risers for extra comfort. For wheels, I’m running DT Swiss paired with 50mm Schwalbe G-One Overland tires to smooth out the rough terrain. The Exposure Strada Mk10 front light will help keep me moving through the night.
BAGS: For bags, I’m using a Miss Grape midloader to store gear, and a Riverside Saddle Bag to carry all of my sleep kit. For quick-access items, I have a Riverside top tube bag, along with two Miss Grape food pouches for easy access to snacks and essentials while riding.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: To stay hydrated, I’ll be riding with three 750ml water bottles and a 1.5L Camelbak. I’ve also added two BBB Strapplates to carry extra bottles if needed. With this setup, I’ll be prepared for the long, grueling stretches of the race.

Joey Belshof

Age 30 / Utrecht (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I will be racing a 3T Exploro Racemax with the Campagnolo Ekar Group. 38T on the front, and 9-42T on the back. As for the wheels and tires, I am going wide and steady with a 650B Fulcrum Rapid Red 5 wheelset with Vittoria Mezcals 2.1″. On the handlebar there’s a pair of Profile Design Missile aerobars with spacers for the ‘flatter’ sections. To get me through the night I’m counting on the Exposure Lights Joystick on my helmet and Exposure Lights Blaze for the rear. The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt should keep me on track to the finish line.
BAGS: A full arsenal of Miss Grape bags. Saddle bag, frame bag, smaller sized top tube bag and handlebar bag, and finally two food pouch bags on the handle bar.

Matthew Bird

Age 28 / Adelaide, South Australia (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Orbea Terra race bike that I’ve been on all season, it’s build with a mix of Ultegra and GRX di2 with Easton bars, cranks and wheels. The only changes to my normal gravel racing setup are the addition of some borrowed TT bars and some bike packing bags courtesy of Apidura. Tyres are from Schwalbe but I haven’t decided what yet. Sealant and chainlube from Squirt and a saddle from Reform.
BAGS: Apidura all over, I’ll be using the 2.4L racing frame bag, long top tube, 3L saddle bag and hydration vest from the racing series.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve really been enjoying the new Easton EC90alx wheelset and bars. The wheels are light, wide and deep enough to help with aero but they still feel like I could ride them down a mountain bike track if I wanted to. The bars are a great gravel race bar with the 38cm hoods and 42cm drops, they weigh nothing but are stiff enough to really pull on.

Zuzana Bohacova

Age 30 / Prague (Czech Republic)

BIKE: I ride the same bike as my boyfriend. We both have the Campy edition Basso Palta, Campagnolo EKAR, Levante carbon wheels. 38T in front, 10-48T cassette. Pirelli Cinturato gravel RC 45mm front and RC-X 40mm back tyres. I also have Fenix lights for night riding.
BAGS: The complete Miss Grape setup. BigNodE 2H for snacks, Cluster 20 for all clothes, basic hygiene, spare parts and sleeping stuff, Internode 4 for lights, external batteries, cables. Evoc Hydro Pro vest 3+1, 5L to stow personal items and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 3D printed custom saddle from Czech brand Posedla. 10-48T cassette, with which I can ride even the steepest hills. Garmin Solar 1040, which lasts two days of riding and without which I would be lost.

Sam Brook

Age 36 / Chichester (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Cannondale Scalpel 2017 which I bought second hand a year or so ago. Swapped quite a few bits and pieces – gone long cage 12 speed on the back so now I have a dinner plate 52T to go with the 32 up front. Might stop the knees screaming so much on the hills. Moved to 180mm rotor on the front and swapped out the flat carbon bars, put on ergonomic grips etc. No dropper, wheels are stock carbon ones they came with and am running Vitoria Mezcals. 2.15″ on the front and 2″ on the back. Guessing on the tyres to be honest, but they seemed popular in other ‘Rigs of’ shakedowns. I do like a dynamo set up but alas impossible on a lefty so am battery packing it and have 2 x exposure Diablos (one borrowed). I’ve chucked some aero bars on the front to try and claw back some of the weight penalty on the road. Not a position I’m used to but sure variety will be welcome, and saved watts certainly will. No power meters or HR and will ride on feel. Potentially disastrous but should be fine.
BAGS: Turning this into a bikepacking rig has been quite tricky. It’s not set up with many mounting points and I’m a fork down as it is! Considered the tailfin set up but so pricey I decided that was for the sponsored crew. I did get their suspension fork mounts but haven’t really tested them to be honest. Front bar harness is fairly niche – I wanted something that runs on Rixen Kaul handlebar mount as I really rate it as a system. Big spend was on the wizard works top tube bag which is custom. I decided to save the main triangle (which is tiny) for water and seeing as I have the Standover height have put that on top. The rear is just a fairly basic harness and a dry bag. I like to be able to remove just the dry bags you see. Will carry sleep stuff under the saddle, quick access stuff on the top tube bag and clothes etc up front. Water I’ll strap on where I can and food likewise.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Looks like a full suspension is a bit of a rogue choice for this event, but my experience of gravel bikes is one of discomfort. Some comfort in joining the aero bar club though. I’m a dedicated Cannondale man and don’t own a Topstone so scalpel got the call up! Hoping she’ll do me proud. Aside from mode of transport, gear highlight will be the Oribi skull for special road juju. Saw me up E Africa so let’s see what luck it brings in non native territory!

Ingo Bungart

Age 58 / Eifel, NRW (Germany)

BIKE: Specialized Epic World Cup, yes, a fully, comfort is king in my age, SRAM Eagle AXS, Transmission, 10-52T cassette and 32T chainring, BEAST wheel set, Continental Race King tires, FIZIK Argo adaptive saddle, Shimano XT pedals, SON dynamo hub, Klite dynamo lights and USB charger, Fenix headlamp on helmet, Hammerhaed Karoo 2 for navigation.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Restrap Stem Bag, Apidura frame bag, Apidura toptube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I built this bike up on my own, so everything is a highlight.

Colin Byrne

Portugal

BIKE: Riding a Fiftyone Assassin, Redshift suspension stem and seat post. Specialized Pathfinder Pro 47mm tires.
BAGS: Bags on the back by Aereo. I like the way they look, lower center of gravity and stops the dogs from biting the backs and of my legs. Frame bag and top tube bag by Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Saddle by SMP. I’m wearing Attaquer shorts and jersey.

Javier Cantos

Age 45 / Ibi, Alicante (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized Crux Custom by ONBIKE. SRAM Force AXS with a 10/50T cassette. Specialized Roval CL wheels and SWORKS accessories. For tires I’ll use Pirelli Cinturato M 700 x 45mm.
BAGS: Mix of brands for bags looking for the best one for my best performance.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This will be my third Badlands race. This year my goal is to enjoy as much as possible, sleeping 3-4 hours each night. So I will ride with more apparel and maybe finish in 70-80 hours and go to Granada as an extra loop.

Sophia Cao

Age 33 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my Cannondale Topstone Carbon, with 42mm Rene Herse Hurricane Ridge tires and Santa Cruz Reserve 22 wheels.
BAGS: I’ve got a Revelate Designs saddle bag and Apidura top tube and handlebar bags. I’m also carrying a 2L hydration pack that I borrowed from a friend. I’m trying to keep things relatively minimal while carrying a sleep setup and maximizing water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love this Revelate Designs saddle bag, it’s got so many nice features like the super secure attachment system, the one-way air vent, and the bungee cords on top. I really appreciate how it can fit so much stuff even with the minimal clearance on this tiny bike.

Sherry Cardona

Age 30 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Fara F/Gravel, SRAM AXS Mullet Set-Up (Eagle & XPLR) 38T x 10/50T, Redshift Suspension Stem, Kogel Kolosos Oversized Derailleur Cage, Silca Titanium Bottle cages, Silca 3D Printed Computer Mount, Controltech Siricoo Aerobars, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 50mm at the back for better grip and Schwalbe Thunder Burth 29 x 2.10″ at the front on Fulcrum Red Rapid Wheels.
BAGS: Lightweight setup using Apidura Expedition Tool Pack (0.5L) Apidura Top Tube Bag (1L), Fara integrated Frame Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Albion Cargo Vest with Apidura Hydration Bladder, Albion Burner, Hygene Kit, Repair Kit, Silca Pump and Multitool, Emergency Blanket, Supernova Airstream Light and Insta360 GO3 S.

Pedro Rodriguez Castellote

Age 66 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge.
BAGS: Saddle bag, handlebar bag, small frame bag, and tool bag.

