In recent years, the Unbound Gravel race has evolved from a niche event with a few hundred participants to the pinnacle of gravel racing, attracting thousands of competitors, even surpassing the UCI Gravel World Championship in prestige.
Yet, one constant remains: cyclists continue to push the envelope with advanced technology and equipment to gain speed, conserve power, and outdo their rivals. As the competition intensifies and the field grows, riders unleash increasingly wild gear innovations, free from the scrutiny of UCI inspectors measuring saddle heights and brake angles at pit stops.
Indeed, they have. We’ve seen cyclists employ creative solutions like aerodynamic fairings on cyclocross wheels, makeshift hydration packs, and PRO-grade one-piece suits equipped with built-in hydration systems. Notable examples include former pros like Tepstra and Haas using electrical tape to adhere their bottles to frames, while men’s champion Morton carried a paint stirrer in his jersey pocket for mud-clearance during tire clogging.
And there’s much more… let’s dive in.
Starting with world champion’s ride: Jan Mohorič’s Silex, adorned with UCI rainbow colors.
His Slovenian bike bears the track of his world title win and a tribute to Giorgio Madè, who tragically passed away during the 2023 Tour de Suisse due to a crash.
A simple design holds meaning: an owl and open book symbolize learning, wisdom, and science – values Mohorič cherishes. The pitchfork represents his rural upbringing and a reminder to stay humble, while the cane reflects Slovenian fashion sensibilities.
Men’s champion Larkland Morton sported a POC Procen Air aerodynamic helmet, Rapha’s pro-only one-piece suit, and carried a paint stirring stick in his pocket.
The suit’s development included a water bag mount, but it seems he moved it to his chest for aerodynamic advantage?
After the race, his bike showed a forward-angled saddle, a spare inner tube and lever attached to the top tube, vacuum repair kits on the brake lines, and just two water bottle mounts considering his hydration suit. Two bottles and rear tire, a 44mm Vittoria Mezcal, and front tire, a 29×2.1 Terreno Dry, both with Muc-Off rim tape, completed the picture.
Tobias Konstad sought aerodynamic gains through his base layer and narrow handlebars.
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