The Rift is often called the most beautiful gravel race in the world. Iceland’s iconic gravel race puts riders to the test as they race over 200 kilometres through dark lava fields, steep climbs, deep river crossings and wide-open landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanic force. Starting and finishing in Hvolsvöllur, with a strong international field on the start line, it was another major highlight on the gravel calendar. Aaron just outside the top 10 Aaron had marked this race as one of his summer goals and delivered a strong performance throughout. In the final part of the race, he found himself on the edge of the top ten. Unfortunately, the cooperation in his group did not go as hoped. In the sprint to the line, his breakaway companion took the better of him. Aaron crossed the finish in 11th place, just short of the result he had worked for. Nicole fights through setbacks Nicole did not have luck on her side. A mechanical early in the race prevented her from using her lightest gear, which made the steep Icelandic climbs even more demanding. Later, a puncture 30 kilometres from the finish added to the challenge. Despite everything, she stayed focused and rode to a 13th place finish, showing both resilience and determination. Joris closes gravel season Joris enjoyed the race and the beautiful Icelandic nature, but the demanding course brought back old issues. The rough lava fields triggered back problems similar to what he experienced at The Traka, which made it difficult to push through the roughest sections. With The Rift behind him, Joris ends his gravel season and takes a short break before shifting his focus to cyclocross.

Last week, Violette Neza lined up for the Bright Midnight, one of the toughest gravel races in the world. This Norwegian ultra covers 1,100 kilometers of rough terrain, thousands of meters of climbing, unpredictable weather and very little sleep. For most riders, finishing is an achievement in itself. But Violette didn’t just come to finish. She came to win. Improvising from day one Her race began with unexpected setbacks. Upon arriving in Norway, her luggage was missing. No clothing, limited gear, but luckily her bike had arrived. Thanks to quick support from friends and the local gravel community, she managed to get ready just in time. Part of her kit was borrowed, but the motivation was all hers. Everything was improvised except her desire to race. Focused from the start From the very first kilometers, Violette rode with full commitment. She set her own pace, didn’t hold back and stayed calm despite mechanical problems. A bent brake disc, a few flat tyres — none of it stopped her. As the race progressed, she began moving up in the rankings. Her legs felt strong, and her motivation remained high, even through long nights without sleep. On the final day, a top result seemed within reach. She still felt good and believed she could finish on the podium. No podium, but true character Just before the finish, bad luck struck again. A fourth flat tyre ended her podium ambitions. With no help nearby and no spare parts left, she had no choice but to let that goal go. Still, she chose to finish the race. That decision says everything about her mindset. Leaving an impression The result wasn’t what she had hoped for, but her performance made a strong impression. In extreme conditions, she showed grit, independence and tactical awareness. With this ride in Norway, Violette firmly introduced herself to the world of gravel ultra racing. Pictures: Gavin Kaps, Justas Juozaitis, Nils Laengner & Bright Midnight

Last weekend, Daan Soete returned to a discipline that suits him well, competing at the Belgian Mountain Bike Championships in Tessenderlo. Known for his technical skills and off-road background, Daan delivered two solid results: fourth in the Short Track (XCC) and fifth in the Olympic Cross-Country (XCO). Confident on technical ground With years of experience in both cyclocross and mountain biking, Daan felt right at home on the demanding courses. In Saturday’s Short Track, he stayed near the front throughout the race and narrowly missed out on the podium after a fast, tactical finish. On Sunday, in the Cross-Country race, he rode consistently, stayed in touch with the leaders and finished fifth, confirming his strong form and sharp handling skills. Preparing for the next goal After the MTB weekend, Daan travelled to Livigno for a high altitude training block with teammates Aaron and Nicole. His next major target is the Belgian Gravel Championships in Westerlo on August 17th 2025. With his off-road pedigree and growing summer form, Daan will be aiming to challenge for the national title.

