Rigs of the 2022 Atlas Mountain Race

The Atlas Mountain Race is an unsupported bikepacking race across Morocco that follows a fixed 1,167-kilometer route from Marrakesh to the Atlantic coast. Just in time for the grand depart this weekend, we’ve gathered details for more than 50 riders and rigs that will be on the route. Dig into them here…

After a cancelled 2021 event, the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) is now in its second edition. The inaugural event in 2020 saw nearly 200 riders at the starting line in Marrakesh, all with hopes of completing the challenging 1,145-kilometre route. Sofiane Sehili finished first that year, blazing through the course in 3 days, 21 hours, and 50 minutes, followed closely by James Hayden and Jay Petervary. Nearly half of the riders scratched somewhere along the route.

We’re excited to see the Atlas Mountain Race back for another year, this time following a slightly longer 1,167-kilometre route with 23,174 metres of climbing and three staffed checkpoints along the fixed track. According to the organizers, the route follows gravel, single and doubletrack, and old colonial pistes that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There is very little tarmac. There’s some walking, and at times, there are great distances between resupply points.

In regular “Rigs of” fashion, we asked riders to share info on their bike, bags, and gear highlights. Over 60 riders from all over the world responded, and we’ve rounded up all of their rigs for you to dig into. Find the rigs of the 2022 Atlas Mountain Race below and then head over to the event page to follow along live when the race kicks off tomorrow morning.

Toms Alsbergs

Age 36 / Riga (Latvia)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be racing my TREK Checkpoint SL5 for the 2022 AMR. Modified with RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR Gravel Suspension Fork, Zipp 101 XPLR wheelset, which is completed with a SON Delux dynamo hub up front, that powers a SINEWAVE Cycles BEACON light. My groupset is SRAM GX Eagle AXS. Brooks Cambium C13 Carved saddle, Cambium Rubber bar tape, and WTB Nano 2.1” tires.
BAGS: Fully equipped with BROOKS SCAPE travel bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo ELEMNT Roam and Exposure Lights head torch to keep me from getting lost, and Voile Straps to keep everything together.

Nicola Bellamoli

Age 39 / Romagnano, Verona (Italy)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR 2022 on a 2016 Niner SIR. It has a drop bar and Niner Carbon Fork. The bike features Continental Race King 29 x 2.2″ tires with BlackChili Compound, a 1×11 Shimano GRX-600 drivetrain with 11-42T cassette and a 34T chainring Shimano XT 172.5 crank, DT Swiss rear wheel, and a SON dynamo hub up front. Shimano XT brake and Shimano XT SPD pedals.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom Rusjan frame bag that is 100% waterproof. I am also running a Rusjan 16L custom seat pack, and a small Rusjan top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For the nights, I will bring an emergency bivy and inflatable pillow. To navigate the route, I’ll use my Garmin eTrex 30 and my iPhone as a backup. Supernova E3 Pro2 front light, E3 tail light, and a Petzl Tikka helmet light.

Emiel Bockting

Age 50 / Doetinchem (Netherlands)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Titanium Singular Pegasus. I had the geometry tweaked a little to copy the geo of my beloved steel Singular Swift. Finished off with an ENVE fork, Hope headset and hubs, Thomson stem and seatpost with Brooks Cambium C17 carved saddle (good combo with my RedWhite bibs). Full Shimano XT 2×11 group and (not pictured) for the AMR, I have mounted a pair of fresh Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35″ tires.
BAGS: Full set of Revelate bags. They have served me well for some years now.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I opted for the OR Helium bivy bag, especially looking forward to seeing some dark and starry skies! Cumulus down quilt, Therm-a-Rest Neoair xlite, and comfy Decathlon pillow. Etrex30 for navigation and an Exposure Lights Toro to light the path. For some extra water capacity, I will mount a (glow in the dark) Nalgene 1L water bottle on the downtube. You will find me riding in the back of the field, and in case the fast riders empty all the stocks, I have packed a small Trangia alcohol stove to cook a meal. And maybe a fresh coffee in the morning.

Jochen Böhringer

Age 43 / Tamm, Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Atlas Mountain Race on a 2022 ORBEA OIZ M-LTD full-suspension bike. The bike will hit the ground with Wolfpack Speed 2.25” tires. As I prefer to pedal smoothly with high cadence, my 1×12 SRAM Eagle AXS setup is prepared with 30T chainring on the front and 10-50 cassette at the rear. My Lupine PIKO will flood the trails with light at night. I will try to carry enough battery packs to avoid being dependent on power supply for recharging when I stop. To be aero and comfortable in the flats and to fix my handlebar bag properly, I have some Syntace C3 aerobars attached to my cockpit.
BAGS: To carry enough water for long stretches without resupply in the heat, I added two bottle cages to the suspension fork in addition to the two bottles sitting at the regular position at the frame. If necessary, I could add additional bottles to the Apidura food pouches attached to my handlebar. All other bags are also from Apidura and well-proven in other races already (handlebar pack, saddle pack, and downtube pack).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Power2Max NG Eco power meter will help me not to over pace at the beginning and kick my ass when watts drop too much during the race. But, in fact, I’m not here to race for the podium this time, as I just recovered from a broken neck, including surgery, which prevented me from riding my bike for quite some time this summer. Nevertheless, I couldn’t resist joining the adventure, meeting all the other people, and experiencing the great landscape.

Mohammed El Boughdali

Age 33 / Marrakech (Morocco)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on a 2020 Cannondale FSI. The bike features a pair of Maxxis 2.25″ tires, 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T chainring, and Mavic Crossmax wheels.
BAGS: The saddle bag and frame bag are Ortlieb. Small bags on the handlebar from Decathlon, 3L of water inside the frame bag, and an additional bottle on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lezyne 1600Xl light and two power banks.

Kai Brandhorst

Age 49 / Minden (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I‘ll be riding a Salsa Cutthroat GRX modified with a 30T chainring and 11-50T cassette. The bike features a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires and a dynamo hub powering a Klite Bikepacker Ultra V2 + dual USB charger.
BAGS: I mainly use bags from Revelate Designs. Two water bottles in front and a 2L water bladder on my back for water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Bikepacking tent, Therm-a-Rest Neoair, and a Mountain Equipment Helium 400 sleeping bag. I’ll be navigating with a Garmin 530 Edge with a Fenix watch as a backup.

Adam Broyad

Age 46 / Bergen, North Holland (Netherlands)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Canyon Exceed CF, Shimano SLX and SRAM XX1, hand-built carbon hoops from Wheeltec, SID 100mm fork, Mezcal tires, Flite titanium (old school saddle).
BAGS: Whatever I had, Altura saddle bag, Ortlieb frame bag, Topeak handlebar bag, a set of fork mounted bags and brackets from Tailfin, various small Alpkit bags for odds and ends.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wheeltec wheels run great on the Hope hubs; the bike is my XC racing rig, bagged up to now feel like a barge!

