Rigs of the 2023 Badlands

The 2023 Badlands took off this morning from Granada, Spain, at 8 a.m. local time. The annual event is described as “the wildest bikepacking off-road challenge in Europe,” and it follows a demanding 780-kilometer loop with more than 16,000 meters of climbing, traversing a couple of Europe’s deserts along the way. There are an impressive 342 riders from 34 countries registered to participate in this year’s event, making it the most international edition to date.

Riders will pedal across a diverse mix of landscapes from forest roads to desert tracks, along Spain’s southern coast, and through many small villages. According to the organizers, milder temperatures are expected compared to previous editions, but there’s a chance of heavy storms during the first day. Anything is possible out there, and riders have to be prepared for it all.

Due to the number of submissions this year, we’ve amassed one massive Rigs of the 2023 Badlands roundup showcasing 120 of those who sent in their info, including details on their gear, bike, and kit highlights. Dig into them all below and then head over to the event page to follow live on the map.

Luis Alaix

Age 45 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding a titanium bike custom built by Madrid-based framebuilder, Rizzo, a present I gave myself for my 45th birthday. Transmission is a 1x SRAM AXS 36/10-52T. Handlebar and suspension stem are Redshift. SRAM AXS Dropper post to help me in the downhills. Ingrid crankset. Dr. Wheel wheels with DTSwiss hubs, Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tires (700x55mm) and Vittoria Airliner light inserts. In case it gets dark while riding, I have a Ravemen 2400 light in the handlebar and a Decathlon light for the helmet.
BAGS: Tailfin aeropack for carrying clothes and sleeping gear. Custom Bikepackid frame bag with Apidura 2.5L bladder. Redshift Kitchen Sink bar bag and two Decathlon handlebar bags for water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I think the highlight is clearly the frame, perfectly made by Rubén.

Marijn Alberts

Age 45 / Groenekan (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge S Works, SRAM brakes and gears, Ritchey WCS bars, Roval 650B with 50mm Cinturato tires.
BAGS: All Miss Grape Bags and in the front, Restrap on the fork and handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM 10-50T 12-speed Eagle, 38T front ring.

Fernando Rey Alvarez

Age 36 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: 3T Exploro Ultra running Sram Force AXS Eagle XX1 (Mullet).
BAGS: Miss Grape bags.

Jason Anderson

Age 29 / Richmond, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge with SRAM Rival 1 AXS (42t-10/50t) and Roval Terra CLX with Tracer Pro 42mm tires.
BAGS: Specialized x Fjallraven ADV bags: Top Tube, frame bag, and saddle pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of room for snacks onboard!

Ulrich “uba” Bartholmoes

Age 37 / Munich (Germany) and Girona (Spain)

BIKE: I´m racing on a BMC KAIUS01-a custom build with Lightweight Pfadfinder EVO Rims powered by Rotor Inspider Aldhu Carbon Crank with Powermeter and 38T + 10-52T SRAM RED eTap AXS / Eagle groupset. Everything runs on ceramic bearings by Kogel – the bottom bracket as well as the wheels. For this race I will go with some Hutchinson Touareg 45mm tubeless tires. To light up the night I swear on Supernova Lights. Without luggage my bike has less than 7kg, which helps on the climbs.
BAGS: I use a minimalistic and also super lightweight Apidura Racing Series kit for my luggage with clothes by Velocio in the saddle bag, food and spare parts in the Top Tube and Framepack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike and the setup for the race are a great work of art. My focus is on the lowest possible weight, good durability and, above all else, reliability. All components, from the Kogel ceramic bearing to the Hutchinson tires, have been tested for many thousands of kilometers and will serve me well.

Riccardo Baz

Age 34 / Varese (Italy)

BIKE: Rose backroad, Shimano GRX drivetrain 1x 36T/ 11-42, DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheels and Hutchinson Thundra 45mm tyres.
BAGS: Miss Grape set including cluster 7 saddle bag, top tube node 2H road and a custom full frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Deda Parabolica uno aerobars, Supernova airstream lights, wahoo ELEMNT bolt, Salomon active skin 8 hydration vest.

Daan van den Broek

Age 46 / Heemstede (The Netherlands)

BIKE: OPEN UP with Campagnolo EKAR, HED Emporia GA Pro Wheels with 40C Pirelli Cinturato RC-X.
BAGS: Gramm custom frame bag, a 16L Saddle bag from Specialized/Fjallraven and a hydration pack from USWE.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I think this should be the bike.

Marcos de Paiva Bueno

Age 39 / Oulu (Finland)

BIKE: Giant TCX 2021 custom built by myself with Ekar groupset and Zipp 303 firecrest wheels, which are fitted with Continental Terra Speed 45mm tires.
BAGS: Apidura backcountry 12L frame pack (first edition – 8y old) and the racing saddle (7L), top tube (1L) and handlebar (4L) bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing in particular.

Aaron Buggle

Age 32 / Killaloe, Clare (Ireland)

BIKE: FiftyOne Bikes ultra-versatile Assassin Frame. I’ve slackened the trail to increase its comfort thanks to its flip-chip and adjustable trail. Keeping it simple with a standard GRX mechanical groupset and a fresh set of Pirelli Cinturato Tyres. Profile Design clip-on aero bars with some slight doctoring!
BAGS: A combination of Apidura and Cyclite bags (Frame, top tube and saddle bag). 3 x 950 ml Elite bottles and an Apidura Hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC30 front light-it’s versatile and very affordable. You can access the rechargeable batteries easily and replace them with a freshly charged set on the go. My nightcore CARBO powerbank.