After a truly unforgettable edition of UNBOUND, the Ridley Racing Team returned to Europe for the next major challenge: Eislek Gravel Luxembourg—a new race on the calendar and the first-ever UCI gravel event in the Grand Duchy. Held in the historic town of Vianden, the race marked the beginning of the second half of our gravel season, offering both an opportunity and a test on unfamiliar terrain. The Eislek Gravel course featured a 46.8 km circuit split into two distinct sections: the Luxembourg Loop and the German Loop. Both men and women in the elite categories completed 2.5 laps, making it a true endurance test. It was a classic all-rounder’s course—climbs, flats, forest trails, technical descents, and even cobbled roads leading to Vianden Castle. The terrain was as scenic as it was selective, making it a perfect setting to test every facet of gravel racing. Nicole in the Top 10 Again In the women’s race, Nicole delivered another solid performance, finishing 9th overall. She felt strong from start to finish and managed to stay close to the front during the early parts of the race. However, once the age group men began to pass from behind, it became increasingly difficult to track competitors and hold position. Despite that, she kept her composure and secured another top-10 finish, continuing her consistent season. Mechanical Mayhem for the Men For the men, it was a day that tested more than just fitness. Aaron and Felipe were our first finishers in 18th and 19th place, staying close together throughout the race. Behind them, however, Daan and Joris were hit by a string of misfortunes. Daan punctured just 30 minutes into the race and swapped wheels thanks to our mechanics. But fate wasn’t on his side—he suffered two more punctures, front and rear. Using all the plugs and a hand pump from Thomas De Gendt, he managed to limp to the finish line, earning full marks for perseverance. Joris, who was riding with Aaron and Felipe at the time, also flatted and encountered shifting issues that threw off his rhythm. Gravel gives and takes. This time, it demanded a bit too much. Eyes on Hegau With a mix of solid results and mechanical frustrations, Eislek Gravel was a day of valuable lessons. As the dust settles—literally and figuratively—our riders are already shifting focus to the next UCI Gravel World Series stop: the Hegau Gravel Festival in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. We’ll be back stronger, and hopefully with a little more luck on our side.

The legendary UNBOUND Gravel 200 once again proved to be one of the toughest and most iconic gravel races in the world—and our Ridley Racing Team rose to the occasion. With Daan Soete finishing 13th, Joris Nieuwenhuis 18th, and Aaron Van der Beken 22nd, no fewer than three of our riders secured top results in this high-profile event. The entire team can look back on an edition to be proud of. This year’s race, despite being marked by heavy rainfall across Kansas, became the fastest edition in UNBOUND’s history. With over 240 kilometers remaining, the decisive move came from Cameron Jones and Simon Pellaud, who escaped early and built a commanding lead. Joris Nieuwenhuis joined a strong chase group that managed to gradually reduce the gap from twelve minutes to seven, but the front duo never let the advantage drop below five minutes. Back in the peloton, Daan Soete and Aaron Van der Beken kept a close eye on the race dynamics. As the final section of the race unfolded and groups started to merge, both riders were forced to give everything they had. Daan crossed the finish line as the first Belgian in a strong 13th place, followed closely by Joris in 18th after an aggressive ride. Aaron completed a consistent and impressive effort, finishing 22nd and rounding out a successful day for the team. High and Lows UNBOUND is known not only for its glory, but also for its brutal unpredictability. Unfortunately, our team was not spared. Nicole Frain, who was riding an exceptional race and well inside the top five, was brought down by another rider and was forced to abandon. Felipe Orts also ran into misfortune, suffering two punctures that dashed his hopes of a top result. Despite the setbacks, the team leaves Kansas with great confidence and a strong sense of unity. The Flint Hills once again served as the ultimate testing ground, and we passed with flying colors. With UNBOUND behind us, the riders will now take a brief moment to recover before turning their focus to the next major challenge: Eislek Gravel in Luxembourg, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. After her first experience at UNBOUND, Nicole Frain shared a few heartfelt reflections. “My first UNBOUND attempt. And we can say that the feeling was good, and now I know what I want to do for next year. But the good feeling also comes from off the bike too. I’ve loved these last trips with the team—the support I feel, the belief, and just good vibes, banter, and quality humans. So a big thanks to the team for creating this and, of course, for the effort it takes to get us all here.” With results like these and a team spirit this strong, the Ridley Racing Team is more motivated than ever for what lies ahead.