Jefte de Bruin

Age 36 / Leusden (Netherlands)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding a rigid steel Surly Karate Monkey. The bike has a new pair of Maxxis Ikon 2.25″ tires and a 1×11 drivetrain with a 32T chainring and 11-42T cassette. Wheels are custom built DT Swiss XR391s with a SON Dynamo hub front and DT Swiss 240s rear hub. I ride with a Tubus rear rack as seatpacks are a tight fit with my short legs. The handlebars are BLB hoops. It might be one of the heavier bikes, but is has not failed me yet.
BAGS: The framebag and handlebar bag are Ortlieb. The bag on the rear is a simple Ortlieb drybag strapped to the rear rack. I added two food pouches to allow extra storage. The toptube bag is Topeak. Lastly, I use the cages on the front fork for for extra water capacity for the longer remote sections.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Klite frontlight. An Outdoor Research Helium bivy with Therm-a-Rest Neoair mat. Garmin 530 for navigation. Lastly, I carry a GoPro to capture some of the adventure.

Ricard Calmet

Age 48 / Berga, Catalonia (Spain)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Megamo Factory, Maxxis Pace 2.35″ tires, 1×12 SRAM Eagle Drivetrain with a 36T chainring, SON dynamo hub up front paired with Klite Bikepacker Ultra v2 light, Selle San Marco Shortfit Saddle, SQlab Innerbarends, plus Ergon GP2 grips, Shimano XT brakes and pedals.
BAGS: Apidura Race seat pack, Blackburn frame bag, Topeak top tube bag. 1L bottle mounted on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SOL bivy bag, Hammerhead navigation device, Buff neck warmer plus under helmet cap, Suunto 9, lots of Blub Lube to hydrate chain.

Tristan Cardew

Age 32 / Girona, Catalunya (Spain)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Every story I heard after the first edition of AMR in 2020 said “take a mountain bike.” So, I’m riding a BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE. 120mm suspension front and rear, SRAM GX AXS wireless groupset, Maxxis Rekon 2.4” tires, 34T chainring, 10-50T cassette, VAP aerobar setup.
BAGS: Apidura Racing Saddle Pack 5L, Apidura Racing Long Top Tube Pack 2L, Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack 9L, Salomon Sense 5 Pro running hydration vest with 2L bladder and 2x500mL soft flasks on my chest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big bike, light gear, enough food for at least 48 hours, and enough comfort to hopefully get through the course without any major difficulties. 750mL of water on the bike and another 3L on my body (let’s see how that feels after 18 hours of riding a day) and 47,000MaH of batteries to keep wall charging to a minimum given I don’t have a dynamo. Ferrino bivy, Sea to Summit Reactor liner, Forclaz inflatable mat and pillow. Lezyne Macro Drive 1300 lumen front light, Lezyne Multi Drive 1000 lumen head light (can double as a front bike light too), Wahoo Roam for navigation and Bolt as backup navigation. This is my first ultra; let’s see what I learn.

Ashley Carelock

Age 40 / Dolores, Colorado (USA)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be on the Rodeo Adventure Labs Prototype Show Pony with a 12-speed 10-52T SRAM eTap drivetrain and a 34T chainring up front. I’ve got the MRP Ribbon SL fork, Wren Sports Perseverance handlebars with Ergon GP3 grips for lots of comfy hand positions, and Nex-Gen Sports V3 Enduro wheels with Maxxis Rekon Race tires.
BAGS: All the bags are made by my favorite folks based in Salida, Colorado: Oveja Negra. On the top tube, I’ve got the bolt on snack pack, filled with as many BARUEAT bars that I could pack, the small snack bag for personal items, the Chuckbucket Handlebar Snack bag for repair equipment, a large frame bag for water and food, and the Gearjammer seat bag for extra clothes and a minimal sleep system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have an Osprey water bladder with an in-line Sawyer filter in my frame pack and a Nalgene bottle strapped to the down tube for extra water. I’ve also packed my favorite down booties for naps at night as I’ve found I actually get a little shut-eye when my feet stay warm!

Steve Challinor

Age 53 / Feniton, Devon (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be rolling over the Atlas Mountains during the AMR on a Trek Superfly frame built up with Rockshox Reba bouncy forks and a Redshift bouncy seat post to provide some comfort, DCR handbuilt wheels with a SON dynamo hub, and a new set of Maxxis Ikon tyres, Shimano SLX drivetrain (1×11), Shimano SLX brakes, and a Tim Tas + Rek ahead steerer rack to keep my handlebar bags stable. I’ve added some bar ends inside the brake levers to provide a change of scenery for my hands.
BAGS: Most of my bags are from Apidura, with a saddle bag for clothes, a handlebar bag for sleeping kit, a handlebar accessory pocket for food, a top tube pack for electronic gadgets, and a down tube pack for tools and spares. I also have an Alpkit frame bag for other bits and bobs, and two Decathlon handlebar pouches for whatever I need to access easily (probably more food!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Sinewave Beacon for light and power, a Crank Tank 4 for water, an ancient Etrex 20 GPS for navigation, an Alpkit sleeping bag and mat, a Sierra Designs bivy bag, and my buddy Hamish Hall (we’re riding as a pair) for good vibes, star gazing, problem-solving, and comedic moments.

Almond Edgar David Chismorie

Age 24 / Alba Iulia (Romania)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will try to ride my brother’s Merida Big Nine 500, equiped with a 38T chainring and the biggest gravel handlbars you can find for comfort. Also included are a Specialized Power saddle I’ve never used before and Maxxis Ikon tyres.
BAGS: A complete mix with Pro saddle bag, unbranded handlebar bag, and an SKS frame bag with enough space for 5L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ferrino sleeping bag and a Nomad bivy, four different solutions to repair a torn tyre, a Ricoh GR III X camera, and half a kilo of zip ties.

Mike DeBernardo

Age 39 / Milngavie, Scotland (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Pipedream Sirius 32×18. A mismatched set of Stan’s Flows/Hope Pro 4 hubs, 29 x 2.4″ Aspen/Rekon Race, TRP brakes, Stooge Junker bars, SQ Lab grips, Brand X dropper, Brooks Cambium saddle.
BAGS: Straight Cut handlebar harness holding a Lomo drybag, all other bags are homemade. I’ll be wearing a running pack as well as carrying a mirrorless camera in a homemade pouch that can be worn around my waist or attached to the bike, depending on terrain.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: eTrex 20 for navigation, Fenix AA light on the bike, and an Exposure Joystick on my helmet. I’m also planning on bringing a homemade beer can stove, Ti cup, and a few dehydrated meals – luxury!