Simon Bungart

Age 18 / Eifel (Germany)

BIKE: I will be riding my dad’s custom 2021 Specialized Diverge Carbon. It is set up with a SRAM Mullet Drivetrain Red/Force Road components, Eagle GX AXS, 10-52T cassette and a 38T chainring in the front. Wheelset from ACROSS with an built in dynamo from SON, Tires are from Schwalbe G One RS 40mm, lights are from Supernova (dynamo version), USB charger Plug 5 for charging my powerbank, Aerobars from Zipp Vuka Clip with SRAM wireless blips, for navigation I use a Hammerhead Karoo 2.
BAGS: I decided to use the large AeroPack Carbon from Tailfin-it fits a jacket, mat, sleeping bag and other clothings. In addition to that, I’m using the Top Tube Bag, Handle Bar Aero Bag and the Frame Bag from Cyclite. It leaves lots of room for food, electronics and my tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: We built in a switch so that I can either charge the powerbank or power up the lights using the dynamo and plug 5 usb charger.

Thimothy Buytaert

Age 43 / Wervik (Belgium)

BIKE: Scott Scale 940, 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle, 34T chainring. 29 × 2.25″ Schwalbe tires.
BAGS: Large top tube and aero bar bag from Cyclite, saddle bag from Agu, saddlebag stabilizer for 2 extra bottles and 2 more bottles mounted on frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An extra backpack from Cyclite with a water bladder, just to cary enough fluids.

Carlos Cabral

Age 46 / Lisbon (Portugal)

BIKE: Rockrider XC920 Ltd Edition (2019). Hardtail carbon frame, with a 100mm Rockshox SID RL fork, and the SRAM XO Eagle 12v transmission, Stylo carbon cranks, SRAM Level T brakes, Mavic Crossmax Elite wheels and Front Light Moon Vortex Pro 1300. Maxxis tires (Rear Rekon Race 2.35″ / Front Ardent 2.25″).
BAGS: Just a Topeak BackLoader 15L and Topeak Frontloader 8L / Bottles: 2x750ml for drink / 1x 500ml for tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: With so much weight and some interesting climbs, for sure I’ll regret to go with 34T and 50/10T, but this is for Badlands and I’ll “enjoy the suffering”.

Aristotle Cajucom

Age 44 / Calamba City, Laguna (Philippines)

BIKE: Open W.I.D.E. with SRAM AXS groupset, 1x 40T Chainring and 10-50T Cassette. Running on Hunt Limitless gravel wheelset wrapped with Pinarello Gravel tires 45mm in front and back. A Fenix BC26R front bike lights plus a Fenix HM61R headlamp to illuminate the roads at night. 4 hydration bottles puts me at 3 liters of water on the bike.
BAGS: A Tailfin rack with a 20L trunk top bag to hold essential gears of tools, puff jacket, extra bibs, shirt, socks, shorts, flip flops, first aid kit and nutrition. An Apidura top tube bag and frame bag for easy access on food, battery pack, mini tool. A 44zero5 feedbag manufactured locally in my country to complete my bag setup.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My outdoor sleeping setup of OR helium lightweight bivy, a Klymit sleeping pad, an inflatable pillow and a flask with my favorite drink will ensure a comfortable rest under the Spanish sky.

Jim Cameron

Age 39 / Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland)

BIKE: This is my custom Albannach TORRAGAR, built with SRAM Rival / GX AXS (38 x 10-52) + Schwalbe G-One Rs (700 x 45) on LB / Hope Pro4 / SP dynamo wheels + Sinewave Beacon f/l + SON r/l + Zipp service course finishing kit.
BAGS: I’ve got custom Straight Cut frame bag, side kicks and top tube bag, Wild Cat front roll and Silca Mattone.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s either the full custom Albannach kit made by Endura, or the Straight Cut frame bag to fit an Apidura 3l frame bladder (to keep me hydrated and to keep the weight off my back) or all the ingenious thingmejigs that Dr Jon cooks up – @drj0n_bagworks DeWidget, Double Dangler, Barnacles, GFunks and Strap Deck. This setup is more painfully Scottish than a whisky fuelled hangover cured only by a haggis + tattle scone roll washed down with IrnBru.

Colin Campbell

Age 55 / Belfast (United Kingdom)

BIKE: J Laverack GRiT, GRX Di2 drivetrain 48/31T with 11-34T cassette. Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45mm 700c tubeless tires on AERA GR 38mm wheelset, SON dynamo front hub with Supernova triple front light. Hope RX4 brake calipers, Brooks C13 158mm carved saddle.
BAGS: Mixture of Apidura and Tailfin packs containing repair kit, bivvy bag, puffer jacket plus lots of carbohydrates and electrolytes.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sinewave USB charger headset to keep electronics topped up and extra water bottle capacity with cages option on rear Tailfin or front fork.

Javier Cantos

Age 44 / Alicante (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized Crux Custom by ONBIKE. Sram Force AXS with 10-50T on rear crankset. Progress carbon wheels and sworks accessories. For tires I’ll use Hutchinson Touareg 700x40mm.
BAGS: Mix of brands for bags looking for best one for my best performance.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This year I’ll try to be as light as possible. So I’m sacrificing commodities and going with only what’s necessary.

Tristan Cardew

Age 33 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: BMC Kaius 01 ONE with integrated aero bar/stem and bottle cages. Profile Design clip-on aerobar extensions, SRAM Red wireless shifting, 38T chainring with 10-44T cassette (no doubt under-geared here…), 165mm cranks for my short legs, Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels, Pirelli Cinturato 700x40c tyres, WTB SL8 saddle, Supernova M99 Mini Pro B54 front light.
BAGS: Apidura 5L saddle bag, 2.4L frame bag and 1L top tube bag. All full of food. And a Salomon hydration vest full of water. No sleep system.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Supernova M99 B54 front light is epic. It offers such a wide beam and so much visibility even on the super low modes. Battery lasts forever (or at least two full nights on mid-mode, which should see me through Badlands without a recharge…).

