Rigs of the 2022 Trans Balkan Race

Photos by Andrea Securo (@andreasecuro)

New this year, the highly anticipated Trans Balkan Race’s inaugural edition kicked off on Friday, with riders departing from Sežana, Slovenia, and beginning their unsupported journey toward the finish line in Kotor Bay, Montenegro. Along the 1,300-kilometer (807-mile) off-road route, they’ll cross four countries and 11 national parks, climbing roughly 27,000 meters (88,582 feet) as they wind through some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain Europe has to offer. As expected, it’s been an exciting race to follow on Instagram (@transbalkanrace) up to now, with the leaders posting some incredible times despite high temperatures, big climbs, and rough tracks.

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Mixing up our usual Bikepacking Race Rigs format—in which riders submit photos of their rigs prior to heading out for the event—we sent our friend Andrea Securo, organizer of the Veneto Trail and creator of the Veneto Divide and Asiago Loop, to Slovenia to meet riders in person and capture photos of their setups at registration and in the moments before the race started. You can find his gallery of around 50 beautiful bike portraits below, featuring rider-submitted details on bikes, bags, and gear for more than half of them. And stay tuned for additional coverage of the 2022 Trans Balkan Race soon!

Benjamin Koch

Age 30 / Sonnenbuhl, Germany

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2022 Trans Balkan Race on an Open U.P. frame with Vittoria Tirreno Dry tires on Campagnolo Shamal wheels. I went for a 1×13 drivetrain (38×9-42) with Campagnolo Ekar. For (hopefully) less pain, I’ll be sitting on a Fizik Antares Evo R3 saddle.

BAGS: My bag setup is a 2L top tube bag from Apidura, a 5L frame bag from Revelate Designs, and a race saddle bag from Restrap. My water will be in a backpack.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping in a Sea to Summit SPO I on a Therm-a-Rest Ueberlite mat. For riding in the dark, I’ll have a Lupine Neo on my helmet. For navigation, I rely on a Wahoo Roam.

Nicola Bellamoli

Age 39 / Grezzana, Verona, Italy

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Transbalkan Race on a 2016 Niner SIR with a drop bar and Niner carbon fork. The bike features a rear Continental Race King 29 x 2.2 and front Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.2 tires, a 1×11 Shimano GRX-600 11-42 crankset with a 34T chainring Shimano XT 172.5 crankset, a 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’s fully waterproof. I am also running a Rusjan 16L custom seat pack, and a small Rusjan top tube bag.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep System: An Emergency bivy and inflatable pillow. I’ll also be carrying an eTrex 30 for navigation. Ligth: Supernova E3 Pro2 Front light and E3 Tail Light 2 rear light and 6VDInamo-USB adapter.

Orestis Kapetanopoulos

Age 41 / Athens, Attiki, Greece

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2021 custom made Fidusa. The frame is built with Columbus steel tubes with a Columbus carbon fork. The wheels are DT Swiss R500 with 700 x 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tires. Shifting is a mix of Shimano GRX, Ultegra, and 105 with 46-30 chainrings and 11-42 cassette, which works great with the Wolftooth Goatlink.

BAGS: Apidura 14L saddle bag, large Blackburn Outpost Frame Bag (5.25L or 6.95L if expanded), and Topeak Fuel Tank L top tube bag. On the handlebar, I have two Blackburn Outpost Carryall bags and a drybag that includes a Columbus ILMB Mattress inflatable mat and a Karrimor X-Lite Bivi Bag. As a front light, I use the powerful Fenix BC30 V2.0. I have two Camelbak Podium 700ml water bottles on the frame and a Zefal Z Box L tool bottle on the downtube.

Robin Patijn

Age 32 / Malmo, Sweden

BIKE: I am riding the Trans Balkan Race with my Mason InSearchOf. The steel frame is finished off with a Sram Rival 1x group set with TruvAtiv Stylo DUB 34T chainring and 11-42T cassette. Wheels are Mason x Hunt The Search SON Dynamo paired with Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2 tires. The dynamo is connected with a Sinewave Beacon front light plus a USB charger. A Ritchey VentureMax Comp handlebar and Profile Design aero bars should hopefully give enough comfort on rocky gravel roads. Finally, I’ll be sitting on a Fizik Terra Argo X5 saddle.