Christophe Dijkmans

Age 31 / Liège (Belgium)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Chiru Kegeti with a Ti loop flatbar. Rigid Ti fork (more flex than a carbon one). Amaruq Ultimate SL Wheelset with a SON Dynamo Hub. MAXXIS IKON (2.35″ front, 2.25″ rear) tires. MTB drivetrain: SRAM XX1 10-50T with a Rotor Kapic 36T chainring. Shimano XTR brakes with Galfer pads and rotors. SQLab grips and inner bar ends. I also use the pads of my aerobars for the road sections.
BAGS: Full set of Miss Grape bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For a shelter, I will use the combo Sierra Designs Background Bivy 3000 / Cumulus X-Lite 300 / Therm-a-Rest Uberlite. For navigation, a reliable Garmin 1030 Plus. Klite Bikepacker Gravel and a Lupine Piko lights. CamelBak bike vest and Katadyn to be sure I can carry enough water.

Jonathan Dredge

Age 35 / London (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Fittingly, I’ll be riding a Focus Atlas. Originally purchased as a commuter, it has been upgraded to manage the demands of the race. I am running a Redshift Shockstop stem, Cane Creek eeSilk+ seatpost, 50mm WTB Venture tyres, and double-wrapped bars, all to try and smooth out the trails. A SON dynamo hub provides power for my Edelux II light and Sinewave Revolution for USB charging. The drivechain is GRX600 2x 46/30T chainrings, and I have squeezed in an 11-40T cassette with a GRX400 rear mech to help get me over the steep stuff.
BAGS: Ortlieb fork bags and saddle bag provide the bulk of storage. A Restrap mid bag will be used for electronics and top tube bag for snacks. I will carry a CamelBak to provide an extra 2L water capacity for the long stretches between resupply. Voile straps will be used to keep bottles and bags attached as I have a habit of losing kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My “luxury” is a super bright Magic Shine Monteer light that will help illuminate technical and interesting sections. I’m a big fan of my light, small, and cosy Sea to Summit SPII sleeping bag.

Michael Drummond

Age 34 / Hockley, Essex (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: This year, I have taken custody of a Quirk Overland, a rigid steel 29er. Its long and comfortable and a really fun bike to climb and descend on. Keeping me spinning are some DT Swiss EX471 rims on a SON dynamo up front and a HOPE Pro 4 on the rear, both wrapped up in some 2.3″ Hutchinson Krakens. A suite of ergo comforts up on the bars in the shape of Ergon GP3 Biocork and some SQlab inner bar ends. Stopping power comes in the form of some Magura MT7 brakes, and to get me shifting is a SRAM NX groupset (soon to have a smaller oval chainring attached—fingers crossed​). Last-minute workshop tweaks are always fun, eh!?
BAGS: From front to back this year, I’m making use of the Restrap Race range of bags. I can’t fault them; they are cavernous and light. The Long top tube bag is full of treats, and the large frame bag is full of quick-access layers and my electronics. Then the two cockpit bags are going to house my gels and swathes of sunscreen. Right now, the front rack is empty, but this will have all my sleeping kit squished into a drybag: my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, an Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy, a Sea 2 Summit Spark Bag, and depending on last-minute decisions, a liner too. The rear pack contains my warmer clothes for night riding up high and some spare bibs to avoid any upsets downstairs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m super excited to experience a 29er MTB on the course in comparison to my 26-inch bike from the 2020 edition, a definite upgrade. But, if we’re talking details, the ergo bar setup is so comfy; I’ve used this configuration a lot and it ticks all the boxes.

Thomas Fandrich

Age 51 / Munich, Bayern (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Atlas Mountain Race on a Specialized S-Works Hardtail UL. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires, a SRAM AXS 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Duke wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is an Apidura Frame bag, Apidura Tank top tube bag, and Apidura Saddle Bag. 1L bottle and 2L in my Evoc hip pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite Ultra 2.0 front light with a USB kLite loader. Specialized Backlight. Bivy will serve as my shelter along with my light Yeti sleeping bag. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin 1030 for navigation.

Jade Saskia Field

Age 31 / Leeds (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Genesis Fugio 30 with a steel fork, SON dynamo powered lights, Hope flat pedals, and 36-46T gearing.
BAGS: Restrap Race range on the front (7L bar bag, 2x stem pouches, and full top tube bag), and the reliable longstanding favourite Restrap 14L saddle bag on the back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As always, I’ve got my merino pyjamas and a very warm sleeping set up (SPIII sleeping bag, Sea to Summit mat, and Alpkit Hunka bivvy), which is probably going to be total overkill here. Snacks, water filter, and tools are shared between myself and my riding partner, Carl, and I’ve got full waterproofs just in case! When it doesn’t get cold or rain everyone can, thank me! Oh, and of course I’m wearing my Keen sandals!

Avi Fried

Age 28 / Beer Sheba (Israel)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: My bike is a Ritchey Ultra frame, custom built with Boost 29″ DT Swiss wheels running 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcals and a Rockshox Sid 120mm up front. For comfort, I’ve got an SQlab 30X carbon handlebar with 16 degrees of sweep, Ergon grips and Ergon SMC Core saddle. For my lighting and charging needs I’m running an SP dynamo linked to a Klite Bikepacker Ultra and charger.
BAGS: The famebag was custom made by a fellow AMR racer Steven Moatt (Spoked.uk). I’m also running a Revelate Designs Terrapin seatbag, Magtank 2000, and Pronghorn handlebar bag, as well as a Lezyne top tube bag. For hydration, I’ve got a 3L Hydrapak Seeker in the top of my framebag, as well as a 1L bottle under the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My riding clothes are all made by Jinga, a local company that makes amazing gear that was even featured in the Tour de France this year. My frame bag has been going on adventures with me for the last two years and is still going strong. This race, I’m trying out the Klymit Inertia X-frame 3/4 pad for uberlight side-sleeper comfort.

Samuel Fuller

Age 29 / Arkengarthdale, North Yorkshire (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: This will be my first time not racing on a steel hardtail as I’ll be riding my 2022 Specialized Epic Hardtail. I’m rolling on Roval Control rims laced to DT Swiss 350s with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tyres setup tubeless and a 100mm Sid SL fork. Drivetrain is a 34T chainring paired to a 10T-52T cassette. Stock aluminium bars and seatpost with a Specialized Power ARC saddle. eTrex 20X and Wahoo bolt for navigation paired with an Exposure Joystick and Fenix H65R headlamp to light the night.
BAGS: A mixture of old, hole-ridden (but still bomber) Revelate bags, and a newer Apidura 7L Backcountry handlebar pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Helium bivvy and my Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt, which I’ve held together with Duct Tape since I tore the footwell on my last trip.

Jorge García

Age 51 / Antananarivo (Madagascar)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Custom Titanium Wittson Effugio with a rigid titanium fork by the same builder. The bike’s name is Appa.
BAGS: Saddlebag: Alpkit 13 L, Fuel Tank: Revelate Magtank 2000, Stembag: Revelate Feedbag, Frame Bag: Apidura 3L + Ti King Cages on the fork for my sleep kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite bits are the SON Dynamo and light combo and my Rohloff Belt Drive. Both have been super reliable for the ~6,000-km life of the bike, but the real test is upon us!