Linda Ceola

Age 35 / Padua (Italy)

BIKE: I’m riding the Decathlon Riverside GCR with SRAM GX AXS transmission 40/10-50T and Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 40mm tyres mounted on Reynolds ATR 700 carbon wheels. To complete the build, I chose the Novus Endurance TI 316 Superflow saddle, Giant Carbon Handlebar extensions, and a couple of Elite Prism bottle cages with a couple of Elite Jet Green bottle.
BAGS: My choice is Miss Grape. I will use ILCOSO with a Trunk 8L and a Big Node top tube on the front, Cluster 7L under the saddle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: LUCI Outdoor 2.0, Inflatable Solar Light to feel less alone during the night.

Hugo Chevalier

Age 33 / Paris (France)

BIKE: Open Up frame, with 650b custom wheels and 45mm gravel tires. SRAM Wide 10/36T, 43/30T. I know it’s not enough, but…
BAGS: I’m carrying a maximum of 5L of water: 2.5L on the bike and 2.5L in a hydration bag. I have what I need to bivouac, make repairs, keep warm if it gets cold, and recharge batteries—nothing more. The rest is all filled with food. And on me a Café du Cycliste summer kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I managed to position an adapter to fit two bottles on the down tube without interfering with pedalling, almost an extra liter of water on the bike!

Amanda Chudobey-Berger

Age 24 / Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

BIKE: Standert Kettensäge 2023, SRAM Eagle XX Transmission with CERAMICSPEED OSPW X System, SRAM Force groupset, Scope R4 Wheelset with Pirelli Cinturato gravel RC: 45mm in the front and 40mm in the back.
BAGS: MAAP x Apidura frame bag and saddle bag, Apidura top tube bag and hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My cheap apple wired headphones. I can’t go anywhere without some groovy beats playing during long rides.

Florian Deppert

Age 29 / Vienna (Austria)

BIKE: Surly Straggler, Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain 48/31T with 11-40T cassette, Panaracer Gravelking SK+ 43mm tubular tires, Profile Design T2+ DL Aerobar.
BAGS: Ortlieb Frame-Pack Toptube 4l, Cytec saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Steel frame.

Christian Dull

Age 47 / Nuremberg, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: 8bar MITTE V3 Frameset, GRX 11-speed, 40T chainring and 11-51T cassette. 30mm Alloy wheels, Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mm Tires. Profile Design Aerobars.
BAGS: Restrap framebag (Size L), Topeak BackLoader (15L) Saddle Pack, Apidura Racing Hydration Vest, tiny front bag for inner tubes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Insulated bottle for cold co*ke. The mix of 12-speed rear derailleur with 11-speed cassette and GRX Shifters. Fenix HMR65R headlamp and backlight.

Simon Eden

Age 45 / Castellon (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl, GRX di2 with Hunt carbon gravel limitless wheels. Conti 2.0 Race King on the front and Hutchinson Tundra 47mm on the rear.
BAGS: Blackburn frame bag, Blackburn saddle bag, anti-wobble saddle bag support from Amazon, DSV top tube bag, Blackburn feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lezyne 1000 front light and Lezyne rear. Exposure diablo for the helmet light.

Gregor Elskamp

Age 53 / Cologne (Germany)

BIKE: BMC URS 01 Two, SRAM Force AXS 12-speed, 38T in Front, 10-44T rear, extra wide Nextie wheels made by Zarko, Tufo Thundero 44mm tires, Lupine Piko light with two Akkus (10Ah+2Ah).
BAGS: Apidura 7L saddle bag for sleeping bag, sleeping pad, jacket, arm and leg warmers, extra bib, jersey, socks and some energy. Apidura 4L frame bag for Akkus, powerbank (20Ah), energy, electrolytes, sunscreen, small travel towel, electric pump, and first aid kit. Small top tube bag for spare tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Love to Go sticker on stem, Hawaiian flower sticker on frame.

Sascha Eulig

Age 48 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding an ORBEA Terra ’24 and have modified a few things for the Badlands to better suit my needs. Wheels from BEAST Components (GR40), BEAST gravel bar and seatpost. The wheels are fitted with 700 x 44mm tires from Rene Herse. The front wheel has a new SON Dynamo 29 S powering a SUPERNOVA M99 light. And to get me up the hills, a SRAM EAGLE X01 rear derailleur with a massive cassette.
BAGS: Ass rocket and frame bag are from Ortlieb and the top tube and snack bags are from GRAMM TOURPACKING. I also extended the handlebars with the VAP Butterfly to have more storage space for my sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Two bottles from Fidlock and a hydration pack from CYcl*tE with Fidlock hydration bladder ensure that I don’t get thirsty on the road.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM Eagle, BEAST/SON wheelset with the SUPERNOVA light, the new SR Allroad Core Pro from Ergon. But the most important thing of all is “Dog”, a gift from my daughter before my first gravel event in 2019, since then I haven’t ridden a single meter without him.

Roman Facuna

Age 37 / Martin (Slovakia)

BIKE: Cervelo Aspero, SRAM Force AXS Eagle X01 (Mullet) 38T x 10-50T, HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Race Wheelset, Schwalbe G-One R 700×40 tubeless, 3T Superergo LTD Carbon Handlebar 42cm, SRAM Quarq AXS Powermeter.
BAGS: Topeak BackLoader 10L, Topeak Midloader 4,5L and Cervélo Toptube Smartpak 400A. Bottles: 2x Elite FLY 750ml for drinks / 1x 473ml Isadore K.E.G. for tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I switched the 42T ring to a 38T just for the Badlands. I’ll use the Salomon ADV Skin 12 vest with a hydropack and 2x soft flasks for an additional 3L of drinks (4.5L total). For sufficient illumination during the nights, I’ll be equipped with the Fenix HM65R headlamp and the Moon Meteor Storm Pro front light.

Julian Fernandez

Age 32 / Tordesillas, Valladolid (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding a brand new Wilier Rave SLR 2024 with a lightweight pair of Rotor Aldhu Carbon cranks, 40T Rotor Aero chainring with inspider powermeter, SRAM XX1 Eagle groupset including a 10-52T rainbow cassette, Maxxis Reaver 45mm Exo TLR Gravel tyres mounted on a pair of ZIPP 303S Carbon wheels.
BAGS: A full set of Columbus Gravel bikepacking bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Salomon hydration bag and at least 3 liters of water capacity is an absolute must.

Claire Frecknall

Age 40 / Worthing (United Kingdom)

BIKE: My trusty Mason Bokeh will be taking me through Badlands, I’m rolling on HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Race wheels with 47mm Teravail Rutland tyres, opting for comfort and grip over speed. I’ve dropped to the lowest gearing I can on my 1x GRX by fitting a 36T Wolf Tooth chainring.
BAGS: I’m using a Restrap Race range saddle and bar bag and a custom frame bag which houses a hydration reservoir.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Toro to light the way, Outdoor Research Hooped bivi and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mat with a silk liner for some nighttime comfort.

Waldemar Furgol

Age 60 / Soest (Germany)

BIKE: I will ride Badlands on a 2023 Standert Erdgeschoss. Drivetrain is a SRAM Force eTap AXS, 12-speed with a SRAM 10-44T cassette. Cranks are 172.5mm with a 40T chainring. Wheels are 700c Scope R4.a, Carbon with the Schwalbe G-One RS 40mm tires.
BAGS: I am using Restrap bags: Saddle bag 14L, Frame bag large 4.5L, Top Tube small, and a Restrap Race Hydration Vest 2.0L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For navigation, I use a Wahoo Elemnt Roam. For charging devices, I carry a 20,000 mAh Anker Powerbank.

Francisco Gonzalez Garcia

Age 30 / Towers of Albanchez, Andalusia (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 with Sacrifice and Glory wheels, 45mm Hutchinson Tundra front tire and 42mm WTB Riddler rear tire. SRAM AXS Mullet Force/X01 groupset with 44T chainring and GX 10-50T cassette. XTR pedals.
BAGS: Apidura top tube bag 0.5L and Topeak frame bag 4.5L, and a Rapha handlebar bag (missing in photo).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dynamo-powered wheels, light luggage for storing food and tools, a thermal blanket and a jacket or thermal in case the temperature drops, a bivouac without a sleeping bag with a 0.5kg inflatable mat, Camelbak 750ml bottles, and a 1L Camelbak bladder stashed in the Topeak frame bag.