BAGS: Over the past, I’ve used different brands. But one brand, in particular, is my favorite. That’s why I’m using a full range of Revelate Designs bags, from the Spinelock saddlebag to cockpit bags. They might not be the lightest, but I really like the build quality.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am quite happy with my complete Sea to Summit sleeping system. Since I’m racing together with Sabina Knezevic, we have chosen to bring a tent (Sea to Summit too). The weight difference isn’t much more than two bivy sacks, but sleeping comfort is much greater. The absolute gear highlight is my Fujifilm X100F photo camera to document the entire journey.

Cyril Chermin

Age 48 / Amsterdam, Netherlands

BIKE: Bruce has been with for some time now. I crossed New Zealand with him and Rode around in South Tyrol, but the 2022 Trans Balkan Race will be his first race (and mine). He’s a steel 2016 Specialized AWOL Comp. This sweet ride got some nice upgrades: a SON front dynamo hub, Sinewave front light, 38T chainring, and a Chris King rear hub. Tyres are the Panaracer Gravel Kings SK+ and my bum will be supported by a Brooks Cambium C17 AW.

BAGS: For this race, I’ll try something new: a handmade Bags By Bird bar bag, a custom frame bag (made by my buddy Asa and featuring a shiny new zipper), and an Ortlieb Seat Pack. Still debating whether to take a tent or bivvy.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I can’t do without my Bialetti, so it will probably have to find a place somewhere.

Paolo Luciani

Age 40 / Torino, Italy

BIKE: I will participate in the Trans Balkan Race with my 2020 Salsa Cutthroat. It is equipped with Schwalbe Thunder Burt 29 x 2.25″ tires mounted on Giant XCR1 carbon rims. Transmission is 1×11 with a 32T chainring and 11-51 sprocket set, SRAM Rival AXS shifters, and GX AXS gearbox

BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom Rusjan Frame bag. I am also running an Ortlieb seat pack, as well as a Salsa Anything Cradle on the handlebars. My 1.5L bottles will be mounted to the fork plus two liters in my CamelBak.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For the night, I will bring a Cumulus sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to 4 degrees and a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT mattress. For navigation, I’ll use a Garmin Edge 830 GPS and a Fenix 6 Pro. For night riding, I will have front and rear exposure lights and a Petzl Nao+ helmet light.

Joost Klarenbeek

Age 30 / Amsterdam, Netherlands

BIKE: I will ride a Rondo Ruut ST frameset built up with an Enigma front fork, Thomson finishing kit, and an Allygn Diamond Rack. All rolling on some Hunt Superdura wheels with a SON hub wired to a Sinewave Beacon. Gearing-wise, I hope 38/11-42 will get me up all (or most of the) climbs.

BAGS: Some of them are missing in the photo, but I’ll be using Apidura frame and seat bags and a Sea to Summit dry bag strapped to the Allygn Diamond Rack. To be able to carry enough liquids (and some snacks), I’ll use an Apidura hydro vest too.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dynamo hubs are game changers!

Sabina Knezevic

Age 31 / Malmo, Sweden

BIKE: Cannondale F-Si Carbon 4 with SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain, a Lefty Ocho 100mm fork and Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes. Durable Teravail 29 x 2.2 Sparwood tubeless tires with CushCore added to the rear. Adjustable BiSaddle SRT 2.0, Ergon GS3 grips, and PRO Missile Evo Clip On Aerobar for comfort.

BAGS: Everything will be carried in Revelate Designs bikepacking bags and a musette bag to carry things to and from the bike. CamelBak Hydration pack Classic Light allows me to carry 2L of water. I have the smallest frame size, so I was pretty stoked that everything fits and there is even still plenty of free space for snacks!

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Where the Lefty fork looks cool but does not allow for a dynamo, Exposure Lights MaXx D MK13 and Diablo MK12 save the night. The plan is to camp, so the sleep system and outer tent by Sea to Summit will provide quality sleep, even if it’s short.