Spencer Gough

Age 28 / Waterloo, Ontario (Canada)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: My bike for AMR is a Norco Search XR. Running an 11-51T cassette with a 40T chainring, 50mm Panaracer Gravelking SKs that barely fit, and a Shimano dynamo that powers a Supernova front light.
BAGS: Thief Bikepacking made the top tube and frame bags, my buddy Ben made the stem bags, and the saddle bag is by Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m just stoked I could fit a 700 x 50mm tire, even if it did sand its own tire clearance on the seat tube.

Hugo Guerin

Age 29 / Brussels (Belgium)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I bought this bike from Laurens DePlus’ (ineos- grenadiers) uncle a couple years ago, like new. It was my dream bike, and it took some time to finish it. It’s a Kona Unit X with a 100mm Sid SL fork, GX 12-speed upgrade with 10-52T cassette, Hope Fortus wheels, and Thomson finishing kit. I have tried to build something I would trust for years, and I could not be happier of the result!
BAGS: My bags are a mix of classic and new tech from Tailfin for the stability and Revelate frame and bar bags for the durability, also two pouch stem bags made by my friend George aka Moga Bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My gear highlight is my set up as a whole. I’m very happy about how it turned out and some pictures of my loved ones that I’ll carry through this adventure.

Hamish Hall

Age 52 / Devon (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Pedalling and singing along with my mate Steve Challinor, I’ll be riding a 2021 Trek Procaliber 9.7. Minor modifications include a SON dynamo hub and Sinewave light and Maxxis Ikon tyres.
BAGS: With the aid of a bit of gaffer tape and a ruined sewing machine, I have an assortment of bags. The Restrap saddle bag is a joy; the rest need some design development.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Lidls bike stand has been my most useful piece of kit. The Wahoo Element Bolt is brilliant for simple operation and easy to follow navigation. In search of sleep, I’m using a Naturehike down bag, ex army bivvy bag, and excellent decathlon air mattress.

Dennis Hoerner

Age 31 / Frankfurt (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: The best bike is the bike you have! That’s why I’m riding the Atlas Mountain Race with my first full-suspension mountain bike, the Cannondale Scalpel-Si Carbon SE 2. It is equipped with a GX Eagle 10-50T cassette and a 32T chainring. The full suspension will give me comfort on the gravel and the possibility to ride down tougher sections.
BAGS: I have a mix of Ortlieb, Toppeak, and AGU bags. The setup consists of a seatpack, handlebar bag, and top tube bag. While testing, I recognized that I needed some more space for food, so I added two FoodPouches on the handlebar. With the rear shock, I don’t have space for a frame bag for water, so I put bottle holders everywhere.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am in love with Ortovox for all outdoor activities. So, I packed my three-layer Ortler hardshell, the Piz Duan ISO jacket, and a merino shirt from them. I also really like my Armytek Wizard Pro headlamp. The beam produced by it is really wide, which is perfect for night rides. The batteries can be replaced, which is also important because I’m riding without a dynamo. I’ll have battery life for 35 hours.
The Wahoo Roam will guide my way through the dark.

Carl Hopps

Age 35 / Leeds (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Fairlight Secan 2.5, Shimano GRX 1x, 36T Wolftooth chainring, 11-46T Sunrace cassette, Vittoria Barzo 27.5 x 2.25″ tyres on Hope Fotus wheels, Brooks Cambium C15.
BAGS: Restrap race bar bag, 2x stem bags, Race top tube bag, Race frame bag large, 14L saddle bag. Race musette.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 2x Restrap mag bottles, 2x normal bottles in the stem bags. Exposure Toro light. Led lenser head torch, Wahoo Bolt v2. Sleeping kit: I’ve got an OEX bivvy, Sea to Summit SPII sleeping bag, and a Forclaz mat. Riding in Albion pocket bibs and a long sleeve shirt to cover me up. Albion Zoa rain jacket, although after a few days in Marrakech, I’m not sure it’ll make it out of my bag. We’ll see!

Ben Hudson

Age 31 / Birmingham, England (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: As a framebuilder, I’ve spent years thinking hard about how to make the ideal bikepacking bike. After a long trip on the Highland Trail 550 route in Scotland, I think that this is definitely a big step forward. The frame design is similar to many hardcore hardtails, but with a shortened reach to suit drop handlebars. The 150mm Wren fork not only adds a massive amount of comfort but also gives the bike great capabilities in difficult terrain. Technical sections make up a tiny part of most bikepacking races, but a bigger fork can save a lot of walking and get you out of some sticky situations.
BAGS: I have a saddlebag for mostly lighter bulky kit, and two large dry bags on the fork. Mhe main reason for the upside down fork was to keep this weight suspended, rather than adding inertia to a standard fork. My saddlebag is from 7Rbags, supported by a stainless rack I made last week. The top tube bag holds a battery pack and the dynamo charging kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The KLite Bikepacker Ultra light system is seriously good. I bought these Rene Herse tyres three years ago and have been saving them for my first post-COVID race, so I’m excited to finally try them out! The Onyx rear hub has incredibly fast pickup (important for singlespeed) and also transforms the experience of coasting—no ratcheting noise, just tyres on trail. My gear ratio is 32x20T.

Stéven Le Hyaric

Age 36 / Paris (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’m going to do the Atlas Mountain Race with my favorite bike. It has completed the Kilimanjaro record and took second in the Italy Divide in April. The bike is an Open One+ equipped with a Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain, a new pair of Maxxis Ikon/Rekon tires, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Enve 27.5″ Enduro wheels with a SON Dynamo hub at the front. Handlebars, stem, and seatpost are all ENVE. Another modification is a Profile Design extension with 70mm shims under the armrests.
BAGS: Restrap Race Adventure Pack saddle, frame, stem bags. I will possibly have 2x 500ml flasks and 1L soft in my Compressport Trail bag as it is 30°C in the Atlas. Two 750ml bottles on my frame will be a priority though.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As always, I will use my Garmin 1040 Solar and Garmin battery. Dynamo Sound + Supernova e3 lamp with USB port.

Katie-Jane L’Herpiniere

Age 42 / Courchevel (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on a 2018 Grand Canyon AL SLX, no modifications, just standard spec except new tyres. Tyres are MSC Roller 2.2″ on the front and an MSC Dragster 2.2″ on the back. I have also added some Ride Farr arm rests on the handlebars for a change of hand position.
BAGS: All my bags are Acepac. I have their 16L Bar Roll on my handlebars for my sleep kit, their medium frame bag for things I need to get to regularly, and the 16L Drybag and Saddle Harness combo for food and clothes. I’ll be wearing a Salomon 8L backpack containing a 2L water bladder. 2x 1L water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is the Nordisk Lofoten tent, a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite, and a Cumulus Quilt. I’m taking some delicious Firepot dehydrated meals with me, as well as some Outdoor Provisions Nut Butter sachets in an attempt to stay fuelled up. I will be using an eTrex 30x for navigation.