Boudewijn van Garling

Age 50 / Groenekan, Utrecht (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Litespeed KU:WA titanium frame, Fyxation Sparta gravel fork, Chris King bearings, SRAM force groupset with Garbaruk derailleur cage and cassette (36T/11-50), Mason X Hunt 650b son dynamo wheelset, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres, Ritchey VentureMax gravel handlebar with Enve clip on aerobars.
BAGS: All Cycl*te bags. Aero bar bag, large top tube bag, saddle bag and race backpack and two food pouches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite ultra adventure lighting system, Wolf Tooth Supple bar tape (really comfy).

Ronan Garnier

Age 58 / Majorca (Spain)

BIKE: I’m riding a 3T extrema Italia project X with a 52-10T SRAM XX drivetrain, Torno 36 cranks, Time Atac XC carbon TI pedals, and Schwalbe G-One Bite 45mm tires.
BAGS: Tailfin 3L half frame bag, Tailfin top tube bag 0.8L, Apidura MAAP saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Magic Shine EVO light with a Fenix Hm65 helmet light.

Chloe Geoghegan

Age 29 / Manchester (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Sonder Camino with Hutchinson Tundra 45mm chunky tyres.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Wildcat Ocelot frame bag (for storing snacks), Tailfin top tube bag (electronics) and Angry Pablo x Wizard Works bar bag (for more snacks).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This year I am bringing a pillow (would not recommend sleeping on your hydration pack) and a hairbrush! I also can’t be without my Shokz headphones for those long solitary days.

Niccolo Girardi

Age 41 / Vicenza (Italy)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl with Campagnolo Ekar groupset 38/10-44T, Fulcrum Rapid Red Carbon wheelset with Pirelli Cinturato M 700x45mm tires, Deda Superzero Gravel Carbon Handlebar, Fizik Terra Argo saddle.
BAGS: Miss Grape Internode 5 frame bag, Miss Grape Big node top tube bag, Miss Grape Cluster 7.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 1040, Exposure lights Toro for the night ride, Millet bivy bag and a Sea to Summit reactor (my 4 stars hotel) and a Salomon active skin with an extra 1.5L of water and lot of “paninetti.”

Matt Gillis

Age 37 / Nova Scotia (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be suffering through Badlands atop my Lauf Seigla Race Transmission. The drivetrain features a SRAM Eagle Transmission rear derailleur and SRAM Force everywhere else; gearing is 10-52T in the back with a 36T Alugear front chainring—hopefully enough for the mega climbs ahead. Wheels are e*thirteen Piedmont Race Carbon running Tufo Thundero HD tires in 48mm. Up front, a SON 28 dynamo powers a Sinewave Beacon 2 light, which will also help keep batteries topped up during the day.
BAGS: Restrap Race kit all over. Superb quality, plus my Dad’s originally from Yorkshire, so there’s a little homage there. Top tube holds electronics and quick-access tools. Frame bag is nutrition with some extra space for a cheeky sandwich or two. Saddle bag for sleeping gear and a change of clothes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Grit suspension fork often turns some heads, and the little extra compliance helps to take the edge off sharp impacts on rocks and roots. I’m hoping it staves off a bit of fatigue and keeps the back and arms fresh on the more technical segments.

Kirill Glushko

Age 36 / Seattle, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands on a Bearclaw Beaux Jaxon, SRAM Eagle AXS 32×10-52T, Hope RX4+ brakes. Fresh Schwalbe Thunderburts in 29×2.35″, Good Weather wheels, Profile Design aerobars, White Industries and Thompson bits and bobs. This bike has seen me through a lot, excited to see where else it takes me.
BAGS: Custom full frame and top tube bag made by LOAM out of Bellingham, WA – Absolutely amazing bags made by lovely people. Oveja Negra feed bags. Running lean as the temperatures don’t require heavy layers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Lights, maybe too many socks, water capacity to the nines provided by ample cargo cages, USWE Race 2.0, and collapsible bottles, an emergency bivvy if I’m feeling a nap. 2L of maple syrup.

Daniel Gosling

Age 39 / Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: Orbea Oiz OMX 2023. Sqlab 30X 16 degree backsweep bars, PRO missile aero bars, Ergon GR1 grips, all for comfort. PRO stealth off-road saddle with Shimano XT 28/51T and Maxxis Rekon Race tyres to get me around the course.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Tailfin top tube bags. Apidura 12L backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hammerhead Karoo 3 GPS. Exposure Diablo mk14 and Silca 7XT lights. Terra Nova Moonlite bivy. Tailfin suspension fork bottle mounts for total 5.5L capacity.

Simon Grabow

Age 31 / Vienna (Austria)

BIKE: Going to give it a shot at Badlands on the only bike in my quiver: an all-steel Pelago Stavanger. I certainly chose a bit of comfort over speed and recently treated myself with some 48mm Rene Herse Oracle Ridge Tires. Drivetrain-wise, I’m pretty much bound to what I decided was the best option before ever thinking about participating in bikepacking events: a 2×11 GRX. However, as I’m not planning on completely destroying my knees, I upgraded my rear derailleur with a GoatLink to be able to work on a 42T cassette. In terms of lights, I’m going for a SON dynamo and a Sinewave Beacon 1 with an additional head light for steep climbs at night.
BAGS: Not 100% about the set-up yet. I most likely will drop the front rack and the Carradice bag, going for something lighter like a dry bag to strap to the handlebar. Additionally, an Ortlieb seatbag, and my beloved frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely the custom made BabyLegsBags frame bag made in Poland. Absolutely love all the little handy pockets. Also, the tires—they just feel super comfortable to ride.

Sean Greene

Age 29 / Silverthorne, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Horse Adventure Wagon, custom-built by my friend Thomas Callahan in Upstate NY, paired with an Enve Adventure Fork, SRAM Apex Eagle (10-52T), Enve AG25s, and ReneHerse Oracle Ridge Endurance 48mm Tires.
BAGS: I’ve always been an admirer of Tailfin so I decided to base my bag setup around their ecosystem. The AeroPack Carbon holds my sleep system and a few other items, while the 3.8L Half Frame Bag and Top Tube Bag carry the rest. In addition, I’m using a Salomon ADV Skin 12 hydration vest to carry extra layers and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m eager to see how my Coros Dura’s battery performs, especially with its solar capabilities — hoping it’s one less thing to charge.

Christian Gribel

Age 42 / Scania (Sweden)

BIKE: Stelbel Telai (Bergamo IT), Model Nina, custom made from Columbus Custom steel. Of course it features Deda components, Campagnolo Ekar groupset and stands on Campagnolo Shamal DB Carbon wheelset. Tyres are 42mm Ultradynamico Rosé, Exposure lights.
BAGS: All from Miss Grape, 13L saddle bag, 4L handlebar bag, 2L frame bag. I’ve only ridden 100km with these bags, but very pleased with them.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Literally and metaphorically the custom pistachio steel frame from the guys in Bergamo, love riding it!

Jake Griffin

Age 35 / Ede (Netherlands)

BIKE: BMC Kaius with SRAM Force groupset, 1x 44T Chainring and 10-44T Cassette. Running on Era Tenaci Carbon gravel wheelset wrapped with Pinarello Gravel tires 40mm in front and back. A BBB Strikeduo 1600 lights plus a BBB 400 headlamp to illuminate the roads at night. Two hydration bottles and a 1.5 liter Camelbak.
BAGS: Lezyne midloader and seat pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ultra light Nitecore energy brick to keep electronics topped up.

Marisa Grillemeier

Age 28 / Hannover (Germany)

BIKE: Focus Atlas 8.7 Carbon Gravel bike with Shimano GRX 810 gears, 46/30T front and 11-40T in the back. I ride 45mm Schwalbe G-One R tyres.
BAGS: I have a Blackburn full frame bag with a 3L water bladder inside, carrying food and my sleeping setup which includes a sleeping mat and an emergency bivy. I have a Platzangst Top Tube bag for electronics, toiletries, and other items, and a Platzangst handlebar bag for clothing like a down jacket, arm and leg warmers. Additionally, I use an Apidura down tube bag for spare parts. I bring along a Salomon hydration pack for up to 2.5L of water capacity and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I use extra thick handlebar tape and love my Garmin Rally Power Meter Pedals. I also really appreciate my hydration pack, I used it during a three-month bikepacking tour through New Zealand and didn’t want to be without it. Other than that, it’s my first time doing an ultra, so I’ll have to see what works.