Patrick Cistac

Age 58 / Challes-Les-Eaux, Savoie, France

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a Chiru Vagus with a pair of René Herse Oracle Ridge 48 tires, 1×11 (10-50) drivetrain with à 32T chaining, a SON28 Dynamo hub with a KLite light, and Deda aero bars.

BAGS: A mix of Apidura and Helmut Equipement (frame bag) a good local crafter.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Maybe a good cream for the butt and a special assembly from White Spirit for my two bottles because of the frame bag (I don’t want the two bottles on my fork). A Garmin 830 for navigation (and a Garmin 520 as a backup).

Arnaud DURUISSEAU

Age 49 / Pantin, France

BIKE: I’ll ride my Kona Rove NRB DL with 30/46 chainrings and a 11-40 cassette. Tires are 47mm and tubeless with a customized mixture of sealant, honey, and cinnamon that release a lovely scent while riding.

BAGS: Nothing special here, just the usual combo of frame, saddle, and handlebar bags. I’ll have 10 days and 1,300km to ask myself why I brought so much stuff along. Last minute: Have decided to drop the portable kitchen sink. Going minimalist, exciting!

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll use a hydration vest and bottles to carry up to 4L of water when needed. I’ll leave the dynamo wheel at home this time and instead try to make it with one powerbank and two Knog PWR headlights, which also double as powerbanks and boast a stroboscopic mode that can be handy to improvise a party in the woods.

Marco Sartori

Age 34 / Turin, Italy

BIKE: For this adventure, I decided to use my tried and tested Salsa Cutthroat, quite fast in the gravel sections and sufficiently MTB in the more hardcore tracks.The bike features Vittoria Mezcal 2.1″ tires on Light Bicycle MTB carbon rims and a SON28 dynamo hub, SRAM Etap Force AXS with specific Hope RX4 calipers combined with SRAM X01 AXS MTB rear derailleur, Absolute Black 32T oval chainring and SRAM X01 10-52 cassette. The range of ratios allows me to climb everywhere without straining too much, even when I’m tired.

BAGS: The centerpiece is a custom waterproof Rusjan framebag with custom long top tube. In the front, I have a Miss Grape prototype system with a Dyneema drybag with my sleep system. In the rear, a Revelate Design Spinelock 8L with clothes inside for rain and cold. To hydrate, I use a CamelBak Chase vest with the most important things inside (Spot, money, documents).

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is composed of a Therm-a-Rest Neo Air mattress, custom bivy, and Cumulus X200 down sleeping bag. A Hammerhead Karoo 2 to keep me from getting lost, Klite Ultra V2 dynamo light paired with an Exposure Diablo to defeat the monsters of the night. The Redshift stem helps me keep direction when my arms are tired.

Christofer “Stoffe” Olsson

Age 38 / Stockholm, Sweden

BIKE: I’ll be cruising along on my custom built Nordest Sardinha 2, HUNT Trail Wheels (dynamo front wheel), 1×11 Shimano XT groupset, Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ F/R (tubeless), Bombtrack BPC fork (Widefoot Cargo cages on each leg), Fred bar, and Easton Riser bars with SQlabs inner barends. Bike is made for long days on the saddle while being comfortable. Think comfy tractor, instead of stiff sports car.

BAGS: Revelate Designs bags all around, minus the main frame bag, which I sewed together last week. Hope it holds!

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Whenever I’ve done bikepacking trips, I get tired of hunting the next power outlet (once found, you have to hang by it for a bit too long), so I’m running a SON dynamo, with kLite lighting/charging setup. I’ll have two battery packs for the “oh sh*t” moments. For navigation, I’ll be using Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2 (OsmAnd on my phone as backup). Katadyn BeFree water filter, and SMD Lunar Solo tent for shelter. Using some Wolf-Tooth B-Rad goodies to have three bottles on my down tube as well.