Dylan Hubble

Age 46 / Windsor (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Scott Spark RC customized by Graham at St Albans Cycles. SON Dynamo powering a kLite front light and also charging 2x 10k power banks used to top up the Exposure Joystick and Blaze as well as the other minor electronics. Navigating with a Garmin eTrex 20 and Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. Tyres are Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge Endurance. Water supply via 2L Camelbak Chase and 3x1L Platypus soft bottles to extend the range.
BAGS: Mixture of Apidura, Alpkit Stingray (custom), Revelate Designs, and Lezyne.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Quoc Gran Tourer Shoes, Leatherman Squirt, Outdoor Research Helium Bivi.

Josh Ibbett

Age 34 / Cambridge (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be riding my Mason Cycles InSeachOf. It’s the bike I started this year’s Tour Divide on, although I’ve made a few modifications. I’ll be running a slightly lighter custom Hunt dynamo wheelset, a Redshift Shokstop Pro seatpost, and a Brooks Cambium saddle. The groupset is a mix of Shimano GRX Di2 and XTR Di2. Tyres are ReneHerse Fleecer Ridge 55mm.
BAGS: Bags are custom from Tailfin. The rear race pack houses my sleeping gear, the custom frame pack my various Albion clothing layers, and the top tube pack spares.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights are the kLite dynamo system. There will be long nights, so being fully self sufficient with lights and power will be important. My clothing highlight is my custom Albion ultralight insulated jacket with a hood and integrated neck warmer. It was well proven on Divide and offers lots of flexibility.

Xavier Jacobs

Age 28 / Caracas, Venezuela / living in Brussels (Belgium)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the bike I dreamed of having when I crossed the Andes a few years ago, a Kona Unit. It’s set up with Maxxis Ikon 2.35″ at the back, Ardent Race 2.35″ up front, Deore 1×11 drivetrain, 100mm Sid ultimate suspension fork, SLX brakes and, Hope Fortus 26 rear wheel, and a SON-powered front wheel laced by yours truly.
BAGS: Custom framebag from Sauce Bags, Revelate Designs harness and feed pouches, Topeak and random top tube bags. Saddle bag and two 1L bottles (for a max capacity of 6L) not pictured.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: kLite for lights and charging, SOL escape bivy, Sea to Summit UL mat, and RAB quilt for sleeping. Wahoo for navigation. Most importantly, wooden spoon gifted by my brother @atelier_chop.chop and my trusted Berner ratchet tool in the event of a mechanical.

Aiva Jakovela

Age 45 / Riga (Latvia)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be riding a carbon Liv Devote in size small. The frameset, 32/48T crankset, and seatpost are pretty much the only stock things remaining on it. The tyres are WTB Riddler 45mm. A special shoutout to the amazing mechanic who persuaded a 46T MTB cassette to work with the GRX derailleur that supposedly takes up to 34T. Light and power for electronics are provided by a SON Edelux 2 dynamo light and Sinewave Revolution dynamo USB charger running from the front dynamo hub. I am using aero bars to give my hands a chance to rest.
BAGS: The size (small) of the frame comes with some challenges in terms of rear bag tyre clearance. Luckily, Ortlieb’s Seat Pack QR seems to handle this well, while the frame bag, also by Ortlieb, and the Restrap top tube bag fit like they have been tailor-made for this bike. Up front, there is an Ortlieb Handlebar Pack. I carry two bottles on the fork and a hydration pack on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleeping, I am using Sierra Designs’ Backcountry bivy, a Sea to Summit sleeping bag, a sleeping bag liner, and an inflatable mat. Navigation comes courtesy of Wahoo Elemnt Roam with Garmin Fenix watch as backup.

Nico Julien

Age 27 / Paris (France)

Julien 2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will ride an AMR-specific custom build based on a Pivot hardtail LES frame, Atlas-inspired custom painted with Rigid Enve fork, and Enve 3.4AR wheels on René Herse Endurance+ tires. Overkill for sure, but so sweet to look at. It has a classic 11-speed XT drivetrain upgraded with a titanium EE wings crankset (32t/11-46t). Titanium handlebar to match the handlebar and the bottle cages that feature a very comfortable handle.
BAGS: Geosmina full kit on the bike.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The custom paint is inspired by that race, with sand as the main color and a bronze logo to remind me of the warm stones from the Atlas. That’s my tribute to the race.

Rory Kemper

Age 41 / London (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2020 Nordest Sardinha, kindly donated by George Huxford. Its been built up with mainly SRAM SX Eagle with a 12-speed 11-50T and a 32T up front, which is good for walking/pushing. The wheels are 29″ Sonder Rims running Vittoria Brazo 2.23″ tires. They’ve been reliable and should work on the terrain. I’ve added a custom riser to my flat wide bars for lights and the Garmin Etrex.
BAGS: Full Backcountry Apidura set up including a 6L frame pack, which will hold the Apidura 3L and 1.5L bladder. Super convenient to keep most of the weight low and centralised on the bike to assist the handling. Sleeping gear in the handlebar pack and clothes in the saddle pack. Everything is robust and roadside repairable if the worst happens.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Adding to the overall carrying capacity, I’ll be using an Apidura Hydration Vest which will give 2L extra water capacity and various pockets for food. With a bottle in a food pouch, it will be over 7L of fluid on the bike for those long sections of no resupply.

Victor Lagunegrand

Age 25 / Caen, Normandie (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: 2017 Genesis Vagabond, custom build.
BAGS: Frame bag and food pouch from Bymarion & Quentin, Ortlieb saddle bag, Podsac fork bag, and top tube pouch from Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Redshift seat post and stem, custom 29er wheels with Alivio rear hub, Sinewave powered by SON28 Dynamo, 36T oval Osymetric crank with 11-46T cassette. Custom fork cages by Pedro. Wahoo ROAM, Stoot head light.

Duncan Ledingham

Age 36 / Annecy (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: My trusty Chumba Stella Ti I’ve been rolling on for over five years now. Dynamo hub powering the electronics, Thomson/Ergon cockpit provides lots of hand positions.
BAGS: Wanderlust/Revelate bags. Sea to Summit stuff sacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A harmonica to keep the vibes flowing.

Jeanne Lepoix

Age 34 / Villiers-Saint-Fréderic (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Trek Procaliber 9.8 SL (2018), carbon frame and wheels, Maxxis Ardent Race 29 x 2.2″ tubeless tyres, SRAM Eagle 12-speed (10-50T), 32T chainring, Spirgrips handles.
BAGS: Complete Miss Grape set, 4x 750 mL drinking bottles, CamelBak.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sony Alpha 6400 & GoPro Hero 8, Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest Hyperion sleeping bag, Cumulus Bivy, Sea to Summit Silk liner, Garmin Edge 1030, Stoots Frontal and Lezyne 600xl on the bike, and a 10,000mAh batter pack.