Michael Grunert

Age 56 / Herne (Germany)

BIKE: Super lightweight 2024 Trek Supercaliber with SRAM AXS XX1. 32T chainring at the front and a 10-52T cassette. It’s exactly the same setup I used for the Seven Serpents Quick Bite this year. For tires, I rely on fast rolling Wolfpack Race/Speed at the front/rear. Both are set up tubeless. Rims are a Duke Lucky Jack (rear) and an older Fun Works with a SON Dynamo hub at the front. Front light is a Supernova M99 DY Pro.
BAGS: A Swiss made Frame Bag from Capricorn along with a saddle bag for my sleeping kit and a Top tube bag for some food and my electronic. Both bags are from Cycl*te.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A SON Dynamo powers an APPCON 3000 charger that has a small power bank included. That provides enough power to charge my mobile phone, head lamp, and the Garmin Edge 1040. In power safe mode the Garmin has a battery lifetime from more than 80 hours (self-tested) when it is full loaded. The sleeping kit includes a Tyvek floor sheet, a Therm-a-Rest Neo Air pad, and a Sea to Summit SP0 sleeping bag. Because I don’t like too much weight on my bike and because I am a backpack child, I am carrying a backpack so I have enough space for water and other stuff.

Christopher Hall

Age 34 / Peak District (United Kingdom)

BIKE: For my fourth edition of Badlands I will be riding (not racing) on an Argon 18 Dark Matter. Every year I’ve been lucky to take part I’ve ridden something slightly different and it’s been a fantastic way to test out different setups and equipment. This year my bike is built up with Shimano’s 12-speed GRX Di2. I’ve got a 48/30T combination on the front and an 11/39T on the rear with a Wolf Tooth road link to help accommodate the larger cassette.I’m using a Redshift stem to eat up some of the vibration which combined with the Dark Matter’s curved fork seem to handle the rough really well. The bars, seatpost, bottle cages and wheels are all from ENVE. I’m using the gravel bars and clip in TT bars along with a set of 3.4s with Schwalbe G One Overland tires 45mm. All the bags are from Tailfin. I’m using exposure lights to guide me in the night along with navigation coming from Garmin.
BAGS: Tailfin’s 3.8l frame bag fits perfectly inside a medium Dark Matter and I’m testing out a new AeroPack on the back which mostly has sleeping equipment in it. I’ve got a long top tube bag which will hold electrical stuff, copious amount of salt and electrolytes and probably food. The down tube pack mainly has tools and spares in it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be kitted out in Le Col clothing with Lake’s gravel shoes which are made with a lot of mesh to hopefully help in the heat. Helmet from Lazer and sunglasses coming from SunGod. My bike also has a sticker on the redshift stem of my doggo. (Who doesn’t love dogs?)

Vesa Harkonen

Age 49 / Helsinki (Finland)

BIKE: 3T Exploro Team Speed Force 1 with Zipp 303s wheels and 700c x 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC tyres.
BAGS: Apidura Racing frame and top tube bags, Apidura Expedition saddle bag and handlebar bag, Dead Donkey Bags food bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dead Donkey Bags food bags and thermo bottle for cold drinks.

Maurice Heemskerk

Age 54 / Sassenheim (The Netherlands)

BIKE: As a pair I’ll ride the Badlands on my 2020 Canyon Grail CF SL7, Shimano GRX810 2×11, 46-30T / 11-40T (Sunrace). Standard Alu wheels with 44mm Vredestein Aventura tires. Lezyne Macro +500 front light and Lezyne rear light.
BAGS: Topeak 10l BackLoader and 6l MidLoader, Vaude Trailguide top tube bag and Vaude Frontloader.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2. Because of my body length and weight, lightweight gear is crucial to comfort and joy. The minimal gear ratio 30-40T offers a high cadence on steep climbs. Bivy and Cocoon liner and inflatable mattress will hopefully help me sleep.

Simon Heininger

Age 40 / Reinach (Switzerland)

BIKE: Basso terra, Shimano GRX, 11-40T cassette.
BAGS: Restrap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lupine SL front light.

Alvaro Luis Jimenez-Herrera Hernadez

Age 49 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl, Shimano GRX groupset, 11-42T cassette, ZIPP 303 WHEELS, PIRELLI CINTAURO RCX 40mm tires, Garmin 1040 SOLAR.
BAGS: Decathlon saddle and frame bag, Rapha handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: BIKEONO handlebar light kit, Petzl NAO 1500 helmet light, Salomon hydration pack, Andes 400D sleeping bag.

Knud Holmsgaard

Age 55 / Herning (Denmark)

BIKE: I will be riding my Giant Revolt with a GRX di2 2×11 drivetrain modified for Badlands. Chainrings are from Specialites T.A. 44/28T and in combination with a GoatLink 11 hanger extension it enables me to operate a 11-42T cassette without any issues. Wheels are mounted with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 700 x 45mm tires. co*ckpit modified using a Redshift 100mm stem. Everything else is stock.
BAGS: I will use two top tube bags from Top Peak, a frame bag from Brooks and a handlebar snack-bag from Lezyne. I carry my sleeping system in a dry bag strapped to an Ortlieb Quick-Rack, not a big fan of wagging seat post packs! The lover down tube bottle position is reserved for a tools and spare parts “bottle”.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have full access to four bottle stations on the bike and will also use a CamelBak, allowing me to carry up to 6l of water if required. Garmin 830 with Suunto watch as backup. Ravemen 2400 light with Cateye 800 as a backup and similar for the rear end.

Chase Holtan

Age 35 / San Diego, California (USA)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl SLX, 2x with a 11-48T cassette in the rear.
BAGS: Brooks frame and seatpost bags, Tailfin top tube bag.

Sascha Hubbert

Age 33 / Wesel (Germany)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SLR Gr.52, 38 – 10/52 Eagle XX1 AXS and New Red Shifters/Brakes, Aeolus RSL 51 wheels, Madone Gen.6 bars, Madone Aerobars, 45mm Schwalbe G One R Evolution F + B tires.
BAGS: Maap/Apidura Bag with hydration System (1.5L), Bottles: 0.75ml, 0.75ml, 0.55ml, Top tube Bag 0.7l, and saddle bag 1.0l volume.

Oscar Huckle

Age 26 / Bristol (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’m racing on a 3T Extrema Italia, which is essentially a monster gravel bike with a whopping 57mm tyre clearance. The bike features a SRAM Rival/GX Eagle Transmission mullet drivetrain, DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheels and 50mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres. Since this image was taken, I’ve upgraded the crank to a Force power meter model to save weight.
BAGS: I’m running a full Tailfin setup, with an Carbon AeroPack, top tube and frame bags. I’m very limited what handlebar bag I can run at the front with this bike because the 3T Aeroghiaia handlebar has a minimal round section for mounting my Garmin Edge 1040 Solar and Exposure Maxx-D front light. So I’m running Tailfin fork bags instead.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be running my tried-and-tested Sea to Summit sleeping mat and bag, as well as an Alpkit bivvy bag. Water will also be a highlight if the temperatures are hot and with my bottles and hydration pack, I’ll be carrying at least 4.25L.

Luis Rivera Huelves

Age 57 / Ontígola, Toledo (Spain)

BIKE: RIMO.CICLO MONSTER GRAVEL, RIMO.CICLO mtb 29er carbon frame and fork, microSHIFT SWORD group (levers, front and rear derailleur).
BAGS: RHINOWALK handlebar bag and frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: FSA SUPERCOMPACT 46x30T crankset and 10-speed 11-46T cassette.

CJ Keating

Age 42 / Jaen (Spain)

BIKE: My bike is a 2023 Canyon Grizl with a SRAM Rival AXS XPLR Groupset. It is a stock build that I have modified slightly, I have decreased the front chainring from a 40T to 36T. Therefore, it is set at 36T, 10-44T. Hopefully that will be comfortable enough for all the climbing we will be doing. The wheelset is the Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel X-Wide which has treated me well thus far. I am running a set of Profile Design Aero bars that help me change positions often and minimize fatigue.
BAGS: Apidura frame and top tube bags. The top tube bag is 1L, and the frame bag is 4L. I also have a larger 10L Topeak saddle bag to carry my change of clothes and sleeping gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am running Lezyne lights (front and rear) with a Fenix helmet-mounted headlamp for extra lighting when needed. I have played around with many different tires in the southern Spanish terrain, and I have settled on the Continental Terra Hardpack 50mm tires as they give me sufficient grip and comfort but also offer lower rolling resistance. I feel like it’s a perfect mix for all the different terrain we will be covering.