Jakob Carlsen

Age 55 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: BenBen race edition steel frame, GRX brakes and derailleur, 34/10-42T gearing, Ibis 928 rims, DT Swiss 240S hubs, Pirelli Cinturato Hard 45mm with cush core tubeless setup, Ritchey WCS VentureMax XL 520 mm Handlebar, Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon seatpost, Infinity saddle, Profile Design aero bar, Wolf Tooth double bottle adapter, Garmin Etrex 32x.
BAGS: Self made frame bags and saddlebag. Front frame bag is double width. Revelate Designs top tube bag, Camelbak Octane XCT with a 3L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Klymit Intertia X frame sleeping pad. Light weight and comfortable. X-Bionic Trail Run Effektor shirt. I´ve used it in both the Arizona Trail Race and Silk Road Mountain Race and its ability to regulate body temperature is unrivaled in my opinion.

Tommy Catteeuw

Age 45 / Ghent, East Of Flanders (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands on my Custom painted Cervélo Aspero. It has been painted to the colour scheme of my KASK PaulSmith helmet. My drivetrain is Rival SRAM Etap with a 10-44T cassette in the back. Zipp 303s wheels with Schwalbe G-One RS 44mm wide tires. I might still mount a Schwalbe G-One R 45mm wide in the front for a little more grip in the turns. The cockpit has an Easton stem and handlebar with a Deda Parabolica Due timetrial bar. As a little detail I have Grey aluminium bottle cages from Seido.
BAGS: My bags are from 2 differtent brands. The AGU saddle- and framebag I’ve had for a few years now. They are perfect. The toptube bag is my latest purchase. It is a Restrap long toptube bag for the easy accessible stuff, including food, tubeless plugs, and battery packs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My gear highlight must be my custom painted frame.

Steve Challinor

Age 54 / Feniton, Devon (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands on a Trek Superfly frame built up with a Brother Cycles rigid fork, a mix of Shimano XT and SLX for the drivetrain and brakes, and a pair of DCR wheels with a SON dynamo hub and some new Vittoria Mezcal tyres. For comfort I have some inner bar ends, a Redshift suspension stem and seat-post, and an old Charge Spoon saddle that provides a happy place to sit.
BAGS: Apart from two handlebar pouches from Decathlon, my bags are from Apidura: a frame bag for water, food, tools and spares; a handlebar bag for sleeping kit, a top tube pack for electronic gadgets, and a saddle bag for clothes and other stuff.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sinewave Beacon for light and power, Etrex 20 for navigation, Alpkit sleeping bag and mat, and, last but not least, a folding spork.

Sonny Chamand

Age 53 / Crespano del Grappa, Treviso (Italy)

BIKE: Ridley Kanzo Adventure 2023. Tubeless Vittoria Mezcal 29 x2.1″ tires.
BAGS: Top tube: Tailfin top tube bag 0.8L, Frame bag: Restrap, Saddle bag: Tailfin Aeropack, Bar: Decathlon snack pouch. Small Vaude frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I switched the 42T ring to go to a 38T. In the back, I installed a Garbaruk long derailleur cage to be able to ride a 11/50T Sunrace cassette. With this set up, I should be able to climb trees (I hope). During a trip in Australia, I bought a Crank Tank 3L specifically for the badlands, as hydration is key.

Chris Chapman

Age 49 / London (United Kingdom)

BIKE: 51 Assassin – Sram Force/ Eagle mix. 38T x 10-52T. Schwalbe G-One RS 40mm and borrowed wheels.
BAGS: Apidura top tube/ frame pack and sale bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The highlight is the 51 but if the rear derailleur and bottom bracket arrive before the race they will be the real game changers.

Niels Tang Christensen

Age 39 / Ry (Denmark)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Canyon Grizl again. This time with aerobars and a 2x GRX setup with 48/34T front rings and a 11-46T cassette. Tires will probably be Pirelli gravel M in 45mm. I’m using a Lupine Piko front light with two 6.9AH batteries.
BAGS: Apidura racing bags with snacks and electronics in the frame and top tube bag. Extra clothing and super light sleeping gear in the saddle pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really happy with my wide range gearing and my sleeping setup with just an emergency blanket and inflatable pillow.

Stef Claes

Age 24 / Lommel, Limburg (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Pastel gravel bike, made in Salzburg. The bike features a fresh pair of Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires 700x45mm, a 40T front chainring and a 10-52T SRAM Eagle cassette in the back. The front wheel features a SON dynamo hub connected to a kLite front light.
BAGS: I’m running a Tailfin in the back, Apidura top tube bag and a Restrap frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A secret caffeine stach to get through the nights.

Stefaan De Croock

Age 41 / Aalter (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Orbea Terra equipped with a Shimano GRX Di2 groupset featuring 46/30T chainrings and a 34-11T cassette. For wheels, I’ll have the Hunt 48 limitless carbon wheels fitted with tubeless Renéherse 48mm Oracle Ridge on the front and 44mm Manastash Ridge on the rear. I’ll be using profile aerobars with 70mm risers for comfort not speed. I hope to find my way during the night aided by a Ravemen PR 2400 along with an Exposure Zenith Mk2 mounted on my helmet. The Wahoo Roam will serve as my GPS.
BAGS: I’ll have a Salsa cradle holding an Ortlieb drybag (10l) with my sleeping kit and extra clothes, Apidura racing framebag (4l) for tools, spares, and electronics, as well as an Apidura racing saddlebag (7l) for clothing and food. An Agu top tube bag will be available for snacks, and I’ll be using two Apidura Pouches, not for food, but for carrying two extra water bottles. I’ll also be equipped with an Apidura Racing Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Macgyver-style DIY mount positioned between the aerobars to hold the Ravemen light. I’m also a big fan of the Wolf Tooth supple bar tape.

Filipe Cunha

Age 35 / Renkum (The Netherlands)

BIKE: For this epic adventure I am riding a Trek Checkpoint ALR5, with a Wolf Tooth Goatlink to accommodate an 11-42T cassette and 46/32T crank. To deal with the ever-changing terrain the bike is equipped with 45mm Pirelli Centauro Gravel M Classic tires.
BAGS: As far as bags go, on the back I am carrying a tailfin aeropack with some food, collapsable water bottles, an extra kit, a down jacket, and some small extra ‘just-in-case’ stuff. On the frame, I have two Apidura bags that carry electronics, lights, daily food, tools, and mechanical ‘knick-knacks’. I am also carrying a food pouch from Zéfal with plenty of space for snacks and to hold the garbage. On the handlebar, I am taking an Ortlieb bag which is responsible for keeping the sleeping system compact and dry.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The note on the stem reminding me that “pAiN is just a French word for bread”.