Robyn Llewellyn

Age 37 / Hackney, London (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Cannondale F-SI leftie hardtail (now called Scalpel). ENVE handlebars and stem. SRAM GX AXS shifting. Fabric scoop saddle. Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph (Addix) 2.25″ tires.
BAGS: Tailfin Carbon Aeropack seat bag, custom Gramm framebag, and Leznye aero top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really pleased with the Gramm framebag, great service and price. I’m using Albion Explore bibs, which have loads of storage. Exposure MK 15 and Joystick lights are exceptional. Saving a few grams with Schmolke cages and Carbonwerks computer and light mount.

Duncan Macdonald

Age 49 / Colerne, Wiltshire (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Home for 1,200 kilometres is my Santa Cruz Highball, rolling on Vittoria Mezcal 2.1″ rubber on Hunt wheels with a SON Dynamo powering a kLite Gravel and charging a Nitecore waterproof powerbank, through a Sinewave Reactor (Exposure Diablo for more the technical stuff, and as back up). Up front are Sonder Confucius bars with Ergon GA3 grips. SRAM AXS 1×12 (30T x 10-52T) will keep the party alive. With a Wahoo Element that will no doubt take me on some bonus climbs.
BAGS: A Restrap bar bag holds the sleep stuff (Outdoor Research hooped Helium bivvy, Sea to Summit Ultralite pad, Spark III sleeping bag, and Aeros pillow), and a 2L hydration bladder stored in the top bag along with snacks. Restrap stem bag for snacks. Apidura top tube bag for powerbank, charger cables, zip-ties, tools, and room for more snacks. Tailfin 3L cage pack on the downtube for MSR stove, cup, spoon, 2x 500ml soft flasks, tea bags, and more snacks. Restrap saddle bag for everything else that’s not snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Aeros pillow, 30t x 10-52t.

Paolo Marini

Age 60 / Milan (Italy)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: 2020 Salsa Cutthroat, self-made build, with SRAM AXS Force lever, SRAM XX1 Derailleur, SRAM X01 38T crankset, 10-50T cassette, DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon wheels, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.25” tyres, Salsa Cowchipper bars, Selle San Marco Supercomfort racing wide to protect my B-side in the best possible way.
BAGS: Apidura bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag, Sea to Summit ultralight mat, Alpkit Bivy, Garmin GPSMAP 66ST with track and Morocco map, Lezyne 1300 XXL light, two 10,400 mA power banks, Anker dual USB-C 40W charger with cables and my beloved Fuji X-S10 with ultra light 27mm F/2.8 lens and 16mm F/2.8 lens to capture the best moments of the experience.

Tim Newton

Age 52 / Bath (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be easing my way around the AMR 2022 on a Brother Cycles Big Bro XL (not light, but oh so comfy). I built the wheels around DT Swiss 481s with a Hope in the rear and a SON 28 up front, and shod with some 2.6″ Maxxis Ikons. Hope Tech E4s will provide the stopping power (plus they are stupidly simple to bleed) and shifting is the workmanlike XT.
BAGS: Bit of a mish mash bag-wise. Up front, I’ve got a Fab’s Chest (X-Pac), which swallows my tent and sleep gear without the need to stuff everything to an inch of its life. Swift Zeitgeist on the rear, and in the centre, an Alpkit custom frame bag that houses my Apidura 3L bladder, tools, and clothes. Electronics are tucked away inside my Wizard Works top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apart from the bags, probably my Nordisk Lofoten tent, Soma riser bars and the obligatory, blindingly good, kLite.

Marcus Nicolson

Age 32 / Glasgow (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding on my trusty Mason ISO with fresh Pirelli Scorpion 2.2” rubber. I’ve fitted a suspension stem with the hope it might take out some of the neck rattling! Front dynamo connected to an Exposure Revo. I’ve also borrowed a 32T chainring from James at the Bike Hive in Glasgow. Hoping the granny gear might get me up some of the steep stuff!
BAGS: Full set of Straight Cut Design bags from my friend Ross in Edinburgh. My lucky Shetland Puffin patch is on the framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have a light-ish sleeping set up, which consists of down trousers/jacket, silk liner, and an emergency bivvy in case it gets really chilly! I have a Therm-a-Rest mat in there too. Gear highlight is a pair of warm socks and some spare bibs. Things are gonna get salty out there. I’ll be navigating with an eTrex 20x if I can get the background map loaded up on time!

James Oldroyd

Age 49 / Ossett, West Yorkshire (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Canyon Grizl, 1×12 SRAM AXS Etap with 40T chainring, 10-44T cassette. Hunt 650b wheels with SON 28 front dynamo hub. 50mm Schwalbe G-one Ultrabite tyres. Wahoo navigation.
BAGS: Restrap bar and saddle, Blackburn frame bag, and Decathlon top tube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy 3000, 3/4 air mat, and down sleeping bag. 3L hydration bladder in the frame bag. Kemo USB hub charger. Imodium.

Stephane “Kiwi” Ouaja

Age 35 / Paris (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Specialized SWORKS Epic, really loving how the self-locking suspension is working and making this bike efficient on rolling sections while providing comfort and confidence on fast and technical sections. This will be helpful when I’m tired and riding at night. Running SRAM XX1 AXS 32T x 10/52T in case I need to climb up trees. Mixed wheels with Roval Hunt and Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.25″ tires. SON Delux Dynamo hub powering a Sinewave Beacon front light. Rear light is a Knog Blinder.
BAGS: My bag setup is a complete Brooks Scape series kit; it’s handy and provides a lot of storage. I like how the saddle bag is stable and don’t constantly sway left and right. I use the Scape frame bag upside down to fit it in my full-suspension frame. I stash a water bladder inside, and there is still room for more gear. I’ll carry a small packable backpack to carry extra water on the more remote stretches of the route.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I don’t have a specific gear highlight, it’s all gear that I’ve tried during different races, and I love how nice it’s all worked, from my Decathlon air mattress to the Sinewave Beacon. Maybe the bike itself is my highlight. I love how it performs on both rough trails and fast tarmac, even as a full suspension.

Guy Parry

Age 45 / Stockholm (Sweden)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: A more suitable bike this time around but again a frame from Waltly. Designed around Mezcal 29 x 2.35″ tires, which I think are perfectly suited to the AMR route.
BAGS: Mostly Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: All about comfort. Mirror saddle on a shock post. SQLab Flex bars and grips. And some aero bars, but mainly to get the Sinewave lamp into a good spot.

Dragos Petrutiu

Age 33 / Hunedoara (Romania)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Gandalf the Grey is a Sour Crumble trail bike with some specific bikepacking additions. I get lights and power from a SP-PL8X dynamo. A wider-than-standard range Shimano XT 1×11 drivetrain (34T/11-50T) ) should keep me pedalling uphill, while the OneUp dropper and Fox 32 fork should make me fast and comfortable on downhills. Magura brakes with big disks will stop the whole rig even when it’s fully loaded. The whole machine was put together and maintained by the master Joergen at Parallel Handbuilt in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
BAGS: Wit Slingers from Leipzig, Germany, made a very cool framebag, and Apidura was around to sort out the rest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The framebag is the coolest and then the Cushcore inserts that hopefully will keep me puncture-free and rolling until the finish.