James Keen

Age 41 / London, England (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Modified Canyon Inflite CF SL 7. 40mm Schwabe G One bite tubeless tires (max frame with take).
BAGS: Apidura Race top tube bag and Backcountry feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix helmet light should light my way into the night!

Danny Koszellni

Age 33 / Dresden (Germany)

BIKE: Nicolai Argon GX. Handcrafted aluminum frame with Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires (700 x 42mm) and a Shimano GRX RD-RX812, 1×11-speed (11-46T) groupset with a waxed chain.
BAGS: Restrap Race Top Tube bag for electronics, snacks and other little stuff, Restrap Framebag Medium for spares and clothes, Restrap Race Saddle Bag with a little sleeping Bag, mattress and bivy bag, Hydration vest (Camelbak 2.5L) for water and hygiene.

Tomasz Koscielniak

Age 33 / Wroclaw (Poland)

BIKE: I’ll be exploring Badlands on my beloved Rondo Ruut AL 2, equipped with 1×12 mechanical GRX, 40T chainring and Deore XT 10-51T cassette. I chose Schwalbe G One R 45mm tires that fit my Dandy Horse Hyperion 30 GRX wheelset really well.
BAGS: It’s a mix of Restrap Race, Triglav, and JackPack bags. I’ll also carry a Camelbak Chase Vest and soft flask hidden inside the frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ortovox Ultralight Bivi, Klymit Inertia X Light, Silk liner and a down jacket for sleeping. Probably not comfortable enough for a proper sleep and that might be an advantage.

Antti Laaksonen

Age 41 / Kouvola (Finland)

BIKE: I will be riding a Specialized Crux, Morva Custom Edition. This edition is equipped with SRAM Force AXS parts including a spider powermeter. Drivetrain is 1x with 36T in front and 10-44T in rear. Wheels are Roval Terra CL versions and tires are 45mm Specialized S-works Pathfinders. Navigation is handled by Garmin 1040 Solar and Lupine lights will help to continue riding through the nights.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack and Tailfin Tob tube bag. Tailfin packs have worked well, they are easy to use and they seem to survive even in little harder Morva-type conditions.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Never ride a mile without aero handlebars! Based on several Morva experiences, you will need all aero benefits just to survive.

Florian Leber

Age 47 / Munchen (Germany)

BIKE: 2020 Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro, Jtek Engineering Shiftmate to combine the GRX600 shift/brake levers with an 11-speed XT derailleur to fit a 11-46T cassette, GRX RX600 crankset with a 36T Wolf Tooth chainring, Zipp 303s wheelset with Schwalbe G-One Bite 45mm tires.
BAGS: Tailfin bags all over the place to store enough food, space for 5L of water (bottles and hydration vest).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 4kg of food (powder, bars and gels) aboard. Don‘t know if it’s a good or bad idea, but I’ll figure it out soon.

Justinas Leveika

Age 35 / Tolga (Norway)

BIKE: TREK Checkmate SLR 9, SRAM mullet setup, with party at the back and business at the front. Hunt gravel wheels and Pirelli gravel M tyres.
BAGS: Going light this time with a Tailfin top tube bag and frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Love how this bike rides, can’t wait to get back to the desert and see how it will work out there.

Rhea Leweke

Age 38 / Konstanz (Germany)

BIKE: Propain Terrel CF with mullet setup (SRAM Apex/GX ACS 10/52), DT Swiss GRC 1400 MS wheels with Schwalbe G One Overland tires. Lights: Supernova M99.
BAGS: Apidura saddle bag and top tube bag, Restrap Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Terrel is Propain’s first gravel bike and there is at least one (hidden) highlight.

Topi Lintukangas

Age 51 / Porvoo (Finland)

BIKE: Time ADHX, Force AXS Groupset with Garbaruk extension and cassette 10-50T, 44T Wolf Tooth in front. Beast components 46cm handlebar and Enve SES clip on aerobars. Zipp 303 firecrest wheels with Challenge Gravel Grinder TLR pro tires, 36mm front, 40mm back. Fizik Versus Evo adaptive saddle. Look X-tack race carbon pedals. Supernova Airstream 2 front and Tail light 2 lights.
BAGS: Tailfin 3.8L frame bag, Miss Grape saddle bag, BMC/Dawn Dusk top tube bag. USWE Outlander Pro bag pack with 2L bladder. Two bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Solid no-nonsense race gear that has been tested in Finnish backcountry. Love every part of it.

Emilio Lopez

Age 47 / Vallirana, Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: I will be ride my Specialized Diverge STR Expert with SRAM Rival AXS (12/50-40T). I’m running a Specialized Tracer front tire and a Specialized Pathfinder rear tire.
BAGS: I’ll carry a Geosmina top tube bag, for food on bike. A Columbus bag, Saddle bag, and a Rapea handlebar bag for electronic chargers and others things.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll put a Beam+ light on my handlebar.

Juan Fernandez Lorenzo

Age 46 / Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Badlands for first time on a 2024 Megamo Silk. The bike features a new pair of Maxxis Rambler 40mm tires, GRX DI2 12-speed with a 46/30T chainring with 170mm cranks, instead of the original 48/31T with 175mm cranks, to take care of my knees. Shimano 12-speed 11-36 cassette and Fulcrum Shark wheels.
BAGS: The bags are from Specialized/Fjällräven (saddle bag and framebag), Apidura (handlebar bag), and Cannondale (top tube bag).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A lot of water. USWE outlander with 1.5l, with 2x 550ml on chest pockets, and 2x 750ml frame bottle. A MLD Bug Bivy with a Decathlon FORCLAZ MT500 Air Mat, and a Decathlon travel liner. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin 1040 for navigation, Quadlock stem support for my iPhone 15 for navigation and music, and 20,000 mAh Anker like powerbank for keeping electronics charged.

Jesus Losa

Age 61 / Valladolid (Spain)

BIKE: The bike is a Specialized Diverge with a Shimano GRX drivetrain, 48/31T chainring, and 11-42T cassette. The wheels are carbon with a Shimano front hub and Hunt rear hub. Schwalbe G-One R tires, SON 28 dynamo system on the front wheel connected to Sinewave Beacon 2 front and SON rear light that allows me to charge a 5,000 mah power bank.
BAGS: An Apidura saddle bag holds my spare clothes and jacket, handlebar bag carries the bivouac bag and the sleeping mat, framebag holds everything I need during the ride, arm sleeves, gloves, bars, spares, and a top tube bag holds a powerbank and my wallet. I’ll also wear an Apidura Racing hydration vest to carry 2L of water, alongside two standard bottles, for a total of 3L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My dynamo hub setup, which allows me to keep my devices charged and path lit.

Finn Lynch

Age 28 / (Ireland)

BIKE: Canyon
BAGS: Canyon frame bag, Specialized top tube bag, Nathan backpack, Restrap saddlebag.

Alex Martinez

Age 38 / Mallorca, Balearic Islands (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding a new 3T EXTREMA with a SRAM XPLR (10/46 40T) drivetrain, Continental Race King 700 x 50mm tires.
BAGS: Cyclelite frame bag, top tube and backpack.

Federico Martini

Age 36 / Asolo, Treviso (Italy)

BIKE: I will be riding a Basso Palta with GRX 11-speed and 40 chainring with Shimano brakes. Before the race, I will change the tires to some fresh Pirelli Cinturato Adventure RC 45mm. For navigation, I’ll use a Wahoo Roam v2 and for lights I have Lezyne 1500 lumen.
BAGS: Apidura Racing Line 4L frame bag and 2L top tube, Apidura 16L saddle bag. Frame bag with spare parts tools etc and a small emergency bivy and super minimal sleeping pad. Top tube with food and battery stuff powerbank etc. Saddle bag with down jacket, some clothing, and some extra free space for food. I will also have a hydration vest from Camelback with 2L of water.

