Rigs of the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race (Part 1)

To an outsider, our “Rigs of” roundups might seem like an unnecessary collection of bikes and bags that serve no real purpose to anyone beyond the riders participating and a few diehard fans. But I’d argue that this series is the quickest way to get a snapshot of how bikepacking events have evolved and grown over the years, offering valuable insights for future riders, those who like to follow along, and the brands that make the gear these riders use.

The Atlas Mountain Race (AMR), for example, had its inaugural event in 2020, with just under 200 riders registered. Looking back at the Rigs of the 2020 Atlas Mountain Race, we can see a mix of drop bars and flat bars, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and everything in between. Each year, the rigs and gear riders use evolve, and although the rigs submitted to us represent only a sample of all riders, trends emerge. This year, for example, nearly 300 riders are participating, and 80% of the rigs submitted are flat-bar bikes, mostly hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes.

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We’re pleased to open our 2026 “Rigs of” season with the sixth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. For the first time ever, the AMR will start from Beni-Mellal, the capital of Beni-Mellal-Khénifra Region, instead of Marrakesh. The event still follows a roughly 1,350-kilometer route, but riders get to experience a brand-new 300-kilometer start to the race, including a new crossing of the High Atlas and the gorges of M’Goun.

With help from the race organizers and riders, we collected details on over 100 riders and rigs that will be out tackling the route, and we once again split them into two parts. Scroll through and get a good look at the first 50 below, and then head over to the 2026 Atlas Mountain Race event page to follow along live.

Sergi Alonso

Age 50 / Sant Marti de Tous (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Atlas Mountain Race on a 2021 Orbea Oiz M10 pro TR. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, 1×12 Shimano XTR with a 30T chainring. My cockpit features Ergon GP3 grips and Deba aerobars.
BAGS: I have a mix of different brands. Sea to Summit bag for carrying the sleeping system. Tailfin top tube for power bank and snacks, and a Tailfin Aeropack.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura with an iPhone as a backup.

Christine Bartmuss

Age 57 / Germany

BIKE: Specialized Chisel 2018 modified with Ritchey Venture Max dropbars, Fox 32 SC 100mm travel and dropper post. Bags are Tailfin. Knog PWR lights, Specialized tyres.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Tailfin top tube bag, and downtube bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Roland Bartmuss

Age 57 / Germany

BIKE: Trek Procaliber Gen 2 modified with Ritchey Venture Max dropbars, SID ultimate 110mm travel and lockout at the left hand shifter, carbon rims and Continental Race King tyres. Dropper post. Bags are Tailfin. Knog PWR lights.
BAGS: Tailfin aeropack, Tailfin Barcage and bag, maybe Cargo cages with small bags on the fork (not yet decided). Top tube bag by Apidura.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Pierre Gouyou Beauchamps

Age 45 / Lyon (France)

BIKE: I am riding a Canyon Exceed CF SLX 6 2021 with a 100mm front suspension.
BAGS: I mounted multiple bags from various brands on it, namely an Old Man Mountain Atlas Rack Pack filled with night stuff that sits on an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack, a full-frame Restrap bag for tools, electronics, pump, windproof vest, meds, hygiene, a Vaude Trailfront II bag on the handlebar for night and warm clothes as well as two pouches, one for a bottle of water and one for snacks on the way. I got a little tool bag too, behind the saddle, that has everything to fix a puncture, and a small top tube bag for the smartphone and a spork.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am carrying a small backpack (Vaude Uphill 8) with a 2L Camelbak and plenty of space to quickly store a vest or anything else, possibly food on long stretches with no resupply. Long sleeves to block the sun, warm socks to sleep at night, one extra layer to keep warm during night riding. Oh, and ski gloves too.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt V2.

Kari Bergstedt

Age 27 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on my trusty 2022 Salsa Cutthroat. I’ve swapped my rigid fork for a Fox 32 step-cast suspension fork and will be running an 11-42T cassette, 32T chainring, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, and Profile Design aerobars.
BAGS: Custom frame pack + top tube pack from Cedaero, 15L Topeak Backloader seat pack, and Oveja Negra’s Lunchbox handlebar bag. I’m mounting two 0.75L bottles to my fork using the Tailfin SFM system and will wear a 12L Salomon hydration pack for extra water and food storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ornot Magic Shell jacket as an all-weather outer layer, pocket-sized Ricoh GR III camera to document the sunrises, and my Jellycat croissant keychain for company through the long nights.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2.

Isabelle Berti

Age 38 / Nuremberg, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: For the Atlas Mountain Race 2026, I’ll be riding a Germany-built Alonukis Frameworks ERT frameset with custom geometry, Columbus tubes, and 3D-printed parts. RockShox SID SL fork, custom wheels with Duke Crazy Jack rims, SON dynamo hub up front, NON Plus hub rear. Shimano GRX mechanical mullet drivetrain (28T/11–51T), XT brake front, Ultegra rear. Lighting by Supernova, powered by SON dynamo. Finished with White Industries crankset and Hope headset.
BAGS: Full custom bag setup by Fourteen Hundred, designed and made by me.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: First ride with a super-light rear rack by Mica Cycles.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar on a 3D-printed mount.