Richard Pywell

Age 34 / an Australian living in London (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ve chosen my awesome 2021 Specialized Epic for this race, the brain suspension makes it mega efficient to pedal without having to worry about a lockout, and dual suspension makes it so comfortable. It’s a semi-custom build due to supply chain issues, so it’s got Shimano brakes and a SRAM AXS drivetrain (32/10-52T). It’s rolling on Stayer Cycles XC carbon rims with a SON front hub, shod with 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcals. Ergon grips and SQlab Innerbarends provide several good hand positions. Lighting and charging by kLite, navigation by Wahoo Roam.
BAGS: A real mix: Tailfin AeroPack, Restrap Race top tube back, Apidura feed bags, and a home made frame bag. For water storage, I’ve got two bottles on the frame, the Apidura hydration vest, and for longer stretches, an extra bladder to stuff in the Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m really pleased with how the bike rides and handles. I’ve tried to keep the front end quite light, and I think it’s paid off in keeping the bike still very nimble. My single favourite piece of gear has to be a recent purchase, my Montbell Plasma 1000 down jacket. It’s stupidly light, packs down incredibly small, and is still very warm. Second place goes to my Enlightened Equipment quilt. I’ve tried to keep my kit minimal without cutting corners, and I can’t wait to get out there finally after originally entering the 2021 race!

Tom Quirk

Age 46 / Zurich (Switzerland)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Solace OM-2P, Pinion/Gates drivetrain, Lauf fork, I9 BC360 wheels, Agarro/Mezcal tires (2.35″), Redshift Shockstop post, Kyote bars, Pro Missile Sattelite aerobars.
BAGS: Sea to Summit, Ortlieb, Apidura, and a Camelback (33L total).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m considering doing it in flip flops.

Cristian Romero

Age 30 / Cádiz, Andalucía (Spain)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Atlas Mountain Race on my trusty and do-it-all Surly Midnight Special. It features Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ and 2.1″ tires, a 1×11 drivetrain, 38T chainring, and 11/42T cassette. A noisy Halo vapour wheelset and a 500mm wide dropbar.
BAGS: A mixture of Alpkit (handlebar, toptube, and frame), Topeak (seatpack) and Restrap (fuel pod). For water supply, five bottles attached to frame and steel fork to carry 4.1L of fluids.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My trusty Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, Shimano MTB shoes, and Pearl Izumi clothing. 1000 lumen Lezyne front light and a 450 lumen Petzl headlamp. I will rely on two 20,000mAh batteries that will hopefully will be enough for a self-supported ride. I’ll be taking a lightweight summer sleeping bag.

Alex Roudenko

Age 29 / Victoria, British Columbia (Canada)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be racing the Atlas Mountain Race on my 2021 Surly Karate Monkey named Belinda. The bike features 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal tires on Hunt Wide MTN V2 wheels. The drivetrain is a 1×11 SRAM NX groupset. A Brooks C17 saddle and SQlab 16×30 handlebars for comfort.
BAGS: Revelate Designs frame bag, Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion saddle bag, Rockgeist Honey Pots, and an On-sight handle bar roll.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A donut sticker on the top tube to keep my eye on the prize. Mountain Hardwear phantom -1 sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, and an Outdoor Research Helium bivy as my shelter.

Timo Rusteberg

Age 31 / Göttingen, Lower Saxony (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Due to Covid-19 supply chain issues, my options for an XXL frame were very limited. The Cube Reaction GTC One I found provided a good starting point, and the geometry fits my riding style. The 2×11 XT DI2 drivetrain has been slightly modified and now offers over 665% range. I’m using Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires on wide Ibis 941 rims with Magura MDR-P brake rotors. The remaining components were changed for Pro Tharsis parts.
BAGS: The centre of my bag setup is a custom frame bag from Merit Gear. To be able to use as much of my equipment as possible, I have changed my setup to Tailfin and Cyclite and use the basic framework of aero bag, top tube, and aero rack from road bike to MTB.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My personal favorite is the aero cockpit from Profile Design with the Lupine lights and the integration of aero elements into the MTB world.

Marco Sartori

Age 34 / Turin, Piedmont (Italy)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Santa Cruz Chameleon with SRAM GX AXS, 30T oval chainring, and 10-52T cassette. Front dynamo hub with kLite Ultra light. Rockshox Pike 120mm for the most rocky terrain and a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive saddle to save my butt.
BAGS: Miss Grape bags, a custom frame bag, and a prototype front bag for my sleeping system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cumulus Lite Line 300 and Therm-a-Rest Neo Air mattress for cold nights. Full line of PEdALED Odyssey clothing. Aveo photochromic glasses for day and night. Camelbak 1.5L vest. Hammerhead Karoo 2 for navigation.

Tomasz Sawka

Age 43 / Nysa (Poland)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be racing the AMR on a Specialized Diverge, with a Garbaruk 1×11 drivetrain, 34T ring up front and a 50T cassette in the rear. Dandy Horse carbon wheels with Centurato M 45mm tires and a Profile Design aerobar.
BAGS: I’m taking as little as I can, an Apidura bag for the frame and sachets for the frame and handlebars, a small bag for food, plus an Apidura backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m using a Garmin Edge 1030 with an extra battery bank, I’ll take two light: a Convoy lamp on my handlebar and Lupina on Helmet.

James Slowey

Age 44 / Cork (Ireland)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Surly ECR.
BAGS: Miss Grape roll bag, Ortlieb seat bag.

Katrien De Smet

Age 35 / Hamme (Belgium)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be riding my Trek Procaliber 650b for my first AMR participation. Drivetrain is a 1×12 SRAM GX AXS with a 10-52 cassette and Shimano XT cranks with an oval 32T Wolftooth chainring. I love the wireless SRAM blips on the aerobars so I can keep my position and shift. Suspension is a Rockshox Reba tuned with a race-day damper. Infinite light front and rear are kLite Bikepacker Pro powered by a home-built wheel with a SON 28 dynamo. I’ll be rolling on tubeless Mezcal’s 2.35” with cafélatex sealant.
BAGS: Tailfin, Apidura, Revelate Designs and an Osprey hydration backpack. I switched from a classic seat-post bag setup to a Tailfin Aeropack recently. A small weight penalty but so much more practical in use so definitely worth it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit is a Therm-a-rest X-lite regular, Sea To Summit spark 3 sleeping and a MSR e-bivy. Revelate design food pouches and Apidura toptube bags for electronics and hygiene-kit. Ergon GS3 grips usually keep my hands out of trouble. Hydration is a Osprey backpack with 3 liter water capacity, on top of that I use a one liter bidon on the bike and if needed, I can take 3 more liters in my Katadyn water filter bag. Navigating with a combo of Etrex 32x and edge 830.