Asja Paladin & Federico Damiani

Age 29 & 32 / Veneto (Italy)

BIKE: Racing in a pair, we are both riding the Enough Cycling custom painted Basso Palta of our Collective. Our bikes will be running on Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 40mm tyres mounted on Fulcrum Rapid Red Carbon wheels. Campagnolo Ekar is the groupset of choice, in its 38/10-44T version for adventure racing. We complete our setup with a Fizik Argo 00 adaptive saddle and Crank Brothers Candy pedals. Elite is providing the bottle cages (Prism model) and the Enough custom bottles.
BAGS: We will use a light setup from our trusted friends at Miss Grape, bringing an Internode 4.10 frame bag, a big node top tube bag and Cluster 7L bag under our saddle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Our aim is to enjoy the ride and spend a great time together: we’ll bring our music speaker and a daddy cam to ducument our ride!

Benjamin Nightingale van Dijk

Age 24 / Allan (Scotland)

BIKE: The bike is a Giant Revolt Advance 2 with GRX 600 gears and DT SWISS GR 1600 wheels. The tires are WTB Venture TCS 50mm. On the handlebars, there is a Garmin Edge 540 and an Exposure MaXx-D MK13.
BAGS: The top tube bags and the frame bag are all from Apidura. The front two are from their racing collection, both stuffed with carb mixes. The rear top tube bag is from their backcountry collection, that has all my repair stuff. On the seat post, there is a Tailfin 3L Downtube, where all my sleeping gear is stored.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: On my back, I’ll be carrying a Camelback Chase backpack. In the backpack, I’ll have a water bladder, some spare clothes, and some real food.

Clayton Drotsky

Age 42 / (South Africa)

BIKE: Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0, 2×11 GRX Shimano Groupset, 31/48 chainrings, and the cassette is an 11-42 XT with a Wolftooth so it works a little better, but it is possible without a Wolftooth. Tyres are Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45’s. Wheels are Giant’s own CRX2.
BAGS: Apidura 1L top tube bag, Apidura 9L saddle bag, AGU 3L frame bag, with Uswe 2L hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No fancy kit, Bib shorts are Ciovita Apex Cargo from South Africa, very nice shorts. I have packed a rain jacket for rain (doh), and for colder temperatures, I have a down jacket from Mac in a Sac and also brought arm warmers and leg warmers.

Louis Duclaux

Age 27 / Tours (France)

BIKE: Brother Cycles Kepler frame, Profile Design Sonic Ergo Aerobar T5 with 3D printed bridges, GRX 600 1×11 speed groupset, KMC gold chain, Restrap/Apidura bags, DT swiss E1800 wheels, Garmin edge 1300 plus, Lezyne 1300 XXL front light, hutchinson touareg 40mm, SR Allroad Core Pro saddle.
BAGS: Restrap frame and aerobar race bag, Apidura saddle bag and hydratation vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The gold chain gives me a power bonus.

Aidan Duff

Age 47 / Dublin (Ireland)

BIKE: I am riding our FiftyOne Assassin. Badlands was the inspiration / validation for this bike during its design process so its a great honour to participate in the event that helped create it. Shimano GRX 800 Mechanical with a modified gear range of 31 x 46 to hopefully keep the legs moving even in the most difficult sections. ENVE carbon stem and seat post. Easton AX 50 AX Handlebar. Profile Design Tri Bars, Zipp 303 wheel set with SON dynamo hub feeding a Supernova light and Wahoo Roam. Challenge Getaway XP 45mm tyres. Arundel cages. Enduro threaded T47 BB. WTB SL8 Saddle. I’ll be riding the bike in the long rear chip position and the low front setting. This maximizes the wheelbase and gives me more stability on the front end.
BAGS: Tailfin carbon AeroPack With Apidura top tube pack and handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve chosen a 2X set up as it allows me to keep a great chain line at all times. The 31 x 46T is hopefully overkill but was fun to set up and achieved with the use of a drop out extender. Some subtle Badlands themed artwork to finish it off.

Laurent Dujols

Age 52 / Geneva (Switzerland)

BIKE: I will be riding Badlands on a Pinarello Grevil with a Shimano GRX groupset.
BAGS: Rhinowalk bags: top tube for electronics, frame bag for easy to reach gear like puffy jacket, pump etc., small saddle bag for sleeping gear, handlebar pouch for food. A musette for take aways.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garbaruk kit to fit a 46T in the back, just fitted last week after a suffer fest as preparation across the alps.

Karel Van Eeckhout

Age 25 / Ghent (Belgium)

BIKE: Lauf True Grit Ultimate. SRAM mullet setup with Eagle XX1 & Force 42 T.
BAGS: Bags are a bit of a mix: AGU (Saddle & Frame), Restrap (Top Tube & Aero Bar)
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Insulated Camelbak Bottle but the ultimate highlight is the bottle opener. Always comes in handy.

Pall Elis

Age 54 / Iceland

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SLR7 w/ Shimano GRX. 48/31T + 10-40T. Pirelli Cinturato M 45mm tubless tires.
BAGS: Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin XC100 Power Meter.

Martin Fabbro

Age 44 / Colchester, Essex (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Marlin Malt G2, 40mm WTB Venture tyres, AliExpress 38T chainring and 11-42T cassette, Sensah groupset, TPR mechanical brakes, Volt saddle, Exposure lights.
BAGS: Lifeline frame and top tube bags, Podsacs handlebar bag and hydration backpack with 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m keen to try my new Fenix HMR65R headlamp. I’ll be cycling as light as possible with only a small bivvy bag, sleep pad and my trusted inflatable pillow. A down jacket, merino base layer, rain jacket and the usual leg and arm warmers.