Sebastian Sarx

Age 34 / Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria

BIKE: I will be riding the Trans Balkan Race with a Salsa Cutthroat V2. The drivetrain is a modified 1×12 MTB XX1 Eagle drivetrain with a 38T chainring and 9 to 50 cassette. I’ll be riding new Vittoria Terreno 2.1″ tires this time. Hopefully, the design downgrade will be worth it for the race.

BAGS: I use a mix from the Apidura Racing series for the tube bag and frame bag. For the saddle bag, I use a 14L Apidura Expedition. I will also carry a small 10L trail running backpack for water and food.

Tobias Bader

Age 27 / Oberaudorf, Germany

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a Fairlight Secan. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, a modified 1×11 drivetrain with a 36T chainring, and a mix of wheels (Hope in the back, Hunt in front) with a SON Dynamo hub up front.

BAGS: In the frame and as a seat pack, I chose Apidura bags. I am also running a Topeak top tube bag and two stem bags. Up front, I use a Brooks handlebar bag.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am excited about my new light setup featuring the kLite bikepacker v2. A Orthodox bivy will serve as my shelter along with a Cumulus quilt and Exped UL Air Mat. I’ll also be carrying a Wahoo Elemnt for navigation.

Bas Wit

Age 46 / De Wijk, Drenthe, Netherlands

BIKE: Salsa Fargo (2016) with Rockshox SID select 100mm fork (comfort for my flimsy wrists) and a nice wide Salsa 52cm Cowchipper. Profile Design aerobars for the long straight parts that double as a pizza tray up front. Shifting is done with modified SRAM Rival converted to 12-speed and mated to an Eagle GX derailleur. Front ring is 30T with a 10-50 cassette. 29″ wheels with DT 350s and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires ideal for long gravel roads and dryer conditions (guessing it will be hot, with the occasional thunderstorm). SQ Lab saddle is perfect for long days. Will be the first long trip on this bike after breaking my trusty Trek Stache frame.

BAGS: On the front, my sleeping kit is in a DIY drybag paired with an Acepac harness. Framebag is homemade DIY with a roll-top velcro closure. Seatbag is a Revelate Terrapin 14L. Acepac fuel bag and bottle bag for small things.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As the owner of BikepackingShop.nl, I like to try out new gear on races like this, but also rely on some trusty classics. Sleeping will be done in an MLD tent on a Therm-a-Rest Uberlite (curious to see how it holds up) paired with an Enlightened Equipment Revelation quilt. Because it might be hot and water might be an issue, I have the ability to stash 2L of water in the frame bag next to the water filter, and under the frame, there is an extra 1.5L Nalgene bottle. My guilty pleasure comes in the form of a Hydrapak Hydrant Tube kit, for squirting water, so much fun and quite useful!

Peter Olah

Age 37 / Zsambek, Hungary

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan on a Bombtrack Hook EXT C equipped with a 2×11 Shimano GRX groupset. I’ve got 30/46 chainrings and an 11-42 cassette. Going to roll on 650B size DT Swiss G540DB wheels with a SON dynamo hub and 2.25 Vittoria Barzo tires. I have a Specialized Power saddle. The cockpit is complete with a Redshift Shockstop suspension stem and 44cm Salsa Cowchipper handlebar.

BAGS: This time, the bags are a little eclectic, as I use a Revelate Designs full frame bag, a Top tube bag and handlebar bags by Mokushoutdoor, an Acepac Bar Roll, and an Ortlieb saddlebag. Also have a hydration vest with a 2.5l bladder.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping system relies on a 3FUL one-person tent and very small and basic sleeping pad and bag. I will make the night bright with Klite Bikepacker 1, and through a dual USB charger, I will also charge my Garmin Edge 530. I will carry a spare Garmin eTrex 30 and a Garmin Instinct watch plus a Nitecore HC65 headlight.

Thomas Quirk

Age 46 / Zurich, Switzerland

BIKE: Solace OM-2P, Pinion/Gates, Lauf, I9 BC360, Racing Ray/Ralph (2.25″), Redshift Shockstop post, Kyote bars, Pro Missile Sattelite aerobars.
BAGS: Ortlieb/Apidura/Camelback (29L total).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SPF50, 40% DEET, 100% stoke.