Arthur Bonal

Age 29 / Nailly, Yonne (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Chiru Divider equipped with a SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain (32T chainring, 10–52T cassette), Shimano XTR pedals, CEC titanium seatpost with a Specialized Power saddle, and a RockShox SID SL 100mm 3-position fork. The wheelset is from Duke, featuring a SON dynamo hub up front and paired with Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail 2.25” tires. Braking is handled by Shimano Deore XT brakes. The cockpit is fitted with Ergon GS1 grips, Spirgrips, and Deda Elementi aerobars.
BAGS: My setup includes a Tailfin handlebar bag carrying my sleep system, a Tailfin Aeropack for tools, spare clothing, food, and hygiene essentials, plus a Tailfin frame bag and Specialized top tube bag for electronics and quick-access items like snacks, cash, and small essentials. I’ll also be wearing a Salomon hydration vest with a 1.5L bladder to increase overall water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A KLite Adventure lighting system paired with a Stoots headlamp will allow me to ride confidently through the night.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura.

Karl Booth

Age 43 / Chapel-En-Le-Frith, Derbyshire (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty 2018 Salsa Cutthroat. The bike features a Vittoria Mezcal 2.6” tyre up front and 2.25″ out back, a SRAM 2×10 drivetrain with 11-42T cassette and 28T/40T chainrings. I’m also running a SON Dynamo hub up front.
BAGS: Main frame bag is a Salsa Cutthroat-specific frame bag with loads of storage. The front rack is a Salsa Anything Cradle paired with a 13L Alpkit Drybag. Top tube bag is a Restrap Race Top Tube Bag. Seat pack is a 16.5l Ortlieb Seat-Pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My new Sierra Designs Nitro 800 Sleeping Bag with an open footbox for walking around camp. Also, my Rab Mythic Alpine jacket for the anticipated cold weather.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Etrex Touch 35 powered from the Son Dynamo hub.

Victor Bosoni

Age 24 / Corgoloin, Cote-d’Or (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Factor Lando XC Fox equipped with Black Inc Twenty Seven wheels and Hutchinson Skeleton 2.3” tyres. The drivetrain is SRAM XX SL Eagle 1×12, with a 34T chainring and a 10–52T cassette. The bike features a FOX FLOAT SL rear shock and a FOX 34 Step Cast fork. For lighting, I’ll be using an Exposure Toro 16 on the handlebars and a BoostR 3 ReAKT at the rear.
BAGS: The setup includes Tailfin bags with a 1.6L long top tube bag, 1.7L downtube pack, and the SpeedPack system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be riding in Rapha, with everything needed to handle cold and changing conditions. My helmet is a Van Rysel FCR, fitted with an Exposure Diablo 15 headlamp.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using the COROS DURA, which, for me, is the most suitable GPS device for ultra-distance racing.

Malte Burdinski

Age 37 / Marienfels, Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF SL 7, SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS 10-44T Cassette, 30T Alugear chainring, Schwalbe G One R Pro 50mm Tyres, Son Dynamo Hub, Supernova M99 as Main Light, Canyon Suspension Seatpost, Redshift Suspension Stem, Redshift Aero Bars with some printed and some CNC-milled parts (pretty heavy, but worth it).
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack for Sleep System and some clothing , Apidura Long Top Tube Bag for electronics, Apidura Frame Bag for rain gear and spare parts, Apidura Handlebar Race Pack for snacks, Small Bottle Cage Bag for backup and spare parts, and Hydration Vest from Decathlon for way more snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I want to ride this setup through Europe in the following month and can easily add two panniers and two fork packs without changing anything else.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 as main and Garmin Edge 520 as backup.

Patrick Brunner

Age 51 / Basel-Stadt (Switzerland)

BIKE: TREK Supercaliber X0 Eagle AXS, 32T chainring, cassette 10-52T, Vittoria Mezcals 2.25″ tires.
BAGS: Tailfin cargo bag, barbag, framebag ride and get lost.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Extra water bottle on front roll.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Leonidas Chasapidis

Age 45 / Thessaloniki (Greece)

BIKE: I’m an ultracycling and bikepacking rookie, and I’ve found an incredible amount of valuable information here so this is my small way of giving back to the community. The bike is a stock Santa Cruz Blur CC XO1 with wireless shifting and carbon Reserve wheels. What a machine. It came already top-specced, so I kept changes minimal: I upgraded the brakes to four-piston calipers for better control and less finger fatigue, and swapped the chainring from 34T to 32T for more comfortable climbing. Added also Zipp aerobars, Ergon GP2 grips and SQlabs inner bar ends for multiple hand positions. Fast rolling Mezcals 2.4″ front and back.
BAGS: All bags are custom-made by Nerpa Gear, including a frame bag and top tube bag, perfectly shaped for maximizing the volume and finished with beautiful embroidered mountain designs. The setup also includes seat tube bags and an aerobar system with food pockets and top bungee cross for stashing layers or extra food, plus straps underneath for securing the sleeping bag. I run two POC handlebar pouches for water bottles, along with a Topeak large bottle holder mounted under the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Simond down sleeping bag (0°C comfort). Sleeping mat TBD, depending on conditions. Emergency type bivy bag. Thin waterproof shoe bags for river crossings. Temu cheap but proven robust battery-powered front light and electric pump and a Ugreen 12,000 mAh/100W fast-charging power bank and charger system to keep everything running.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. No charging worries as long as the sun is shining. iPhone backup.

Jon Chalmers

Age 42 / Penrith, Cumbria (UK)

BIKE: XL Mason Raw (steel), RockShox SID Ultimate fork, XTR 4 pot brakes, XT groupset, Chris King BB and headset, Hope Pro4/SON dynamo wheelset, Enve bar, stem, seatpost, Continental Trinotal tyres 2.4″, Deda 35mm aerobars.
BAGS: Tailfin, frame, top tube, down tube, and aero pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Klite Ultra Racing Dynamo light, with USB charge Kit, SON hub. Hydrapak filter bottle and an inline filter on a hydration bladder. Arundel Sideloader bottle cages.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530 with bar remote.