Linda Farczadi

Age 37 / Lausanne, Vaud (Switzerland)

BIKE: OPEN WIDE, Zipp 303 wheels, Shimano GRX Di2, Garbaruk 42T 11-50T.
BAGS: Apidura frame bag, Apidura long top tube bag, Hydration backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping system: emergency bivy, comfort item: inflatable pillow.

Torsten Frank

Age 52 / Wuppertal, NRW (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding my lovely Dropbar Exceed. A build I did last winter based on the frame of a Canyon Exceed XC Race Hardtail. Converted it to drop bars, equipped a hybrid “Sramimano” group consisting of Shimano crank set, chain and cassette (36 x 10-51), SRAM Eagle AXS GX RD and Rival brifters and brakes. A RockShox SID SL Ultimate provides just the right amount of squish and bling at the front while being utmost light and avoiding cable mess via the lockout lever (I’ll want to use very rarely anyways) on the crown. Tires are Continental RaceKing ProTection 29 x 2.2″ on Newmen wheels. For Badlands I decided to go without a dynamo hub and will use just a Lupine Neo as main light. Profile Design aerobars on a Neosonic Bracket complete my cockpit.
BAGS: I’m a big fan of the Tailfin Aeropack. On the top tube I have the middle sized flip-top Top Tube Pack from Tailfin. Below my aerobars I use the cyclite Handle Bar Aero Bag and I accompany it with one of their new super minimalistic food pouches. Hydration and a bit more place for food will be covered by a Camelbak Chase Vest. It’s 1.5L bladder will be used in conjunction with the 2 x 750 ml bottles in the frame, a possible bottle in the food pouch and another one below the down tube (still pondering whether just via a bottle cage or my 1.7L Tailfin Downtube Pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My bike, really. I have a gravel bike, too. And I love it. But the truth is: Where I live, where I ride and where I travel to ride there’s hardly nicely curated gravel. It’s XC MTB terrain. Basically any gravel is, it’s just a degree of your comfort level and what you consider to be fun. My Dropbar Exceed is soo much fun for just such terrain. And it rolls fast over good roads, too.

Johannes Franzky

Age 41 / Cologne (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a BMC URS01 One. It has a SRAM Red/XX1 groupset 38T / 52-10T, an ENVE carbon rim in the back and a custom build Nextie carbon front wheel with SON dynamo hub. I will ride Schwalbe G-One R tubeless tires 40mm. My light is a Supernova M99 DY Pro. It is super bright and will hopefully help me through the desert nights. My aerobars are a kind of custom build setup with parts of my recent triathlon bike. Comfort is more important to me than aerodynamics.
BAGS: My bags are from Cyclite, a small German company. The bags are super lightweight and yet durably and super cool looking. I use their top tube bag (food, powebank), a small frame bag (food, spares, tools) a small 8L saddle bag (inflatable mattress, bivy bag, first aid kit, clothes) and a food pouch. All bags total only 470g. For an additional 2L water supply I will wear a Cyclite race backpack with a 2L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I asked my 9-year-old son what he likes best about my setup. He said, “the purple color!”

Cynthia Frazier

Age 31 / Washington, DC (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing my 3T Exploro Ultra (named JamJelly) for the 2023 edition of Badlands. The bike is equipped with a SRAM eTap AXS Mullet build with a 38T chainring and 10-52 cassette. I have a Kogel Kolossos for those marginal (maximal over the long term) gains. I’m running the HUNT 25 Carbon Gravel Race Wheelset with Schwalbe G-ONE RS tires, 45c front, 40c rear. I have a 25oz Bivo bottle, two 22oz bottles, and a 1.5L Apidura Frame Pack Hydration Bladder that puts me at 3.5L of water on the bike.
BAGS: I’ll be running a full Apidura Racing setup with the 7L Racing Saddle Pack carrying a lightweight down jacket, a Velocio Wind vest, knee warmers and arm warmers for the night time, extra Velocio Utility bibs, an extra pair of socks, Tailwind drink mix, and extra food. My 4L Racing Frame Pack has the 1.5L Hydration Bladder, tools, spares, and a first aid kit. The 1L Racing Bolt-On Top Tube Pack has the ultralight external battery Nitecore NB10000, all cables, euro plug with USB ports, electrolyte + caffeine pills, and CBD cream for the hot foot woes. Bars and gummies will be stored in the Apidura 1.2L Plus Backcountry Food Pouch. Lastly, I have the cheeky little 7L Packable Musette Bag that sneaks in behind my frame pack to carry all the snacks I lack room for in my bags and pockets after a resupply stop.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite items include the Apidura Packable Musette Bag for extra food + h20 after store stops and the Fenix HM65R light that lasts forever. I will carry a 1.5L Hydra flux soft reusable bottle to put into the musette bag. Last year I carried a 1L plastic bottle in the bag for the long stretches on course without water and it irritated my back.

Lukas Franciszkiewicz

Age 35 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball 29er with rigid fork, 2.2” Conti Race Kings.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube and down tube bag, MYOG framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Last minute rain jacket.

Patricia Rueda-Garcia

Age 32 / Galera, Granada (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grail 7 Tap AL. SRAM Rival XPLR Tap AXS, 10-44T cassette, Conti Terra 40mm tires.
BAGS: Restrap Race Bar bag 7L, Restrap frame bag-small 3L, Restrap race saddle bag 7L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Conti Terra 40mm with tubeless setup, Salomon Chase vest with Fusion reservoir hydration pack, See to Summit extra light sleeping Bag, USB charging setup, Lupine SL AF, and Garmin edge 830.

Bastien Gonzalez

Age 38 / Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Aquitaine (France)

BIKE: Steel frame 2-11 Cycles, ENVE G Series Fork, Shimano GRX 800.
BAGS: Ortlieb frame bag, Zefal Z ADVENTURE R17, Rapha BAR BAG, Decathlon Food Pouch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rene Herse 650B x 48mm tires.