That Nicole Frain is an exceptionally strong cyclist is already well known among our followers. The 2022 Australian champion also holds a major in Health and Nutrition from Federation University Australia. As a nutrition specialist, she is ideally suited to test the products of our partner, 226ers. “Honestly, it’s fair to say I love their range. I like the flavors, and the diversity of products seems to be something to fit all my needs.” Scientific Approach to Nutrition   “I am really into nutrition, and while I have been studying for a while now (since 2019, as I pursue a Health and Nutrition Major with a Biological Science Minor part-time...), the last 18 months have significantly deepened my interest in personal nutrition. I have been fine-tuning my on-the-bike nutrition and understanding the science behind what we consume for performance and general well-being.   I come from a road cycling background, and the key differences compared to gravel racing, which I am now heavily involved in, include the length of races, intensity, and terrain.   Breaking this down: women’s road races typically range from 90 to 150 km (with some exceptions), but an average race is around 120 km. In contrast, gravel races are generally 140 km or more, with many ‘epic’ events pushing or exceeding the 200 km mark.   When considering duration, road races often involve higher speeds, meaning a 100 km road race can take less than 3 hours in optimal conditions. In gravel racing, however, the same distance may take 4-5 hours, depending on terrain. The rougher terrain not only extends the race but also influences nutrition strategy due to challenges in eating and its impact on digestion. The closest comparison in road racing would be the cobbled classics, such as Paris-Roubaix. The terrain affects both the ability to eat and the stomach's tolerance, making nutrition choices crucial.” What Am I Fueling With? Training:  The choice of nutrition depends on the session. For endurance rides, I use a carbohydrate mix in my bottles (such as the 226ers Energy Drink Mix ) and prefer real food sources like bananas, homemade pancakes, rice cakes, muesli bars, or 226ers Vegan Oat Bars . For sessions that include intense efforts, I opt for rapid carbohydrate sources until the efforts are complete before switching back to real foods. My current favorite high-intensity products from 226ers include:   High Energy Gel  in Salty Peanut Honey High Energy Gel  in Strawberry (I am eager to try Speculoos!) Hydrajellys Energy Shot Stick for particularly challenging efforts   Using these products in training allows me to assess their effectiveness under high-intensity conditions, including flavor and overall physiological response.   Racing:  Many of the products I use in training become staples on race day. Additionally, I incorporate: Race Day Sub9 for a high carbohydrate intake in a compact form, reducing the need to carry excess food. Race Day Bars to provide a solid food option during back-to-back race days, helping to reduce reliance on gels and maintain digestive comfort. Emergency nutrition, such as Energy Shot Stick or caffeine-based gels, for critical energy boosts when needed. With summer approaching in Europe, I also plan to test Sub9 Electrolyte Capsules , which include a caffeine-infused option for hydration management in extreme heat. Post-Training Recovery:  Recovery is crucial, particularly with multi-day races and intense training. My post-training and post-race routine follows a structured approach: Protein Shake (chocolate flavor), though 226ers  also offers vegan alternatives. A balanced meal following the shake. If a shake is not convenient, I opt for a NEO Protein Bar (black cookies flavor) as a recovery snack. Ultimately, my nutrition strategy is about testing what works best for me, what I enjoy, and ensuring I meet my energy and nutritional needs. Fortunately, 226ers  offers a wide range of products, making it both practical and enjoyable to experiment with new nutrition options!

Under sunny skies, the Marly Grav took place this past Sunday in Valkenburg. This gravel classic is part of the UCI Gravel World Series and is one of the biggest gravel races in the Netherlands. Joris Nieuwenhuis delivered a standout performance, finishing an impressive second after a tactically strong finale. Marly Grav is the new name for the UCI Gravel Fondo Limburg and is inspired by the region’s marlstone caves and architecture. The event has grown into a full three-day cycling celebration, featuring a bike expo, a two-day gravel adventure, various workshops, organized rides, and the main race. The competition itself spanned 155 kilometers through the stunning rolling hills of Limburg. One rider, Tim Wellens, dominated with a bold 100-kilometer solo breakaway, which proved unmatchable. Joris found himself in a strong chase group with Panhuyzen, Ottema, Geismayr, and Conca. In the final technical descents and singletrack sections, he played his cards perfectly to secure a well-deserved podium finish. Other Riders Unfortunately, illness impacted the team. Both Nicole and Daan had to withdraw from the race. Aaron had a tough day, suffering a crash—thankfully without injury—and eventually had to abandon. Violette finished 23rd, while Felipe competed in the Spanish Championships. After just 7 kilometers, he suffered a puncture, which meant he was no longer in the fight for a top position. This Wednesday, Joris, Daan, and Aaron will join our social ride . Violette and Lore are also planning to attend. Meanwhile, Felipe and Nicole are continuing their preparations for UNBOUND through alternative training routes.

The days are getting longer, and fitness is improving! That means it’s time for our second social ride. On Wednesday, May 14, we’re heading into nature with the riders from the Ridley Racing Team. Follow in the tracks of pros Joris Nieuwenhuis, Daan Soete, and Aaron Van der Beken as we explore the local off-road routes. 60 km GRAVEL social ride – An accessible group ride starting and finishing at Bike Valley. Start at 6:00 PM – We leave right on time, so make sure you're there early. Meet the Ridley Racing Team – Ride in the slipstream of the pros and have a chat before they head to UNBOUND. Drinks and post-ride hangout – Stick around for a relaxed wrap-up. Location: Bike Valley – Start and finish at Tervantstraat. Parking available. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we kindly ask that you register in advance. This helps us plan for the number of participants and ensures everyone can fully enjoy the ride and the après-ride. Participation is free, but registration is mandatory. Sign up now and ride with us!