Simon McNamara

Age 49 / Henfield, Sussex (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Mason Bokeh V3 frame which is great for long miles whilst being pretty nimble and fast, Shimao GRX800 1 x 12 Group, 42T ring, 10-45T cassette, Hunt 40 Carbon Gravel Race wheelset (pictured are Gravel King SK’s) but will be riding 47mm Teralvail Cannonballs. Pro Discover 12deg 40cm bars, PLT 120 stem, Carbon side loading cages x3, Pro Stealth saddle so basically de-tuning my road race set up for some long hours on the bike, trying to travel light but also aware that we’ll be on the trail for a 4-5 days.
BAGS: Restrap 7l race bar bag, Restrap 7l race saddle bag, with a small top tube bag. Exposure Toro front light for the night riding. Plus I’ll be using a USWE 2l race hydration pack.

Marius Arne Messerschmied

Age 31 / Germany

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2021 Kona Rove LTD. It is kind of a heavyweight with its steel frame, but I love the lively ride feeling. I added DT Swiss GR1600 wheels and chose Schwalbe G-One R tyres for Badlands (45/40mm instead of my usual 40/40mm combo with the RS in the rear). Other than that, it features a SQlab 614 active saddle, Lupine SL AF front light, Sigma Buster helmet/back-up front light, Sigma rear lights, and Profile Design aerobars for additional comfort.
BAGS: Apidura Backcountry top tube bag mainly for electronics. Apidura Expedition frame bag for some toiletries, bars/gels, and tools/spares. Topeak Escape Pod for additional tools/spares. Ortlieb seat pack for sleeping gear, clothing and first-aid kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Modified my bottle cages so that I can fit two 0.75l Elite bottles. USWE Rush hydration vest for some more fluids, and it also has stretchy pocket at the back which is great for extra food/snacks.

Polly Milsom

Age 25 / Sussex (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Giant TCX, Hunt CGR 40s with a 45mm tyre up front, 40mm on the rear. An 11-40T cassette botch and excessive Exposure lights.
BAGS: Restrap race bags, small frame bag, 2L top tube bag and saddle bag. Albion hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: PBJ wraps and a toothbrush.

Cristina Moreno

Age 33 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding a Megamo West. Wheels are Ere Tenaci GA40 Aero with Teravail Cannonballs 47mm tires. SRAM Eagle/Apex with a 12-speed cassette (10x52T) and a 38T chainring.
BAGS: I will carry my 1.8L barrel handlebar bag, 2.5L Frame Bag, and 1.5L Top tube bag all from Wizard Works. As for my saddle bag, I will take my Apidura 9L bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping kit consists of a sleeping mat from Decathlon, an emergency bivvy bag and a liner. Some of the toiletries I will be using will be a solid shampoo/soap bar and a mini sunscreen stick. I will also be using a hydration vest to help me stay hydrated.

Ludovic Oddos

Age 44 / Toulouse (France)

BIKE: I’m riding a titanium Chiru Vagus with 1x GRX 32 / 11-42T, I replaced the GRX crankset with a Deore. Ritchey WCS BEACON Handlebar to provide comfort on the downhills. Fizik Adaptive Vento argo saddle. Mavic 650b Allroad wheels with Touareg Hutchinson tires. The front wheel features a SON dynamo hub connected to a kLite light.
BAGS: I’m using a Tailfin Aeropack. On the top tube I have a medium Top Tube Pack from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hydration vest with 2L bladder, music, plenty of music. Music will be my fuel as I tackle the challenge.

Jose Padilla

Age 51 / Linares (Spain)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint, SRAM Force 38×10/46, Hutchinson Touareg 700 x 45mm tires.
BAGS: Apidura x Maap and an Apidura hydration backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Towild CL1200 pro light, Garmin 1040 for navigation.

Jaime Palou

Age 46 / Halmstad (Sweden)

BIKE: Ghost Asket CF 30. SRAM Eagle T-type with 10-52T cassette with a 38T chainring. ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheels with Schwalbe G-ONE Overland 45mm tires and a RockShox RUDY fork.
BAGS: Apidura Racing bags. Frame bag, top tube, and saddle bag. USWE hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hammerhead Karoo, Fenix front light BC26R and the new ZIPP wheels (just love riding them).

Javier Pastor

Age 30 / Malaga (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding the new AURUM Manto Veleta, who’s name is inspired by Badlands and the famous Pico Veleta. It is a set up with the SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1×13 and a 10-46T cassette, FULCRUM Sharq wheelset, Schwalbe G-ONE RS 40mm tires.
BAGS: Everything I have comes from Apidura including the Racing Hydration Vest, Racing Saddle Pack (7L), Racing Frame Pack (4L). Also, to do not get lost, I am using a Hammerhead Karoo GPS.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Polyester sleeping bag sheet and self-inflating trekking mattress, Petzl battery-operated front light.

Joris Pesch

Age 35 / Wageningen (Netherlands)

BIKE: ROSE Backroad Limited with SRAM Force 1 AXS (42T-10/50T) and Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels with Pirelli Cinturato M 700x45mm tyres.
BAGS: I use a Restrap race top tube and frame bag and a small saddle bag for tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lupine front light, and a hydration vest to make sure I stay hydrated.

Maxime Prieur

Age 37 / Vieux Boucau les Bains, Landes (France)

BIKE: Canyon Grail. Sram Red + GX rear dérailleur and cassette 10-52 mullet, Neo wheels with berd spokes, HUTCHINSON CARACAL RACE 700 x 40mm, Garbaruk oval chain ring 42T, Canyon extension bar, Exposure light, XTR pedals, Wahoo GPS, Miss Grape bags, Sanmarco saddle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The lightest and fastest bike of the race, I hope.

Sergio Ramon

Age 28 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: I’m riding a Ridley Kanzo Fast with Progress Airspeed and 44mm Vredestein Aventura tires. Powered by ROTOR Aldhu Carbon cranks with INspider power meter (directly from the future), 36T Q RING and SRAM Rival 10-44T.
BAGS: AGU saddle and frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I usually ride 40mm but wanted to go wider for Badlands. Not a problem for this Kanzo Fast to fit 44mm tires. Also really happy to use a personalized ROTOR oval chainring for the occasion.

Saray Ricardo

Age 36 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I will be riding my Italian-made 3T Exploro Pro. I custom painted the logo to give it more of my artsy personality. My drivetrain is the workhorse SRAM Rival 1x AXS, and I’m running a 38T in the front and 10-44T cassette to get me up and down the hills. On such a long ride, I’m keeping my bum happy with the Fizik Terra Argo X3 saddle. Switching hand positions on the bike is very important, as I get bored quickly and move around a lot. I have the Zipp Vuka aero bars with the highest stack I could find. I can’t move forward without wheels, so I have the FFWD Drift with DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs. I will run 40mm Continental tires (Terra Trail in the front for grip & Terra Speed in the back). To see where I’m going at night I have the Lezyne Mega Drive headlight and a Fenix HM65T on my helmet. Finally, to make it to the finish line, I’m navigating my way with the Hammerhead Karoo 2.
BAGS: All bags are from BBB Cycling to hold my essentials and snacks. I’m keeping them extra secure with Fixplus straps. I also have a Salomon Active Skin 8 hydration vest that holds 1.5L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My hotel will be an inflatable sleeping mat and a second-hand Decathlon sleeping bag. I’m bringing two power banks to stay charged, and two disposable cameras to capture unforgettable memories along the way.

Carlos Rodriguez

Age 44 / Almeria (Spain)

BIKE: BMC Kaius 01 with a SRAM Rival 2 x 11 groupset, 30/42T chainrings and 10-36T cassette. I will be using some Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700 x 45mm tires for Badlands.
BAGS: Specialized bar bag for cables and electronics, 2.4L framebag for food and tools, 0.8L top tube bag for quick-access items, and a 6L saddle bag for sleeping bag and clothes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be running a Supernova light on the handlebars, another on the helmet, and a Bontrager light on the back.

Manu Scansani

Age 42 / Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding Badlands 2024 on a Lauf Seigla with front True Grit suspension. Hybrid mullet drivetrain with a 36T chainring, 11-50T Eagle cassette and Eagle AXS GX rear derailleur. E*thirteen XCX Gravel Wheels with Pirelli Cinturato M tires. Selle Italia SLR Super Flow Gravel saddle.
BAGS: Apidura bags (saddle, frame, top tube and handlebar) complemented by two Zefal food pouches. Osprey Viper 3 with custom-made external bag to carry more food and a 2.5L hydration bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Redshift Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips, Lifesystems Venture Solo Hooped bivvy with Trinordic air mat, Fenix HM65R on helmet and Fenix BC26R on aerobars.