Ashley Cordingley

Age 41 / Scotland

BIKE: I’m riding a Fairlight Holt, set up with a Shimano XTR drivetrain, SID Ultimate 120mm fork, and a wide-range 1×12 drivetrain using an e*thirteen 9–52T cassette. Wheels are JRA carbon built on a DT240 rear and SON 28 front hub for reliable dynamo power and durability in the rough stuff.
BAGS: I’m running a homemade frame bag tailored to the Holt, a Restrap top tube bag, and a Restrap Race front bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping setup is minimalist but warm: an Alpkit bivvy bag, Nemo inflatable mat, and a lightweight Rab Mythic down sleeping bag. I’ve opted for aero bars, mainly for mounting kit—they weigh less than a harness and front bag combo and add just enough comfort for longer stretches.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation is on a Garmin 1040 Solar.

Paul Creusvaux

Age 31 / Eaubonne (France)

BIKE: Like the 2024 edition, I’m riding my loyal homemade steel frame that I welded, painted, and built myself from Dedacciai Zero Uno steel tubes.
BAGS: I’m still using my own frame bag that I sewed with a friend, however, I had to buy a Cyclite aero bag and a top tube Apidura as some of the ones I sewed earlier are a bit worn out now.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: my homemade steel frame bike and my GPS, which is my Garmin Fenix 7X watch.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Fenix 7X Solar, which I just find perfect for bikepacking, and I never felt like I needed something bigger for displaying the route. It is light, small, has a long-lasting battery, and can be recharged very quickly. It really ticks all the boxes for me.

Filipe Cunha

Age 38 / Renkum (The Netherlands)

BIKE: A Propain Terrel CF with a few modifications. I’m running a 2×12 GRX drivetrain with plenty of range: 48/31 chainrings paired with a 10–51T cassette (you’ve probably already calculated the low ratio, which I hope will help carry my legs over the climbs). I use a shallow-drop handlebar (Ritchey WCS Venture Max V2), which gives me extra hand positions for more comfort during long hours in the saddle. The saddle is a Repente Atrax: light, comfortable, and reliable.
BAGS: On the top tube, an Apidura Long Top Tube Bag with plenty of space for easy-access items like salt pills, my phone for photos, and sunscreen. In the frame, a Cyclite frame bag for larger items such as my trusty Crankbrothers Sterling pump, plus some room for extra food along the way. On the back, a Tailfin AeroPack carrying my sleeping gear, some food, spares, and a miscellaneous assortment of items. Inside the frame, I also carry some urgent repair gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The 0.61 low gear ratio is one of the biggest highlights. It won’t make me faster, but it will (hopefully) save my legs, allowing me to ride longer days—and nights. I’m also running a lighting system with backups and enough power to get me through the night and start early in the morning without issues. My setup includes an Outbound Detour and a Fenix BC26R as main lights, plus a Fenix HM65R-T on my helmet, backup batteries, and fast-charging power banks. I’m using a Restrap Race Hydration Vest, which lets me carry 4L of water (2L in the vest plus two 1L bottles). I also carry a music player—and a “mantra” (just in case): Pain is just the French word for bread.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Darragh Cushen

Age 34 / Portlaoise, Laois (Ireland)

BIKE: I built this steel Fairlight Holt 2.0 for the 2026 AMR over the Christmas Holidays. It is mostly Shimano XT, apart from the XTR brakes with 180mm rotors. DT Swiss XM1700 wheels with 2.5″ Mezcals front and rear, and Chris King headset and BB. A Shimano XT 10-51T cassette is paired with a Wolf Tooth 30T chainring to help with the climbs. PNW bars and stem with SQ Lab grips and Innerbarends (ignore the Odi plugs) and the Fox 34 SL 120mm up front. There’s a OneUp dropper to let the seat down if the rear rack isn’t too full!
BAGS: Tailfin rack for clothes, Tailfin top tube bag for electronics, Tailfin downtube pack for spares and a friend’s Tailfin bar bag for sleep system, Revelate Designs feed bags for snacks and Apidura frame bag for everything else. USWE backpack for 3L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lights will be Exposure SixPack and Joystick, Western Mountaineering Megalite sleeping bag with Therm-a-Rest pad, and Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy. Plenty of layers and merino for warmth.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 solar and 530 for backup, as well as my iPhone. External battery pack for juice!

Anirudh Dagar

Age 28 / Ghaziabad (India)

BIKE: 2024 Rose PDQ 2 hardtail with SRAM GX Eagle AXS (10-52T, 32T chainring) and RockShox SID 120mm fork. Stock Newmen Evolution A30 29″ wheels with Maxxis Rekon Race tyres (2.35″ front, 2.25″ rear). Cockpit features Deda Parabolica Uno aerobars on 55mm spacers, SQ Labs inner bar ends, and Ergon GP3 grips for multiple hand positions. Shimano PD-ED500 dual-sided pedals.
BAGS: All Tailfin except an AGU stem bag. The cargo saddle pack carries clothes and sleep system (OR Helium Bivy, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite, Sea to Summit Spark). Half frame and top tube bags hold food, powerbank, camera, and toiletries. Downtube bag for repair kit and spares. Deuter Race16 backpack (not pictured) for resupplies with a 3L bladder, First Aid kit, and Katadyn BeFree 0.6L filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My DIY aero bridge, cobbled together from empty SIS salt tab tubes, keeps navigation, phone, lights, and action cam all within easy reach and surprisingly sturdy. Cargopack’s mesh side pockets are also a favourite, perfect for stuffing random bits on the go.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. Hammerhead Karoo 2 for backup.