David Molina Grande

Age 40 / Pozoblanco, Los Pedroches/Cordoba (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my second Badlands with a Giant Revolt Advanced 3, named Gina. The bike has a pair of Vittoria Terreno Dry 47mm tires, 2×10 drivetrain 46/30T and 11-40T cassette, and a Redshift Shockstop stem.
BAGS: The frame bag is an Agu Venture 4L, where I put tools and repairing stuff, some food, and extra things. On the top tube, I have a Topeak Toploader 0.75l, with power bank, cables and electronics. The saddlebag is a Geosmina Seatbag with 10L, where I put a sleeping mattress and a silk sleeping bag from Decathlon, some clothes for the resting periods, a little toilet bag with some medicines and water purification tablets, a light towel, and some emergency food. A pencil case adapted by my mother has been placed as a handlebar bag after taking the photo (thanks mom!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be wearing a Salomon trail running vest to carry more water in a Camelbak 1L bag, suncream, butt cream, lips cream, and also two 500 ml soft flasks to refill with more liquid when necessary. On the handlebar: a Garmin Explore 2, a Lezyne 1300 XXL light, and a Quadlock stand for the phone. On the helmet I’ll be wearing an extra light.

Jonathan Gale

Age 53 / Gainsborough, Lincolnshire (United Kingdom)

BIKE: For my first ultra I’ll be riding my 3T Exploro with Hunt Adventure Carbon 650b wheels and Schwalbe G-one Allround 2.25″ tyres.
Campagnolo Ekar group set with 10/44 cassette and 38t front chainring.
Vap butterfly 3 bar extender for the additional cockpit items
BAGS: Bags are all Apidura: 9L saddle bag, 7.5L full frame bag and 2L top tube bag, full frame bag will hold a 1.5L reservoir, two 750ml bottles and a hydration vest with 2L capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure lights, maxD and Joystick for bike or helmet, Anker power bank for charging all devices.

David Grenier

Age 44 / Tingwick, Quebec (Canada)

BIKE: I’m racing on a Argon 18 Darkmatter 2023, custom built with Easton EC90 AX parts. I will go with Schwalbe tires G-One R, 45mm in front and 40mm back. To light up the night, I have the Supernova Lights M99DY PRO powered by a dynamo.
BAGS: Food and spares in the top tube and frame bag. I also wear a 2L hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Sportful Ultra bibshorts that will save my butt

Theo Guillaume

Age 29 / Palma de Mallorca (France)

BIKE: My Bike is a TIME ADHX that we set up with Shimano GRX DI2, regular 52/36T crankset and 11-40T cassette. Campagnolo Zonda wheelset with 38mm tyres.
BAGS: 3 bags for the trip all coming from Rapha.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Has to be this Time ADHX frame, they are extremely well made bicycles, very comfortable and sharp to ride, and look at this paint job.

Michael Hakenes

Age 38 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands on a 2022 Standert Erdgeschoss equipped with a SRAM groupset (10-44T cassette and 36T chainring), SON Dynamo hub up front with Edelux II LED headlight and I put on 27.5 x 47mm Panaracer Gravel King SK tires.
BAGS: Tailfin Alloy AeroPack, Rapha Frame Pack and Apidura Long Top Tube Pack plus two Riverside food pouches. In addition, I will have a USWE Outlander 2L hydration pack with me.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hoping that the insulated Deboyo Race bottles really keep drinks cold for a long time and sweet and salty snacks in the top tube bag could prove to be a highlight, otherwise a Nemo Tensor for relaxing naps in between.

Chris Hall

Age 33 / Peak District (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Yes it’s a drop bar hardtail. I’m riding (not racing) a Cervelo ZHT-5 which I have converted to a drop bar hardtail to help accommodate for me breaking both my wrists in March. I’ve found this style of setup the most comfortable and confidence inspiring, yet still fast! I’ve built it up with a Shimano XTR Di2 rear mech with 11-46T cassette and 32T chainring on the front. The shifters are grx Di2. Bars, Stem and seatpost are all from ENVE and saddle comes from Gebiomized, I’m using a dynamo on a set of Reserve Wheels with Schwalbe Racing Ray and Racing Ralph tires.
BAGS: All the bags come from Tailfin. I’m lucky to be part of their R&D Division so get to test out some exciting products. I’m using a custom made full frame bag with a 3l bladder in it plus a hydration vest. I’ve done this race for the last two years now and water is always the biggest thing I have found.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: All in all, a drop bar hardtail has been an absolute revelation to me, especially after breaking my wrists. My right one thankfully has completely healed but the left one still occasionally gets painful (it’s ok to ride with and manageable) so the extra suspension, larger tires and less aggressive position really has helped a huge amount.

Andrew Hatton

Age 55 / London (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Basso Tera, with Roval Terra carbon wheels and SRAM Apex with e-thirteen ultra-wide cassette.
BAGS: Ortlieb bags all the way (it rains a lot in the UK).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Favourite kit is probably my Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow – a wonderful place to rest my head when looking up at the stars.

Max Haun

Age 33 / Munich, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: I will be riding my beloved Specialized Diverge Expert. 38T and 11-50T casette. To change up my riding position every now and again I’m using Profile Design aero bars. I ride with two extra bottles of water next to my saddle bag for cooling my arms and head while riding.
BAGS: All in! All Apidura racing series.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Diverge and definitely my Lupine lights with remote.

Alvaro de las Heras

Age 38 / Aranda de Duero & Sierra de Grazalema (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my beloved Canyon Grizl CF SL8 equipped with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset (48/31T GRX Chainrings and 11-42T SLX cassette). DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels with Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite 45mm tyres.
BAGS: Full set of Geosmina cycling bags: 4L handlebar bag, 10L seat bag, 3.5L frame bag and 1L top tube bag. For hydration I’ll be carrying a 2L Camelbak pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Loads of chamois cream, sun cream and ceramic lube. Music, plenty of music to feed the soul.