Johannes Schlemper

Age 44 / Konstanz (Germany)

BIKE: My bike is a Rose Backroad Limited. I changed the gearing to 10/52T and SRAM X01 derailleur. Tires: Schwalbe G-one RS.
BAGS: A mix of Apidura and Ortlieb plus a Restrap Hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivy bag.

Benjamin Schmetz

Age 32 / Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes (France)

BIKE: My Cervelo Aspero has been accompanying me on my adventures for several years. 11-40T cassette and 48-31T chainring, mechanical GRX groupset, solid DT-Swiss wheelset GR 1600 with Pirelli Cinturato GR-X 40mm tyres. I trust in solid and basic components.
BAGS: Café du Cycliste saddle bag (clothes, bivy, and sleeping mat), Café du Cycliste frame bag (electronics & foods), and Café du Cycliste handlebar bag (repair kit).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I added the under frame bottle holder especially for Badlands to increase my volume of water. No dynamo on my wheels, I will bring 3 power banks (I plan to use 2 of them, 1 is a backup battery).

Nathalie Schneitter

Age 38 / Solothurn (Switzerland)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the brand new Trek Checkmate. The Bike is a rocket and with the 45mm Schwalbe G-One Overland tires the ideal partner for fast racing on rough terrain. I mounted a SRAM Mullet setup with a 38T Chainring and a 10-52 cassette with which I should have plenty of easy gears to keep the legs spinning when they get tired. The 60mm Stem gives me a comfy position for long hours in the saddle and the Aerobar a lot of different positions for my hands.
BAGS: Trek Framebag, Tailfin Top Tube Bag, Apidura 4.5L SaddleBag + Backpack with 2L Water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike itself. What a beauty! The framebag fits my bike perfectly and the DT Swiss GRC wheelset which is light, fast, and durable.

Eric Schiffer

Age 47 / Groenekan (Netherlands)

BIKE: Open Wide, SRAM Force gearing and brakes. Roval 650b wheels and 50mm Cinturato tires. BBB 1200 strikeduo front light, Knog PWR on helmet, Knog tail light.
BAGS: All Miss Grape, Restrap handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM 10-52T, 12-speed Eagle, 38T front ring, Hope crankset.

Miquel Navarro Senabre

Age 46 / Muro de Alcoy, Alicante (Spain)

BIKE: Orbea Terra.
BAGS: Saddle bag, half frame bag, and top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going to try to only ride during the day to see as much as possible.

Kevin Shaffer

Age 44 / Dighton, Kansas (USA)

BIKE: Van Nicholas Nicholas Rowtag with SRAM Rival/AXS Eagle XX1 (38 x 10-52T). Hutchinson Toureg 47mm tires, mounted tubeless on Parcour Alta 650B gravel rims. Enve Gravel bars with Zipp aero bars for comfort.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition Saddle and Frame bags, with a strapless Restrap top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Edge 1040 Solar for navigation. Running a Garmin Varia UT800 head lamp along with a Lezyne 1300XXL bar mounted light. Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat with a SOL bivvy sack for a few hours of sleep each night. Packed for a balance of comfort and speed.

Bradley Shenton

Age 31 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: FiftyOne Assassin , Shimano GRX di2 with a 38T Woolf Tooth up top and a 11-42T on the back , Hunt Limitless Adventure Wheels with Kenda Alluvium Pro 45mm tyres, Exposure Lights, Wahoo ROAM for navigation, QUOC shoes.
BAGS: Tailfin on the bike, USWE on the back with a hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Albion kit, the cargo bib shorts with the pockets are unbeatable, I put so much stuff in my short pockets. The two side pockets are for food, the back pocket is for rubbish.

Danni Shrosbree

Age 30 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: I am riding a Felt Carbon Breed bike, built up with Shimano 12-speed 1x mechanical. I have a 40T Wolf Tooth chainring on the front and a 51T on the back. The tyres are Kenda Alluvium Pro 45mm with the Hunt Limitless adventure wheels.
BAGS: Apidura top tube and frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The fork of my bike is a Lauf fork, which essentially has the flex in it to act like suspension for the bumpy bits! I will be using a Wahoo for navigation and a USWE back for hydration.

Rudmer Sijens

Age 28 / Steenwijk (The Netherlands)

BIKE: A Massini Fuoristrada with a SRAM AXS Mullet setup (Rival/GX), 40T in the front and 10-52T in the back. Leeze wheels with Pirelli Cinturato M 45mm tires. Supernova Airstream front light, rear light from Lezyne and a helmet light from Decathlon.
BAGS: Toptube bag, frame bag and hydration vest from Apidura. Saddle bag from Topeak.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Probably my Wolf Tooth 8-bit multitool, it has (almost) everything you need!

Ondřej Sobek

Age 36 / Prague (Czech Republic)

BIKE: Basso Palta Campy edition. Full Campagnolo setup with EKAR groupset and Levante carbon wheels. Will run 38T in the front and 10-44T cassette in the back hoping to keep at least some cadence. Pirelli Cinturato gravel RC 45mm front and RC-X 40mm back tyres. Mix of Fenix lights to get me through the nights, BC26R front light and HM65R headlight, HM61R as a backup, also carrying some charged spare batteries. Silca bottle cages and very light emergency sleep system with bivvy and tiny pillow.
BAGS: Full Miss Grape setup with Big NodE 2H mainly for foods, Cluster 7 branded by Basso for some apparels and more food, Internode 5 carrying lights and other heavier stuff (should definitely pick up bigger 6 here). Also USWE vest to carry more water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely the Czech custom made saddle Posedla, which is quite the game changer for me. The Garmin 1040 Solar to keep me on track paired with Rally XC200 power meter pedals to keep myself calm without pushing too hard at the beginning of the journey.

Rick Steffen

Age 31 / Mulheim (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding a Rose FF with carbon wheels from Bike Ahead. SRAM Transmission XX with 40T at the front.
BAGS: My bag is from Cycl*te and I have a 3l hydration bladder in it. I will also mount about 1.5 kg of Sponser Nutrition on the bike in PET bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of Gels in my Trikot, Lupine light system, Garmin Edge 1040, and a small powerbank.

Ramon van Stijn

Age 53 / Heijen, Limburg (Holland)

BIKE: Giant Revolt 2024, Shimano Di2, 2 x 11-speed, RockShox Rudy fork.
BAGS: Apidura frame bag, long top tube bag, saddle bag, and handlebar setup.

Rozaimi Suladin

Age 36 / Sepang (Malaysia)

BIKE: I am riding a bike Scott Addict Gravel with GRX 11-speed setup crankset, 48/31T, with Stages power meter, 11-40T cassette. Campagnolo Shamal wheels with Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mm tubeless tires.
BAGS: Apidura saddle bag 7L. Apidura top tube 1L. Apidura frame bag 2.4L, food pouch apidura 1.2L plus, hydration pack Camelbak chase 1.5L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix headlamp, Cat Eye front light. I am carrying three spare batteries for Fenix headlamp, and two 20k power banks. I’ll be navigating using a Garmin Edge 1040 solar.

Jeff Sumsion

Age 61 / Park City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: OPEN WI.DE with SRAM Mullet, 40T chainring and 10-50T Cassette, ENVE Wheels, Fork, Stem, Bars, seatpost and saddle. 42mm Specialized Pathfinder tires.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Tarrapin 14L (because a Tailfin hasn’t made the bucket list yet) and Tangle, Rockgeist Cache.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SON Dynamo with kLite and a Garmin 830 with battery pack.

Christopher Suttner

Age 36 / Tyrol (Austria)

BIKE: Canyon Grail AL 7, 2x GRX, MTB cassette, 45mm WTB Rambler Dual Compound TR EXO tires.
BAGS: Tailfin Carbon AeroPack, 2.3L Half Frame Bag, and a Cycl*te Top Tube Bag 2.2L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m bringing headphones and good music to keep myself going when things get tough.

Ingvild Tangen

Age 27 / Oslo (Norway)

BIKE: I’m riding a Fara F/gravel with Campagnolo Ekar 1×13. Tyres are continental race king 2.2″ on the front, 2.0″ on the rear.
BAGS: I’m running an Ortlieb frame bag and seat pack.