Virgile Dana

Age 35 / Paris (France)

BIKE: I will be riding the 2026 AMR on my 2023 Orbea Alma hardtail. The frame has been taped up to protect the carbon from bags and straps. It is in a size large, which makes for a stable ride. The fork is a Fox 32 SC with 100mm of travel and a « push-lock » control on my handlebars. I use Hunt Proven carbon XC wheelset with 2.2″ Continental Dubnital tyres, which is the sweet spot between low rolling resistance and high puncture protection. The drivetrain is a mechanical Shimano XTR, with 12-speed, 11-51T cassette, 32T chainring, and 165mm cranks. My handlebar is cut to 70cm (end to end) with Ergon GS1 Evo grips, and SQLab inner bar-ends for changing hand position. I will also use Profile Design aero-bars.
BAGS: I am mainly equipped with Apidura bags. The Backcountry 6L frame pack, where I store all my sleeping kit, my tools, and my rain jacket. The 1.8L long top tube bag, to store daily rations of food and gels. Two food pouches for storing power banks, cables, food, and trash. The saddle bag is a Miss Grape 13L bag, which contains mainly clothing for the race when it gets too cold or too hot. I will also be wearing a USWE hydration pack. It has a 3L water bladder and a total capacity of 12L so that I can store food and groceries I will find on route.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apidura full frame bag which fits perfectly in my Large Orbea frame. 2x Lezyne Mega-Drive front lights because the nights will be long and I don’t want to ever run out of light. A 1L empty bottle to be filled with sodas and sweet beverages. 2x 20,000 mAh power banks to never run out of battery, and so I don’t have to stop playing music. My sleep kit consists of a Sea to Summit sleeping bag and liner, an air mattress, an inflatable pillow, and an ultralight Borah Gear bivy.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a Garmin Edge 540 Solar GPS unit. It has a pretty solid battery life, especially when the sun shines bright. I will also have a second GPS unit with me in case of emergency, a Garmin Edge Explore 2.

David Leandro Dejtiar

Age 34 / Barcelona, Catalunya (Spain)

BIKE: Orbea Oiz M-Pro comes full carbon with XT and XTR derailleur. 32T chainring 10-51T cassette. 120mm suspension front and rear. Mezcal 2.4″ tyres. Brooks C17 saddle.
BAGS: Front and rear are Ortlieb, my sleeping kit is in the front. In the seat bag there are some clothes, spares, and extra food. Top tube is the 1.6L from Tailfin, and I’ll carry a small food pouch also. Not shown is a Camelbak Mule with 3L bladder and extra space.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m carrying some mountain gear in case the weather gets rough. Rab’s neutrino 400 sleeping bag, Dynafit Gore-Tex hardshell, neoprene overshoes, and an extra merino base layer.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and a Garmin Fenix 6 watch for utilities and emergency backup.

Taylor Doyle

Age 32 / Llanberis (Wales)

BIKE: This is the steel Curve GMX+ I’m riding for AMR. Everyone has told me I’ll regret not having suspension, but my 2.6″ tires are gonna send it anyway. I’ve got a Red Shift suspension stem to boot. Wide Curve Walmer bars and SRAM electronic shifting.
BAGS: Running a Tailfin Aeropack and front pack. Fork packs will be added to carry approximately 16 meals of homemade dehydrated food for a plastic-free attempt. My Restrap snack packs and Apidura top tube bag collectively contain 60-70 plastic-free One Good Thing oat bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love my 3L crank tank to the moon and back. I also love saying crank tank. Ask me about my Crank Tank.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ROAM.

Guillaume Durr

Age 46 / Jardin, Isere (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Atlas Mountain Race 2026 on a 2024 Scalpel HT. The bike features a new pair of Continental Dubnital 2.4” tires, a 1×12 mechanical SRAM drivetrain with a 30T chainring, Newmen Phase XC wheels and a 120mm fork. My hands will hang a Salsa Salt bar with Ergon GA3 grips, Spirgrips, and Profile Design aerobars.
BAGS: Mixed bags from Rogue Panda, Revelate Designs, and Ortlieb.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Rogue Panda frame bag is awesome as well as the TI rack that has been welded by Protostudia. I can still use my OneUp dropper and put stuff on the sides, while having a huge 12l drybag on top. My Cumulus Xlite 400 sleeping bag will hopefully do the job for the cold nights.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar and a Fenix watch as a backup.

Joshua Ehler

Age 31 / Lubeck, Schleswig Holstein Deutschland (Germany)

BIKE: Big hugs to Orbea, HIRU, Oquo, Cyclite and Keego for the Support! I ride an Orbea Alma M-Pro in the color Blue Raw with Oquo wheels, full carbon, a SRAM GX groupset, an Oquo drop bar, and an Oquo full-carbon integrated stem–handlebar unit.
BAGS: I use a three-bag setup from Cyclite: a top-tube bag, a frame bag, and a saddle bag. Top Tube bag large 02, frame bag xt 02, saddle bag 02 and a 7.8l Race backpack from Cyclite.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The highlight of my setup is the clean design. Aesthetics are very important to me, and I think it just looks insanely nice. And of course, it rides great too. In general, I’m very minimalist with my setup and have completely cut out any unnecessary extras. The only luxury item I’d say I’m bringing along are my EarPods, simply so I can listen to a bit of music. Other than that, I’m really only carrying the essentials, which is also reflected in how the setup handles and in its overall weight.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Matthias Fischer

Age 39 / Wetter Ruhr (Germany)