Jurgen Mikusch

Age 39 / Styria, Austria

BIKE: I’ll be riding my custom-painted Nordest Sardinha 2. The bike features Hunt The Search Dynamo wheels with Specialized Fast Trak Grid 2.6/2.35″ tires, Shimano SLX drivetrain and brakes, and a Stooge Moto bar.

BAGS: I have a wild mix of bags. A What Happened custom framebag, VAP seatbag, Acepac toptube bag, Alpkit bar bag, and two Apidura food pouches.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system is a Sierra Designs Backcountry bivy and a SeaToSummit Ultra Light air mat. Sinewave Beacon front light with USB charging, and for navigation, I’ll use a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and a Garmin Etrex 35t.

Martin Stalder

Age 27 / Liestal, BL, Switzerland

BIKE: A prototype Galetti Khomakoma with steel frame and SRAM 2×10 Apex gearing and Schwalbe G-One Allround 27.5 x 2.25″ tires. SON Dynamo charging and Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation.

BAGS: Miss Grape saddle bag and a large Red Cycling Products top tube bag and a cargo cage in the front from BlackBurn.

Papantonis Theodosios

Age 49 / Edessa, Macedonia (Greece)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a Mondraker Chrono Carbon Specialedition 2019. The wheels are Mavic Crossmax with 29 x 2.20″ Maxxis Ikon tires.

BAGS: Apidura Expedition 14L saddle bag, Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack, and Blackburn OUTPOST Elite frame bag. On the handlebars, I have a Blackburn Outpost Carryall bag and a drybag that includes a Nordisc inflatable mat and a bivi bag.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As a front light, I use a Fenix BC21 R and a Lezyne Power Pro E115.

Nathalie Baillon

Age 32 / Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, Isere, France

BIKE: Dilecta Forçat, a steel gravel bike with Mach1 dynamo wheels.

BAGS: Batsoul top tube, pouch, and handlebar bags and 15L Pro Discover saddle bag.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My father’s army bivvy bag, Go’Lum headlamp. My bike, wheels, bags, and headlamp are French.

Axel Brenner

Age 28 / Zurich, Switzerland

BIKE: My race set up is a Surly ECR with 1×11 30T and 11-51 cassette, the same I used at the SRMR last year. It has 29″ DT Swiss rims, Vittoria mezcal tires, and BB7 mechanical disc brakes.

BAGS: I love my Porcelain Rocket frame bag. On the front, I have two Rockgeist stem bags and an Ortlieb front roll with all my clothes and sleeping gear.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not the lightest bike, so I try to pack light. Sleeping bag and small bivy bag.

Louise Soplanit

Age 35 / Amsterdam, The Netherlands

BIKE: 2013 Specialized Crave Expert 29″ Hardtail with a 30T oval chainring, 11×42 gearing, Fratelli custom wheels with SON dynamo hub and Sinewave Beacon light.

BAGS: Saddle bag, handlebar bag, and two stem cells, all from Alpkit.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I finally decided to invest in a dynamo wheelset, and Wheelrunner’s Bas Rotgans sorted me out with a really nice set of Fratelli wheels. Aside from looking really good, I expect them to give me a lot of peace of mind, always having lights and the ability to charge my electronics at my disposal.

Nicola Canzian

Age 32 / Vicenza, Italy

BIKE: I’ll take part to 2022 Trans Balkan Race with a custom steel drop-bar MTB from Pigozzi. Highlights of the build are the Srampagnolo drivetrain (Campy shifters/brakes + SRAM Eagle derailleur) and the 700c Fulcrum Rapid Red Carbon equipped with 2.2″ Pirelli Scorpion XC RC tires.

BAGS: I use a complete bag system from Vap Cycling: full frame, saddle bag (harness + dry bag), and Butterfly handlebar system (rails, harness, dry bag, and arm rest). The kit is completed with top tube pack and food pouch.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping kit is a combo of Alpkit bivy, Sea To Summit UL Insulated Mat, and Cumulus Magic down sleeping bag. To navigate the route, I’ll use my Wahoo Roam with a Garmin Fenix 5x and my iPhone as a backup. About the bike lights, I will opt for a combo of Exposure Toro and Pezl headlight.