Pol Tarres

Age 30 / Cabrera de Mar, Catalonia (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands race for the second time, even though I couldn’t finish the previous edition. The bike features a new pair of Continental Terra Hardpack 50c, a 2×11 GRX with 30-46T chainrings and a 46-11T cassette. Wahoo Element Roam gps, Fizik Terra Argo X1 seat, Magicshine lights ( Monteer 12000 at the front and Seemee 300 at the back ), Camelback Podium 710ml bottle, Princeton wheels, double bar tape for more cushioning and Crankbrothers candy pedals.
BAGS: Camelback M.U.L.E. Frame Pack, Camelback Chase Adventure 8 Hydration Vest with Crux 2L Reservoir and a rack.

Gereon Tewes

Age 34 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Fara Gravel in “cloudy sunset” limited edition, SRAM Force AXS 40 x 10-44T, Redshift suspension stem, Deda co*ckpit with Deda Jet Aero Bars, Fulcrum Racing Red wheels with Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1″ front, Pirelli Cinturato 45mm rear, Silca Sealant, mounts, bottle cages.
BAGS: Apidura Race Series Top Tune Bag, Framebag is an Expedition prototype.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Albion kit with Apidura hydration bladder integrated in reflective vest. Precision hydration race fuel.

Jose L. Toro

Age 35 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll ride my Bombtrack Hook Ext C for this year’s Badlands. Rolling on a set of DT Swiss GRC wheels mounted with Hutchinson Touaregs 700x50mm. SRAM Eagle groupset 38x50T to go easy on the legs.
BAGS: Apidura Racing 4.5L frame bag, 7L saddle bag and 2L top tube bag plus Riverside decathlon handlebar bag. I’ll also wear a hydration vest to carry extra water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping kit includes an air mat from Decathlon, air pillow, Sol emergency bivvy and liner. Some tools, spares, some clothes and that’s pretty much all!

Jose Luis Perez Triguero

Age 55 / Vallirana, Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: My bike is custom built and consists of a Specialized Diverge STR S-works ’24 frame, Roval Terra carbon handlebar, Zipp Clip Vuka Carbon EVO Aerobars, Romin EVO PRO saddle with Mirror, three Specialized Zee Cage II side bottle cages, SRAM Red eTap AXS brakes, X01 Eagle eTap AXS 12-speed shifter, Eagle 12-speed cassette and chain, Quarq Dzero Dub power meter, Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready tires, Purple custom wheels, Industry Nine Solix SL-AR40C wheels.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition Saddle Bag, Cycl*te Top Tube Bag Large, Cycl*te Handle Bar Aero Bag, Apidura Backcountry Downtube Pack, Geosmina Stem Pouch Bag, and an Apidura Racing series Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Notable safety elements are the Ayup-Lights, Blackburn repair kit, and tubeless repair kit.

Markus Ullersberger

Age 53 / Berstadt, Hessen (Germany)

BIKE: Lauf True Grit, rims Zipp 303s, Panaracer Gravelking 45mm tires.
BAGS: Camelbak, Restrap aero bag, and Cycl*te.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: What I really love about my bike is the Lauf suspension fork and the Ergon seatpost.

Aurelien Viaccoz

Age 43 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: I will be riding my beloved and wonderful 2023 Specialized Crux Pro, featuring SRAM AXS Eagle XX1 mullet with a 10-50T cassette and a 1x 36T Wolf Tooth chainring, and equipped with Specialized Tracer Pro 42mm tires on the Roval Terra CL wheelset.
BAGS: Lightweight setup with the MAAP x Apidura collaboration system for the frame (filled with carbs and solid food, and a 20Ah power bank plus electronics) and handlebar (clothing, bivy and pillow), a zipped Tailfin frame pouch (full of food), and a tiny Apidura saddle bag for tools. Also carrying a Cycl*te musette in case. I will wear a Salomon gilet with a 1.5L bladder, in addition to two bottles and a 2L platypus ultralight bottle for long and wild stretches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lightening with Fenix HM65R-DT (up to 1500lm) strapped on my helmet, Karoo for navigation, and the Roval Rapide aero co*ckpit.

Alberto Viciana

Age 39 / Haarlem (Netherlands)

BIKE: Canyon Grail CFR AXS with SRAM Red and Eagle mullet setup and Fulcrum SHARQ wheels.
BAGS: Tailfin frame bag, two Tailfin top tube bags, and a Tailfin downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using SRAM RED with Quarq powermeter on a 42t chainring and an Eagle GX derailleur with 10-52t cassette. Hammerhead Karoo to keep me in the right direction. Fulcrum SHARQ wheels with Pirelli Cinturato 45mm settled with Barkeeper Pro from Dynamic Bike Care and Snackitos from Fuel+.

Guillermo Liano Vidal

Age 48 / Meiras (Spain)

BIKE: De Rosa carbon gravel bike with Shimano GRX 1×12 38T/10-51T.
BAGS: Apidura saddle bag and an Apidura bolt-on top tube bag.

Steve Willis

Age 35 / Auckland (New Zealand)

BIKE: Cannondale Supersix Evo CX, SRAM Force Mullet Setup, 10-52T Cassette, 42T chainring, ZIPP 303s w/ Pirelli Cinturato M 40mm, ENVE SES Aero Bars 35/41cm and ENVE SES Aero Stem 130mm, ENVE Aero Mount with Hammerhead Karoo 2, Prologo Dimension 143mm Saddle, FuelPlus Bidons x2.
BAGS: MAAP x Apidura Saddle Bag (Spare Kit & Food Supplies), MAAP x Apidura Frame Bag, Apidura Toptube (“Need to Use” food/equipment while riding), Apidura Downtube Bag (All Spares, Plugs, Tubes, CO2 etc), will also be running a Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lucky to have some incredible brand support making for a lot of highlights! MAAP with Kit, Fuel+ for Nutrition, Hammerhead for Navigation, Quoc for Shoes & Pillar Performance for Recovery. Outside of these, the 52T cog will surely become a favorite out on course.

Wojtek Wrzesniak

Age 33 / Szczecin (Poland)

BIKE: Giant Revolt 3 Advanced. From the stock version I changed the bar for a Ritchey VentureMax. Next I removed the front derailleur and put on an oval chainring from Banless.
BAGS: Custom frame bag made by Triglav with a Hydration Bladder 1.5l from Apidura, custom saddle bag Hamster 13l, Handlebar bag Pacman 9l, and small top tube bag for snacks.

Jesse Yates

Age 28 / Forest Row, East Sussex (United Kingdom)

BIKE: FiftyOne Assasin Frameset, SRAM group set, Fizik and ZIPP finishing kit, Time Pedals, Schwalbe G one R 45mm.
BAGS: Restrap top tube bag, 1.5L Restrap seat bag, Salomon Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure lights, Build by Aeightbikeco, US Postal Service Paint-job.

Patrick Zasada

Age 34 / Lindenfels, Hessen (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding an M83 Vagabund Iron gravel bike, handcrafted in Leipzig, Germany. The frame is made of lightweight steel, unpainted but beautifully burnished, giving it a unique and raw look. With its superior damping, the frame enhances comfort on long rides, crucial for endurance on ultra-distances. Its reliability also ensures greater resilience in the event of a crash. The bike is equipped with a Campagnolo Ekar groupset. The co*ckpit and seat post are from BEAST Components. My ultralight wheelset with textile spokes is made by PiRope and weighs just around 1kg. These textile spokes offer increased vibration damping, reduced weight, and enhanced stiffness and stability compared to traditional metal spokes. The wheels are wrapped in 45mm Conti Terra Speed tires. Despite the steel frame and wide tires, the complete setup weighs just 8.2kg, making it an exceptional build.
BAGS: For storage, I’m using ultralight bags from Cycl*te; a 5L Aero Bag, a 3L Frame Bag, and a 1L Top Tube Bag. I’ll be carrying two battery packs to keep my front light and other electronics charged throughout the race.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The standout features of my bike are the custom M83 steel frame and the PiRope textile-spoked wheelset. This combination of unique craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology creates a bike that’s both lightweight and incredibly durable – ready to take on any challenge the Badlands throw at me.

Jens Zickermann

Age 36 / Mannheim (Germany)

BIKE: I will riding the Badlands 2024 with myMYRAD Allroad customized Titanium bike with internal cable routing and an anodized and sandblasted finish. The bike has a SRAM Force groupset with a 46-33T chainring and a 36-10T cassette. I’m using a 650b wheelset with Tune King/Kong hubs and 47mm Panaracer tires.
BAGS: For the bags, I’m using the large Ortlieb frame bag and seat bag.

Check out the Badlands 2024 Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, watch for ongoing race updates, and tune in for more event coverage. Find it here.

Further Reading

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