BIKE: I will use my custom Veloheld IRON steel bike. It has a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette. My lights is a SON Ladelux with a SON Dynamo and a lupine pike on the helmet and as a backup. I will go on custom carbon rims with Vittoria Mezcal Trail 2.35″. I go for a flatcar with aerobars and innerbarends.
BAGS: I will go with a full Tailfin bag setup. I’ve used them for years now and they are just perfect. I will also use a Kiprun Trailrunning Backpack with a 3L bladder and 2 bottles (1.5L). Actually I maybe have a bit too much stuff but the weather looks like a challenge.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not sure if these two pieces really count as gear. Actually I will still have a Tout Terrain trailer hitch for a Singletrailer on the bike. It will remind me of my 16-month-old boy at home. Second highlight will be my partner in crime Lieven, cap 307B, best team for those trips!
GPS DEVICE: I will use a Garmin Edge 830.

Juan Antonio Flecha

Age 48 / Castelldefels, Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding 2026 Atlas Mountain race on a Specialized Epic WC. The bike has a SRAM XO transmission with a 32T chainring and 10-52T cassette. Brand new Specialized Fast Trak 2.35” tires and 4 piston Shimano XT brakes, the rear wheel is a Roval and the front one has a SON Dynamo hub.
BAGS: Tailfin Cargopack, Long top tube bag, downtube pack, and a custom frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rapha prototype custom insulated jacket and and winter tights.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ACE and Coros Dura as a backup.

Thierry Le Floch

Age 52 / Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marche, Brittany (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2021 Rocky Mountain Element, with a pair of wheels from TREGORIDE, Hope Pro 5 hub in the rear and SON 28 in the front to power my Sinewave Beacon light, and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires.
BAGS: MissGrape on the handlebars, BMQ pannier (By Marion and Quentin) on the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My old sleeping bag and a Millet bivy.
GPS DEVICE: TwoNav Cross.

GENDRON FLORENT

Age 40 / Pyrenees Atlantique (France)

BIKE: BIANCHI METHANOL CV RS, Shimano XTR mechanical shifters, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tubeless tires, SON 28 dynamo hub front wheel, Sinewave lights, Deda aero bars.
BAGS: Tailfin rear rack, Tailfin under-frame bag, Apidura top tube bag, Decathlon handlebar water bottle cage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit sleeping mat and sleeping bag, homemade carbon fiber GPS and phone mount, Garmin GPS, Heated gloves, USWE hydration pack, photos of my family on the aero bars to give me strength.

Lukas Forcher

Age 26 / Lienz, Tyrol (Austria)

BIKE: My Bike is a 2015 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail Alloy with a 2×10 drivetrain. I haven’t made any changes on my bike except a handlebar extension and some ergonomic handles. The front tyre is a new Schwalbe Racing Ray. The Rear Tyre is a new Schwalbe Rocket Ron.
BAGS: My biggest bag is an Ortlieb saddle bag with 16.5L. As frame bag I use the Apidura Racing Frame Pack 4L. Under my handlebar extension there is a Cyclite Aero Bag with 4L. I am also running two snack bags and a top tube bag. On the bike I will carry 2.5L of water in the frame. I will also carry a Salomon Running vest with a 2L water storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exped Ultra 3R sleeping pad and Mountain Equipment Helium 400 sleeping Bag.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura with an iPhone as a backup.

Jono Freeman

Age 33 / Brooklyn, New York (USA)

BIKE: For this show, I’m playing an acoustic Santa Cruz Highball outfitted with a Sram GX drivetrain, SON-powered Klite setup, and SQ-labs/Ergon touch points. The only new thing is that nothing is new.
BAGS: A medley of Revelate Designs and Rogue Panda adorn this beautiful instrument of transport. Sleep kit up front, clothes in the rear, snacks, electronics, and repair in between. Down tube cage usually carries a 2L of tea or soda.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not pictured is a USWE Rush vest with a 3L Hydrapak bladder that has come on every single race I’ve done so far. It’s falling apart, but it’s probably the most important piece of kit I own. That and a sun shirt from KETL I’m excited to test out (and match Erin in).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530 nearing the end of its natural life. Garmin Fenix 7 for backup.

Arnaud Freyburger

Age 48 / Ingolstadt (Germany)

BIKE: I will ride on a hardtail MTB with a titanium frame from Léon88 and a Rock Shox SID fork. The drivetrain is full Shimano XTR 1×12 with a 32T chainring. The rear wheel features an Erase hub laced to a Rline Terra carbon rim. The front wheel is based on a SON dynamo hub laced to a Duke Racing wheels aluminum rim which I usually run on my gravel bike. A conversion kit from Joe at JJPNE made that possible. The tires are both tubeless offerings from Vittoria, with a grippy Barzo upfront and a better rolling Mezcal at the rear, both in 29×2.35. New is a handlebar from SQLab with 16 degrees backsweep to keep my hands inline with my arms and thus add comfort. The pedals are good old XTRs. As for the French Divide last year, I will not use any aero bars.
BAGS: I will use my Tailfin Aeropack at the back, Miss Grape waterproof frame bag and handlebar bag with the very stable il coso bag mount. I may use some additional cage packs from Tailfin attached to the Aeropack and the fork using the Tailfin suspension fork mounts depending of my final set up adjustments.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I plan to carry 3 water bottles on the bike frame and a bladder in a light bike pack from Cyclite because of the difficulty to find water along the route. I will use my winter sleep set up with a Nemo Tensor extreme sleeping mat and a Cumulus sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: I will use a Wahoo Roam 2 and a Roam 3 as a backup.