Luis Antonio Rivera Huelves

Age 56 / Ontígola, Toledo (Spain)

BIKE: Rimo Cicli carbon, carbon fork, Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain, 2×10, 38/24T, 11-46T, Supernova Pro front and rear light, Rimo carbon wheels, Shutter Precision dynamo hub.
BAGS: Rhinowalk, Apidura, Rockbros.

Beata Jarmolowicz

Age 53 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF SL 7.
BAGS: Different brands and types: Sport Arsenal W2 saddlebag for clothes, ROCKBROS 3L HQ frame bag with my cosmetics, electronics and spares, Rapha bag at front for glasses, powerbank etc., ROCKBROS AS-019 top tube pack for food one food pouch with snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Women’s Camelbak Chase vest plus three bottles for hydrating, Hunka bivy and inflatable mat for sleeping, Rab Microlight Alpine jacket to keep me warm, Exposure Diablo MK12 as front light and Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for the navigation.

Elmar de Jong

Age 29 / Haren, Groningen (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 with Specialized Pathfinder 42mm tires. Tried to go for a light setup with Deda clip on handlebars. It’s a 2X11 setup with 48/31T in the front and an 11-34T cassette. I chose to go use battery packs instead of a dynamo hub.
BAGS: In the front I use a Restrap race aero bar for my sleeping setup. Further back, I have an Agu frameback and an Apidura/Canyon top tube bag (for all the snacks). For my clothes and more food, I have a Agu 10L saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I use an Outdoor Research Helium bivy for my sleeping setup. I use two quick charging battery packs to power everything that I take. To be sure I can keep listening to music, I take two sets of earbuds. For hydration, I use a 1.5L Camelbak together with three 750ml water bottles.

Marius Karteusch

Age 35 / Finnentrop, NRW (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding my Cervélo ZHT-5 with a Basic Bikes rigid Fork, Cervélo 420mm Dropbar with SRAM Force Levers, 1×12 SRAM XX1 / GX Groupset, 38T chainring and 10-52T cassette, Reserve XC Carbon Wheels and Schwalbe G-One Overland 50mm tires.
BAGS: CYCLITE Race Backpack, CYCLITE Framebag, CYCLITE Top Tube Bag Large, CYCLITE Saddle Bag Small.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: LEZYNE Mega Drive 1800i Front Light + Lezyne Infinite Light Power Bank, LEZYNE Strip Drive Pro Rearlight, LEZYNE Carbon Drive Lite HP Handpump, Tubeless Essentials from LEZYNE.

Aaron Kearney

Age 24 / Waterford (Ireland)

BIKE: Will ride my FiftyOne Assassin in it’s glossy Racing Green paint job which is running Shimano GRX 810 with a 48/31T chainring setup on a pair of DT Swiss G1800 wheels.
BAGS: All by Restap: 8L Saddle Pack, Frame Bag and Canister Bar Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rolling on some fast Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 45mm Tyres and my USWE Hydration Pack.

Jana Kesenheimer

Age 29 / Innsbruck, Tirol (Austria)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge STR Expert with a little SRAM rainbow tuning; gears: 1×12, 40-10/52, Saddle: SWorks Mirror.
BAGS: Frame bag by the talented Neza (What Happened Outdoors), Restrap race saddle bag, Fjällraven Top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The rear suspension will literally save my a**; the Supernova M99 Mini will light up the nights.

Tobias Klemet

Age 40 / Leipzig (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding a Bombtrack Hook EXT steel frame with carbon fork, Hunt wheelset, SRAM 1×11 drivetrain, Garbaruk chainring, TRP hydro brake in the front, Paul Klamper brake in the back, Panaracer Gravelking 43mm tires, Brooks c13 saddle, 2 Fidlock bottles.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack aluminium, Apidura framebag, Apidura racing top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hydration vest with 2l bladder, Son dynamo hub + lights, Canyon suspension seatpost, Wahoo Elemnt for navigation.

Steve Lancaster

Age 63 / Selby (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I will be riding a Santa Cruz Stigmata fitted with Reserve wheels, and will run Sram Force 2×12 set up, Pathfinder Pro 42mm Tyres, Syntace Aero Bars just to allow for another position on the bike, SMP Well saddle, Redshift suspension stem.
BAGS: Tailfin Aero Pack and Tailfin Top Tube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The SMP saddle and the suspension stem make this bike very comfortable.

Jens Leegte

Age 33 / Groningen (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Kona Sutra LTD 2018 with Agu handlebar and framebag, saddle bag from Ortlieb. Running a 10-42T cassette and 32T chainring.
BAGS: Handlebar bag: I’m carrying my sleeping set in this: Outdoor Research Helium bivy, Exped mattress and silk liner. Frame bag: powerbanks and food (gels, bars, electrolytes) and spare tools. Saddle bag: puffer jacket, spare clothes and Maurten (carbs). On handlebar: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 2, Lezyne 1800 light.

Flemming Lindhoj

Age 43 / Aarhus (Denmark)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Specialized Sworks Diverge, Sram Axs mullet groupset with 10-50 cassette / 38t chainring, PRO Missile EVO aerobar, Miss Grape bags, Lupino Piko headlamp and a Garmin Edge 1040 for navigation. Roval Terra wheelset, depending the weather the tires will be Pirelli Cinturato 45mm, Schwalbe G-one RS 45mm or Specialized Pathfinder Pro 47mm, the choice will be made the day before the start.
BAGS: Miss Grape: 7L saddle-bag, Toptube-bag, 2L Frame-bag, Bud-bag on the handlebar and USWE 2L hydration-pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike is awesome and the frame offers the ability to carry tools, pump, extra battery for headlamp, etc inside the down-tube.