David Lopez Valero

Age 34 / Barcelona, Spain

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a Rose backroad #deepestpurple. The bike features a new pair of WTB Resoute 42mm tires with a 1×12 SRAM X01 EAGLE AXS drivetrain.

BAGS: I mount a big frame bag, a seat post bag, two pouches, and a small can bag at the front for some extra food to eat while riding.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m bringing a Sol Escape Lite bivvy with a Therm-a-Rest Neoair Uberlite light pad to sleep whenever is needed. To keep me warm on the minimalistic setup, I will rely on my Dynafit Radical Down hooded jacket. 2x 750-milliliter bottles in the fork and I’ll carry a 2L blatter for the long sections with the foreseen 40°C.

Alexander Stark

Age 37 / Dresden, Saxony, Germany

BIKE: Veloheld IconX Titanium size S with a upgraded Force 12-speed Ratio Eagle gear and 650B Acros wheels with 50mm Donelly tires. This bike brings more fun in the trail than my fromer race MTBs.

BAGS: Apridura Race Backpack with light sleeping gear, Apidura Race Framepack with electronics and stuff, and an Apidura backcountry front roll with clothing. On the fork, I have a modified cage with a food bag full of veggie sausage.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This bike is perfect for long rides: fast on the road, fast on uphill, and fast on downhill. It’s a mix between a gravel and an enduro bike. I feel comfy. Stuff is simple, something to wear, something to eat, and something to sleep. When I miss something, I will find it after the race at home.

Urs Stalder

Age 61 / Verona, Italy

BIKE: A Galetti Khomakoma rocking an inox frame with Shimano 2×11 SLX/Ultegra gearing and Schwalbe G-One allround 29 x 2.25″ tires. SON Dynamo charging and Garmin 1030 for navigation.

BAGS: Tailfin rack and cargo bag and Miss Grape frame and top tube bag.

Giuseppe Colucci

Age 62 / Bologna, Italy

BIKE: Rodeo Lab Traildonkey 3.0. Vision SC40 wheels with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel tires, 700 x 40mm rear and 700 x 45mm front. Shifting is a mix of Shimano GRX and XT with 31/48 chainrings and 11-42 cassette.

BAGS: Rusjan frame bag, handlebar bag, and two food bags, Revelate Design saddle bag, Apidura top tube bag.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Strada front light and Lezyne Zecto rear light. Four CamelBak Podium water bottles (two 710ml on the fork, one 710ml and one 620ml on the frame). Tools are in a Zefal Z Box L tool bottle on the downtube.

Markus Zimmermann

Age 36 / Altmunster, Austria

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Curve GMX+, a custom XXL built with a SRAM Red/XX1 mullet combo and Walmer bars. Wheels are from Hunt with 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcals. The only things I changed from last year’s Bohemia Divide setup are Syntace Aerobars and a super light but really comfortable carbon saddle from Beast Components.

BAGS: Apidura Race bags and four water bottles from Isadore.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for navigation, Supernova lights, a down jacket, and a sleeping bag. Last but not least, a water filter and some water purification tablets.

Other Race Rigs

Beyond the bikes we were able to get details for in advance of the race, Andrea shot another 20+ loaded rigs, and you can swipe through the diverse gallery of them below, which includes a colorful array of everything from relatively skinny-tired gravel bikes to full-suspension mountain bikes.

In order of appearance, the rigs in the gallery belong to Matthew Bohn, Kristof Seyen, Nicolo Varanini, Lael Wilcox, Carsten Maiwald, Szymon Wojtczak, Manuel Truccol, Andrea Seiermann, Federico Lanza, Livia Stofilova, Mathieu Plamondon, Primoz Gulin, Chris Leischner, Boris Stefanik, Frederic Ivens, Matija Kusturic, Wojciech Holdakowski, Domenico Grisorio, Lorenzo Carraro, Craig Boddice, Berten De Canne, and Stefano Bressan.

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