Deann Garcia

Age 44 / Corvallis, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding my trusty 2018 Santa Cruz Chameleon, which has been my BFF for 8 years. Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, rear wheel by my local bike shop, front wheel with SON dynamo built by HiFi Wheels. Zipp aero bars with a BarYak navigation setup. Redshift suspension seat post.
BAGS: combo of hand-me-downs and well-loved bits and pieces. Salsa frame pack, front roll by Revelate Designs, rear rack by Aereo with a pair of Sea to Summit Big River stuff sacks (key for us small riders with no rear clearance to speak of). Wolf Tooth cages on the fork for extra water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nemo sleeping pad, Patagonia elephant foot sleeping bag, OR bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach Mini 2 with iPhone backup.

Bulat Gizatullin

Age 35 / Moscow (Russia)

BIKE: Canyon Exceed CF 4, Fox 32 100mm fork, Reynolds TR309c/TR289c wheels, Maxxis Ikon EXO MaxxSpeed 2.35″ tubeless tires, Shimano XT group, 1×12 30-10/51T, Shimano XTR-M9120 pedals, Profile Design Neosonic Ergo 52A GMR aerobar +70lift, SQlabs 80x stem, Redshift endurance sestpost, ESI grips, Fizik Terra Aidon X3 saddle.
BAGS: Apidura, Agu, Uswe.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Salewa storm bivi bag, air mat, Sivera veja -1 sleeping bag, Fenix flashlights, thermos.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, Garmin Fenix 7.

Lucas Le Glaunec

Age 26 / London (UK)

BIKE: I’m riding the AMR on a BMC Fourstroke LT, 32T chainring and classic MTB cassette, 120mm front and back. With Continental Dubnitals 2.4″ with a trail casing for a bit more puncture resistance. I’m also running a SON dynamo hub too with a full kLite setup. After riding 3,000km to the start line in Beni Mellal, I can say I trust this setup pretty well!
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack with all my sleeping things and clothing. Running a 5L Sea to Summit dry bag straped to the aerobars with bivy and waterproofs. I’ll also have a 12L running vest for my food and little clothing accessories and extra water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Merino boxers for sleeping.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 2.

Kishan Gondaliya

Age 31 / India

BIKE: I’ll be using Canyon Exceed CF 8 with stock components paired with fresh Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.25″. Bike has SRAM Eagle GX 1×12 wireless group set with 34T in front and 10-51T in the back. RockShox SID Select+ with give me some smoother time on trails, I hope. Handlebar has Ergon grips and SQLab innerbarends for multiple hand positions. Profile design aerobars for some aero time.
BAGS: Geosmina saddle pack holds my sleep system and some warm and spare clothes. Apidura top tube bag holds electronics and food. The custom frame bag made by my mother and cousin holds my tool kit in lower compartment and some clothes and food in upper compartment. A dry bag tied to handlebar will either hold my sleeping bag or some extra.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Equipment helium bivy, Therm-a-Rest pad and ME helium 600 sleeping bag will be my sleep system.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with its famous battery life.

Mathis Guerin

Age 34 / Troyes (France)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Atlas Mountain Race on a 2021 Lapierre Prorace. The bike features a new pair of Maxxis Aspen 2.25” tires, a Mavic Wheelset for practicality, a modified 1×12 AXS drivetrain for Ritchey drop bar with a 32T chainring. One other modification is a Vision Carbon with armrests on the aerobars.
BAGS: My bags are an Aerorack Tailfin and a front Aéro support whis dry bag. I am also running a trail bag for food and water, and a Little top tube bag. Two liters of water on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: System of Light and powerbank K-Lamp made in France.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1030+ and 830 as a back-up.

Andrea Guidugli

Age 46 / Milano (Italy)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Chameleon C.
BAGS: Revelate Designs and Apidura, Cumulus comforter and Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad in the rear dry bag, electronics and small items in the frame bag, food and clothes in front bags and backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dropper post and rear hub by OneUp Components. Lights and charger by Llum, the aluminium useless un-squeezable water bottle became a toolbox and has been following me since 2006, Aper Apex1 prototype (fly with groundsheet version) for shelter in case, the mud is original Moroccan from bikepacking to the start of #AMR2026.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 3 with Coros Dura as a backup.

Stefan Haehnel

Age 41 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: Alonukis Frameworks ERT custom steel frame welded in South Germany by Johannes Wandinger. Hunt Proven Dynamo wheels, mechanical Transmission, FOX Suspension fork. SQ lab saddle, inner bar ends and grips. 2.35″ Mezcal tires. Sinewave Beacon front light. Asssavers Win Wing MTB.
BAGS: Gramm Tourpacking custom bags made in Berlin. Saddle bag for cloth and sleeping kit. Small down tube roll for tools, spare parts, medicine. The camera goes in the food pouch. Top tube bag for snacks and the full frame bag for food anyeverything else.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Albion will keep me warm and dry. For independence from stopping to charge devices I’m using a Forumslader, which is powered by the Son dynamo.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Bryony Halcrow

Age 31 / Cumbria (UK)

BIKE: I’m taking my Scott Spark. I’ve had it since July of last year, but I’ve really enjoyed the extra capability of a full sus xc bike versus my gravel bike. It’s kitted out with a Ratio Mech running a 32T chainring and 10-50T cassette, Schwalbe Rick tyres, a slightly tired RockShox SID, and my first ever set of TT bars. I’ve also got inner bar ends for extra hand positions. Other finishing kit is from Hope Technology, including the Tech 4 brakes and carbon cranks.
BAGS: I’m using an Ortlieb seat pack for my sleep system. I made some custom frame bags to carry my bike repair kit, water, snacks and easy access items. I’ve then got a front dry bag for extra layers and waterproofs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Three pairs of gloves because after a wet Cumbrian winter I’m keen to avoid cold hands. I also treated myself to a SON dynamo hub and I’ve wired it up to the Supernova lights that usually live on my commuter, plus a usb charger.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam.