Early May marked a major highlight on the European gravel calendar: The Traka in Girona. Our riders delivered strong performances, with Daan finishing 6th and Nicole securing 7th place in the demanding Traka 200. A memorable and educational experience for the whole team! The weekend kicked off on Friday with the PNS Hill Climb Challenge, a 3 km uphill time trial to the iconic Sant Miquel Castle—an early test and a chance to improve start positions. Daan stormed to a 3rd place finish, while Violette claimed an impressive 5th. A perfect confidence boost heading into the main event. On Saturday, the team lined up for the Traka 200—the main event of the weekend. Daan rode a smart and assertive race, staying near the front throughout and ultimately crossing the line in 6th place—another top result in an already standout season. Aaron pushed through for 36th, just ahead of Felipe in 42nd. Joris, dealing with lower back issues throughout the race, still managed to finish in 60th place—showing resilience on a tough day. Nicole’s Strong Debut Performance Nicole delivered a performance that mirrored Daan’s consistency and grit. Not only was it her debut at The Traka, but also her first gravel race over this distance. After the early climbing sections, she found herself in the second group, and at kilometer 120, she launched a solo effort. In the final part of the race, she joined forces with Carolin Schiff, which helped carry her to the finish. Despite a small mistake in the closing kilometers, Nicole crossed the line in 7th. Violette capped off a long and adventurous day with a 42nd-place finish. This event marked our team’s debut at the very highest level of gravel racing. It was a big learning day, filled with valuable insights. We’re taking all of it with us as we set our sights on Marly Gravel and Unbound. Rider Quotes Nicole Frain: "This was my first time racing The Traka—and also my first gravel race over this kind of distance. It didn’t disappoint. I knew it would be a big day out, physically and mentally. I have mixed feelings about my result. Finishing 7th is something I’m proud of: I was strong, I kept fighting, and I trusted the process all day long. At the same time, I was a bit disappointed not to stay with the front group after the first big climbs—the pace was just too high for me. I love racing up front, so having to chase for most of the day required a real mental switch. Still, it was a huge effort and I know I’ll take some great training gains from this experience. I’m already thinking about coming back next year to see what more I can do!" Daan Soete: "Right from the start, I managed to get into the front group, where the pace was brutal—often over 500 watts. I rode cautiously on the descents, and in the flatter middle section, the lead group took a wrong turn, which allowed about 10 riders to rejoin. After the external feed zone, I lost both my bottles on a descent, so I had to grab some extra fluids at the final feed. Despite that, I really feel like I got everything out of myself today. I’m looking forward to Marly Gravel—it’s a course that suits me well, and I think it could be a strong race for Joris too."

For weeks now, Nicole Frain has been showing top form, but bad luck kept getting in the way. That changed this past weekend as she powered to a well-earned silver medal in the Monaco Gravel Race. After the first lap, she broke away with eventual winner Morgan Aguirre and secured her place on the coveted podium. With 2,500 meters of climbing over two 57-kilometer laps, Monaco promised to be a true test of strength. Nicole and American favorite Morgan Aguirre—already a winner at The Hills—opened up a gap early on, with Nicole feeling confident and in control on the descents. Around 30 kilometers from the finish, Morgan launched a decisive attack on a steep climb that Nicole couldn’t match, turning the final stretch into a solo time trial to defend second place. The last 10 kilometers were brutal, with German powerhouse Carolin Schiff—last year’s Traka 200 champion—closing in fast. But Nicole held her off and stepped onto the podium with a hard-fought silver medal, a just reward for the effort and dedication she's already poured into this season. Nicole Frain: “After the first climb, there were about five of us. I felt really confident on the descents, so I used that to my advantage and often created gaps. By the end of the first lap, it was just Morgan and me, and we worked well to grow our lead. Daan had a puncture and rode up to me to give time gap info, which helped us stay focused. About 30k from the finish, Morgan attacked on a steep section—I couldn’t follow that pace, so I settled into my rhythm. I really suffered in the final 10k but pushed as hard as I could." Tough Luck for the Men’s Squad Our men's team also lined up in Monaco, but the race turned into a war of attrition with a string of punctures affecting nearly all riders. While Mads Würtz Schmidt went on to take the win, Felipe Orts fought hard and finished in a solid 12th place. Aaron Van der Beken came in 20th after a promising start, and Daan Soete managed to finish 34th despite setbacks. For Joris Nieuwenhuis, it was a tough debut in the gravel season—he was forced to abandon after a puncture he couldn’t repair mid-race. Felipe Orts: “It went well! I think I built into the race. I had the top 10 in my hands, but I flatted on the final downhill and lost three spots. Still, I’m happy—I had good legs in the second half, and that’s important.” Aaron Van der Beken: “I had a good start and crested the first climb in third with Mads and Simon Pellaud. Unfortunately, I hit a rock with my front wheel and had to chase back. Then I flatted again in the final descent.” Daan Soete: “Joris and I were riding smart and staying well-positioned. We expected a lot of riders to fade in the second half. Just as Joris was about to rejoin my group, I punctured. I left the course to head back to the start area and luckily found someone with a pump. That got me going again. After a few stops to add air, I met our team manager Bob De Cnodder, who had a spare wheel. I was able to finish the race and felt good. I’m already looking forward to The Traka.” Joris Nieuwenhuis: “It actually went quite well, considering it was my first race back and I only recently resumed full training. After three hours I had a puncture I couldn’t plug, so I had to rush back to the start area before I was riding on the rim. The course didn’t suit me, but I’m looking forward to The Traka. Hopefully, I’ll have a bit more of a base by then.” Pictures: Julian Ripoll