Rodney Soncco

Age 33 / Sulbiate, Monza Brianza (Italy)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Open Cycles One+ 27.5 named “EL PERRO”. Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5 x 2.2″ tires, carbon fork, aero bars for the flats.
BAGS: All of my bags are made by Rusjan Bags. A frame bag for food and water, lots of Mars Bars and Snickers, saddle bag for clothes, power bank for lights and endless music.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Ferrino bivvy bag and two handlebar lights.

Csaba Sumánszki

Age 31 / Budapest (Hungary)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Atlas Mountain Race on a self-built 2022 Salsa Cutthroat. I used a modified 2×11 GRX drivetrain with a 30/46T chainring and 11-42T cassette. The wheels are DT XM421 with a SON Dynamo hub up front, Reynolds black rebel with rimpact insert in the rear. For lighting, I will use is a kLite Ultra MTB light. I am also using a redshift schockstop stem and seat post, the handlebar is a Ritchey WCS Beacon. Rubbers are a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires
BAGS: Mostly Apidura, feed bags are made locally by a Hungarian bike bag creator, Mokush.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have made a frame bag specifically to fit two hydration bladders (2+1,5L). A Rab Storm bivy will serve as my shelter along with a Sea To Summit sleeping mat and SPII sleeping bag. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin 830 for navigation.

Jeffrey Taylor

Age 58 / Haute Cabin, Vermont (USA)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: Blacksheep Highlight Adventure Klunk 29’er, NOX Carbon wheels featuring a Rohloff Speed Hub with 36×18 gearing and a SON Dynamo hub up front. Vittoria Mezcal tires, 2.25″ front and back. Paul Klamper brakes with Paul Love Levers. Cane Creek eeWings Cranks.
BAGS: JPaks bags with Tailfin 1.7L V-Mount Pack for tools and CamelBak Ratchet hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Navigation will be using a Garmin Etrex 30. Sleep System includes a MSR Pro Bivy, Western Mountaineering Summerlite down bag, and a Therm-a-Rest Uberlite Mat. kLite Backpacker front light. Accessory lighting is a Fenix LD30 for the bar and Petzl Tika on the helmet.

Marco van Veen

Age 53 / Nijmegen (The Netherlands)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will be riding the AMR on my Nordest Sardinha Ti built with a Lauf Fork, DT Swiss Carbon wheels, Vittoria Mezcal tires, Cane Creek eeWings cranks, and a SRAM GX drivetrain. A 28T chainring combined with a 10-52T cassette should get me over the mountains. Shimano XTR brakes to get safely back down. I use Syntace C3 aerobars for cruising on those long stretches.
BAGS: Restrap Race seat bag and front bag, Acepac bags for the cockpit, and a custom frame bag, all supplied by bikepackingshop.nl. The Acepac Fat Bottle Bags are new for this trip and give me lots of storage space for snacks and my sunglasses, phone, etc.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For lighting, I will be trying the BBB Strike Duo 2000. For camping, I use a Big Agnes Bivy and a Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat combined with a Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt. I have a Vargo Triad Stove and titanium pot with me for morning coffee.

Vincent Wanka

Age 24 / Kassel, Hessen (Germany)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will ride my Focus Raven Hardtail, which I bought used but in perfect shape half a year ago. I made no huge changes to the original bike as it serves me really well. It has a nice Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX brakes and XTR Rotors, just because they look nice. 29″ wheels and new Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires.
BAGS: I had to think about my bag setup and equipment for a long time and finally decided to go with an entry-level saddle bag and frame bag, an Ortlieb bar bag, two food pouches, and a little top tube bag that I placed near the saddle. I’ve tested the setup many times in Germany, optimized it a bit here and there, and I’m pretty sure it’ll work in the Atlas Mountains.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I really like the SKS Anywhere bottle holders and how well they harmonize with the whole setup. I also have a water bladder in my frame bag, which should provide me with enough water for the ride.

Romain Wartel

Age 42 / French Alps (France)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I will ride a custom build based on the amazing Lapierre Pro Race SAT CF 9.9. Cockpit is a Redshift Kitchen Sink handlebar with Profile Design aerobars and SRAM Force AXS shifters + wireless blips. The 10-52T cassette paired with a tiny 26T chainring will help carry the 3L + 1.5L water bladders and food up those steep climbs. Race King 2.2″ ProTection tyres should be a good balance between speed, comfort, and puncture protection. A SON Dynamo Hub + Exposure Revo and an Exposure Diablo will make the nights brighter and charge electronics.
BAGS: Marion & Quentin created the frame bag and food pouch, complemented with Apidura saddle and handlebar bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For my sleep kit, I’m using an incredibly light but -15°C rated SirJoseph down jacket, and a minimalist bivvy bag. I’ll also use a Salomon trail running pack that will provide an extra 3L of water capacity and room for extra food. I don’t plan on being thirsty in the desert.

Olly Webb

Age 26 / Reading (UK)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding the AMR on a Specialized Chisel Comp which has 100mm front travel, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and 10-51T cassette. Tyres are 2.25″ Mezcals front and rear filled with plenty of sealant. Ergon grips and inner mounted bar ends to give a few different hand positions.
BAGS: Up front is a Topeak bar bag with all my sleep kit as well as a few extra clothes. Two fork-mounted Anything Cages with dry bags for extra capacity at resupplies. In the middle is a custom-made Alpkit frame bag that will have repair kit and hygiene kit in the bottom section, whilst the top half is dedicated to food. The saddle pack is from Topeak and has spare tubes, dehydrated meals, clothing, etc., but with spare capacity to fill at resupplies. Will also be running a CamelBak Chase vest, an SKS anywhere bottle mount on the downtube, and a stem bag that will give me three litres of water capacity with the ability to add more to the fork cages if needed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lighting will be handled by two Exposure lights, my Maxx-D and a Joystick graciously lent by a friend, and with a run time of 36 hours for each light, this should see me through a good portion of the race. Sleep set up is a 0°C down sleeping bag and inflatable pad from Decathlon, inflatable pillow, and an OEX bivvy. Navigation will be handled by a Wahoo Element and supplemented by maps on my phone.

Michael Woods

Age 34 / Belfast (North Ireland)

2022 Atlas Mountain Race Rigs

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Ribble Gravel Al, fitted with Maxxis Pace 29 x 2.1″ front tire and Rambler 700 x 50 in the back, Dynamo wheelset, and mullet drivetrain using a mix of GRX and SLX shifting with a 32T chainring and 11-speed e13 9-46T cassette.
BAGS: All my bags are custom made by me, Poca bags, in Glasgow. I’ll be using a frame bag, full-length top tube race pack, two small stem mounted snack pouches, and a colossal seat pack to allow me to carry everything I need and several things I don’t!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Adventure Hydration Crank Tank gives 3L of frame-mounted water. Rab eVent bivi and sleeping bag for the cold Atlas nights. Navigation by Wahoo Roam, with Sinewave Dynamo charging and B&M lighting.

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