Amanda Harvey

Age 39 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an Otso Fenrir Ti named Ursula with DT Swiss wheels, mounted with 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcals.
BAGS: The frame bag is a custom Rogue Panda that wasn’t made for this bike. I have a Revelate Mag Tank top tube bag for snacks and a Revelate Sweet Roll on the handlebars. A (hopefully) waterproof stuff sack is mounted on the Velo Orange There and Back Again rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be snoozing in an Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt and my trusty MSR bivy.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll navigate mainly with the Coros Dura, with a Garmin eTrex as backup, then Gaia on my phone as backup to the backup. And then also a few paper maps, just in case.

Cedric Henriot

Age 39 / Paphos (Cyprus)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusted Scott Scale 940 upgraded with brand new REBA fork, DUKE wheels (front dynamo SON28). The tires are Maxxis IKON 2.2″, because I trust them over any other one I’ve tried. Garbaruk drivetrain, with a 34T chainring and a 10-52T cassette. I plan to carry (at least) 2x 750mL bottles and a 2L Restrap hydration vest. Perhaps I can add 2 bottles holders on the rear rack.
BAGS: I’ll switch from a full Restrap setup to a mix of Restrap and Old Man Mountain. The goal is to gain stability because I have struggled in the past with swinging saddles and handlebar bags and over time it plays on the mental, so I appreciate the stability of the Old Man Mountain setup, also hanging lower and resulting in a better stability of the bike overall.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The dynamo hub is definitely something I’m excited about, and a first time for me, that I hope will clear my head from worries about charging and wasting time at some places I don’t really want to because of low battery on some electronics. The hub will be coupled to a Klite light and USB charger.
GPS DEVICE: Still crying that I told my wife not to take the 1040 solar years ago, but still the regular Garmin 1040 is good, reliable, lasting long enough and trusted over ultra and long travels I did in the past.

Judith Hinteregger

Age 43 / Vienna (Austria)

BIKE: I’ll be riding on my Trek Procaliber Gen 3 hardtail equipped with a RockShox suspension fork. The bike features a SRAM GX Eagle groupset with a 30T chainring and a 10-52T cassette. The wheels are Bontrager Elite with 2.25″ tubeless Vittoria Mezcal tyres. The cockpit is equipped with SQlab innerbarends, Ergon GA3 grips and aerobars from Profile Design offering multiple hand positions and improved comfort.
BAGS: All bike bags are from Apidura; including a full frame bag with a 3l water bladder, a top tube bag for electronics and snacks, a saddle bag carrying my sleeping setup and a small downtube bag for my tools and first aid kit. Additionally, I will bring a backpack for food and clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Exped ultra sleeping bag and my Supernova B54 pro light for the long nights.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I’m using a Garmin Edge 1040.

Kodi Hodgen

Age 35 / Exshaw, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: Salsa Cutthroat (like the fish), Flat bars, aerobars, and a squish fork, Bluetooth gears, Dynamo hub, Redshift grandpa seatpost.
BAGS: Tailfin everything, except for the RockGeist framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m a big fan of the one with 52-teeth.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030.

John Holtschneider

Age 50 / Medford, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: The bike is a 2025 Sklar PBJ. It’s built up with Velocity Cliffhangers, a White Industries crank and rear hub, a SON front hub, and Paul Component Klampers. I am really excited about the Jab derailleur, which is designed and built by the fantastic people at Madrone Cycles near me in Ashland, Oregon. I’ll be pairing that incredible piece of tech with the absolute latest in shifting technology, which is, of course, 11-speed friction shifting.
BAGS: The bags are from South City Stitchworks. I would need eight more paragraphs to describe how great it was to have Zach create these.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Everything is too heavy, myself, the amount of gear. I should probably ditch the steel water bottles, but it is a luxury not to have to drink out of warm plastic all day.
GPS DEVICE: This is the first race I am switching from my indestructible Garmin eTrex 20 to the Coros Dura. With possible last-minute route changes, it will be nice not to have to travel with a laptop and hunt down the last existing Mini-B cable just to load a new route.

Robyn Hughes

Age 38 / Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be on my size small Panorama Taïga hardtail, designed by an adventure-focused bike company from Quebec. It’s built up with a mix of Shimano XT/XTR, a 10-51T cassette, and a 30T chainring. The wheels are Canadian-made We Are One Sector rims with an SP dynamo hub mounted with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires. Up top I’ve added SQLabs inner bar ends, Profile Design aero bars and Ergon GA3 grips and in the rear is a REDshift suspension seatpost and Ergon SMC Core saddle.
BAGS: My talented friend Wanderous Bags in Toronto solved my small bike problems! She crafted a teeny custom framebag and a minimalist set of mini panniers designed to fit onto my Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack while leaving room for cages below. I’ve been loving the modular cages from Canadian-made, women-owned Fauna Components. I’m also running a Revelate Designs handlebar harness and bag for my sleep system along with a Revelate feedbag and a Rockgeist top tube bag for my charging system/electronics.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m allergic to sheep’s wool/merino, so my layering system combines synthetic and alpaca pieces. For lightweight warmth, I’m packing an Alpha Direct mid-layer, also sewn by Wanderous Bags, and an Enlightened Equipment synthetic puffy, a couple of pairs of alpaca wool socks, waterproof socks and silk liner gloves. My sleep system is an Outdoor Research Helium bivy, Therm-a-Rest Neoair XLite and a Sea to Summit 2-degree sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Bolt 2, with my phone serving as backup.