Felipe Orts kicked off his gravel season this past weekend with an impressive performance, following a highly successful cyclocross campaign. Despite being relatively new to the gravel scene, our Spanish team leader immediately turned heads, finishing 6th in the Ibereolic Gravel Tierra de Campos. The race, part of the Gravel Earth Series, took place over three days in the Castile and León region of Spain. It all started with a 19-kilometer time trial, where Felipe had the misfortune of racing in the rain. Even so, he managed to limit his losses and secured a solid 12th place, just over two minutes behind the leader. © Matias Novo Stage two, a 74-kilometer ride through the picturesque town of Villalpando, came with last-minute course changes due to bad weather. Namibia’s Alex Miller rode to a solo victory, while Felipe battled his way to an impressive 5th place in the first chase group. The final stage took place in Morales de Rey, and once again, Felipe held strong in the lead group, finishing 7th on the day. His consistent performance earned him 6th place overall. “A great way to start,” Felipe said with a smile. “I’ve learned a lot this weekend and will carry that into the upcoming races.” Next up for Felipe are two major challenges: the Monaco Gravel Race next weekend, followed by The Traka in Girona — the biggest gravel event of the European season. With this strong debut, all eyes will be on him as he continues to grow in this exciting new discipline.

This past weekend, the Wörthersee Gravel Race took place in Austria’s Carinthia region. As part of the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series, this race has quickly become a standout fixture on the calendar. Against the scenic backdrop of Austria’s largest lake, both Daan Soete (6th) and Nicole Frain (8th) delivered impressive top-10 finishes—each earning not just results, but a strong mental boost. Situated between Villach and Klagenfurt, the Wörthersee is a popular summer destination for swimmers and sunseekers. But for our riders, it was all about business: a new semi-classic in the gravel season awaited. The course featured a 68-kilometer loop with 700 meters of elevation gain, tackled twice by the riders. Unfortunately, the race day started with some disappointment as Aaron Van der Beken had to withdraw due to illness. That left Daan to fly the flag in the men’s race—and he didn’t disappoint. Aggressive from the start, he raced smart and strong, but ultimately had to concede to an in-form Magnus Bak Klaris, who sealed yet another victory. Still, Daan’s 6th place is a performance to be proud of. In the women’s race, Nicole Frain and Violette Neza faced a highly competitive field. The level was incredibly close—less than 90 seconds separated the winner from 13th place. Nicole battled through bad luck mid-race and still managed to finish 8th, showing great resilience and mental strength. Violette crossed the line in 43th. Daan Soete: “I was in the lead group from the start with the front duo. After two hours I had to let them go—it was just a bit too fast. I knew I had to be with Magnus to win, but he was simply too strong. Still, I set my best-ever power numbers over 90 minutes and 2 hours, so I know my form is good! That early attack may have cost me a shot at the podium, but that’s the risk you take when you want to win. Overall, I’m really happy with how I raced.” Nicole Frain: “It was a fast race with a lot of wind. There were two main climb sections that initially split the group, but it kept coming back together. Eventually, it broke into a front group of 12. On the second lap, during the long climb, some girls crashed in front of me, and I had to run a section—I lost contact with the front. I worked with another rider to chase back, but it cost me a lot of energy and I felt that in the final. I finished just behind the front four, in a small group, and placed 8th. It was a good learning experience, and I take confidence from this type of race—especially after last weekend. Now it’s on to Spain for some training.”