Tom Huveners

Age 36 / Belgium

BIKE: My first adventure of this kind. Leaving the gravel bike back home and will try to reach the finish line on my Canyon Exceed CF SLX (Large) with the following setup: FOX 32 Step-Cast Factory Remote, SRAM GX Eagle AXS, DT Swiss XRC 1501 with Vittoria Mezcal III XC-Trail TNT G2.0 Tubeless 29 x 2.25″, an Ergon SM Pro saddle and a Profile Design Sonic Ergo 26a aero bar with 70mm riser kit.
BAGS: Seat: Ortlieb QR (13L), Frame: Tailfin half frame bag (2.8L), Handlebar: Revelate Pitchfork (8L), Top tube: Tailfin Zip (1.1L), Down tube: Tailfin Rolltop (1.7L), Vest: Decathlon (8L).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530.

Tsvetan Ivanov

Age 26 / Sofia (Bulgaria)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XTR 2026. My fav buddy! The tyres for this epic adventure is Continental Dubnital 29 × 2.4″.
BAGS: I plan to ride with Tailfin bags. For me, they represent the sweet spot between quality, functionality, and affordability for enthusiasts like us. I’ll be using their rear cargoPack system, complemented by a downtube pack, and topped off with a long top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Perhaps one of the quiet “secrets” in our setup reveals itself at the end of a long day, when the kilometers are behind us and the night settles in. Our Pajak sleeping bag and down jacket are there for that moment. Why? Because they deliver exactly what every rider seeks when the riding stops — a sense of security, true comfort, compact design, and reassuring lightness.
GPS DEVICE: My computer will be Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3. Good battery life, navigation and sound (when I’m asleep) is very “strong”. With an Sony Xperia 1 VI as a backup.

Tanner Jackson

Age 34 / Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: Racing on my Chumba Stella Ti, full XT mechanical with a 30T chainring. We Are One Whisp hoops laced to an i9 Solix rear and SON front. Rolling on Rekon Race 2.4″. Cockpit is a SQlab 30X bar with Cane Creek bar ends, SQlab inner bar ends, and aerobars for all the hand positions.
BAGS: Toronto-made Nightingale Threadworks frame bag and rack-mounted dry bag. South City Stitchworks Love Handles. Tailfin top-tube and downtube bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running a Carrie Gere hydration vest. Lighting and charging handled by a kLite setup. Two Sideburns added to the Mica Rat Tail rack for carrying shoes for the potentially hefty hike a bike section.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 Solar.

Justyna Jarczok

Age 23 / Wroclaw (Poland)

BIKE: Kona Hei Hei CR (size S) with a RockShox PIKE Ultimate 130mm fork and Deluxe Ultimate 120mm rear shock. Rolling on FSA KFX I28 wheels with MAXXIS Recon Race 29 x 2.25” tires and FLAT-OUT inserts. SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type drivetrain with Garbaruk 32T chainring, 12-speed GEN 2.0 cassette, and 165mm XC cranks.
BAGS: Restrap bags throughout, including a custom-made frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Posedla Joyseat 3.0 Ultra, Ergon GA3 Large grips, SQ LABS inner bar ends, and FARR combined extensions. Lighting is handled by an Exposure Toro 16 up front and a BoostR rear light. MAD PIG valves complete the wheel setup.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a COROS Dura Solar GPS with an iPhone as a backup.

Ali ELAMRANI JOUTEI

Age 36 / Paris (France)

BIKE: I will be riding the AMR on a PIVOT LES SL. The bike is equipped with DT Swiss carbon wheels and a SON dynamo hub. I’m running Maxxis IKON tires. The suspension is handled by a FOX 120mm fork. The drivetrain is a Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed setup (30T chainring up front, 10–51T cassette) with XTR pedals. I’m using a Selle Idéale saddle, Profile Design aerobars, a Sinewave Beacon v2 front light, and a Specialized/Knog rear light.
BAGS: Tailfin Cargo, Tailfin Top Tube Bag, Tailfin for tools, and an Apidura frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping Sea to Summit + SOL Escape kit.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation.

Moniek Kasbergen

Age 36 / Rotterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my hardtail Scott Scale 950, as I’ve been using it throughout New Zealand for six months and I love it. My drivetrain is a Shimano 12‑speed setup with a 10–51T cassette. I’m using Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4″ tires because they offer a great balance between speed and stability. My front light is the Supernova B54 Max, and as a spare I have the Lezyne 1400+.
BAGS: My bags are a mix of different brands. I use a Tailfin Aeropack for my sleeping system, which includes an Exped Trekkinglite 0‑degree sleeping bag, a Rab Ultrasphere sleeping mat, an ultralight double bivy bag, and my extra warm clothes and cold-weather jacket. My downtube bag is also from Tailfin and carries all the tools I need to repair my bike. My top tube bag is the Tailfin 1.1L model, which I use for some of my food and items I need quick access to. My frame bag is a 4L Ortlieb. In there, I keep my pump, two 10,000 mAh power banks, other electronics, extra food, and a thermos for hot drinks during cold nights. On the front of the bike, I have two additional bags for my rain gear, plus extra gloves and socks to keep me warm while riding and during breaks. I also carry two water bottles for hot days. On my back, I use the Albion Cargo Vest with a water bladder and extra food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m happy with my whole setup.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 850 Solar and my backup is my Garmin Forerunner 955.

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