Caroline Livesey

Age 44 / Felanitx, Mallorca (Spain)

BIKE: Orbea Terra 2022, M20i Team Small. Shimano GRX. 248/31T front and 11-34T rear. Parcours Alta wheelset. Pirelli Cintuaro Gravel RC in 45mm tubeless.
BAGS: Restrap Saddle pack (4.5L), Restrap rear top tube bag, Rockbros front top tube bag, Rockbros handlebar bag. Running vest with 2L water pouch.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Terra “in frame” locker (underneath the removable front bottle cage) is great for storing some of the heavier tools for puncture and bike repairs in the frame -and low on the centre of gravity for the bike. Wheels and tyres are essential to get through this kind of race in one piece and I love the bombproof Alta and Cintuaro combination. I also love the rear Restrap bag – it doesn’t look that big but I can fit so much in there. My approach for the race has definitely been to travel light, but err on the side of caution when it comes to bike mechanicals. Still I have managed to pack a sleeping mat (TRINORDIC Ultralight 500g), sleeping sack, great lights (Moon Meteor X Auto front, KNOG spare front) and power banks, and a very tiny wash kit.

Rebecca Loaiza

Age 34 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball 29er, flat bars, 2.2” Conti Race Kings.
BAGS: Tailfin aeropack, Tailfin cargo cage, Apidura top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Scott rigid fork and SON dynamo with Sinewave Beacon.

Simon Matthys

Age 39 / Sint Joris (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands on a Cervélo Aspero 5 with a full SRAM Force XPLR AXS groupset (40T ring and 10-44T cassette) and a new pair of Ultradynamico Rosé Robusto tires (42mm) running on a set of Reserve 32mm wheels.
BAGS: My bag setup includes an Apidura x Maap frame bag (4l) and saddle bag (7l), a Cordel Durum bar bag and a Salomon Active Skin 8 hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Lights & super comfortable Pas Normal Studios Escapism bibs.

Raineri Mauro

Age 48 / Grumello Del Monte (Italy)

BIKE: 3T ULTRA, 3T 35/40 carbon wheels with Pirelli Cinturato gravel M 700x40mm tires, SRAM Force AXS 42T front and 11-50T cassette, Hope Rx4 brakes, 3T Superghiaia carbon bar.
BAGS: Missgrape cluster, Missgrape 2 bud, Missgrape node adventure. Missgrape internode 3L, Missgrape moon, Backpack with 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea To Summit sleeping bag and ultralight Ortovox bivy bag. To light up the night, a Lupine Piko and Petzl 400 on my helmet.

Pawel Milkowski

Age 40 / Katowice, Silesia (Poland)

BIKE: 3T Exploro RaceMax with SRAM RIVAL AXS 2×12 for extra versatile drivetrain with Pirelli Gravel M 40mm tires and Pro Missile TT Extensions.
BAGS: Apidura Long Top Tube Pack and Apidura Frame Pack. An old but still functional Revelate Designs Pika saddle bag bought by my brother in Vienna. Also running two 750ml water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Extra water on the back in an EVOC Hydration Bike Backpack with 2l bladder. 2 Knog PWR Road lights and Fenix HM65R headlamp. Tire repair kits, Restrap patches, Maripose tire chisel, Thick chisel for X-Sauce tires, TyreRepair MorganBlue as we assume that the lack of water and air in the tire are the only things that can stop us.

Mike Mono (Egger)

Age 30 / Olten, Solothurn (Switzerland)

BIKE: Basso Palta II that finished last years BADLANDS with the new Bike Ahead Biturbo Aero Gravel with a 26mm inner width. SRAM Rival paired with a SRAM X01 derailleur and a XX1 10-50T cassette. I’m using a Modified Basso seat post with a 0mm offset and the Leonardo Capo crankset that is very flexible in terms of mounting systems (power meter or other spiders). On the crankset is a 36T oval chainring.
BAGS: Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Bike Ahead wheels and the Selle Italia Flite.

Krzysztof Milosz

Age 34 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: Giant Revolt ADV.
BAGS: Tailfin AeroPack, JackPack top tube bag, Camelbak Hydrovest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SLX crankset with Deckas 34T oval and GRX-RD 812 with 11-50T Garbaruk cassette, Evanlite Carbon wheels with SON28 hub, Maxxis Rambler TL 700x45mm, SUPERNOVA M99 DY Pro, B&M e-werk charger.

Krzysztof Miszewski

Age 42 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF SL with suspension fork to make me feel more comfortable on the route.
BAGS: Mixture of different brands and types: Tailfin Top Bag on the rack to fit my clothes, Topeak frame bag with my sleeping system and spares, Topeak top tube pack with electronics, two food pouches with snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will carry Salomon Adv Skin vest plus three water bottles to keep me hydrated, Outdoor Research Helium bivy and Robens Vapor mat as a sleeping system, Rab down jacket to keep me warm, Exposure Diablo MK12 as front light and Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for the navigation.

Kike Molares

Age 38 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Standert Stichsäge, SRAM Force AXS 1x (36T *46T in the picture / 10-42T), Posedla.cc saddle, Deda SuperZero handlebar, Silca Nastro Cuscion 3.75 tape, Duke 650b Alloy Rims + Hope Pro4 hubs, Continental Terra Trail 47mm tires, Silca Chisela Computer mount.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack, Carrie.gere made in Amsterdam frame bag, Apidura Racing Hydration Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Posedla.cc saddle, Silca Nastro Cuscion 3.75 tape, Apidura Racing Hydration Vest–first time riding it and already in love, Velocio bibs!

Jesper Morck

Age 45 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: Open Up, zipp 303 wheels, 36t-10/52, SRAM AXS Force.
BAGS: Apidura Racing bags and hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Pas Normal Studios kit, Quoc shoes, and loads of Oskar Oatbars.

Federico Morelli

Age 30 / Paris (France)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 paired with Zipp 303s wheels and Pirelli Cinturato M 45mm tyres. Shomano GRX 800 with 36T chainring and 11-46T Sunrace cassette for minimum speed. Crankbrothers Candy pedals and Deda Aerobars for sweet contact points.
BAGS: Bags are all from Miss Grape: Internode 4, Moon, Cluster 13 and long toptube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The 36/46T gear ratio together with the Cinturato tyres allow to climb walls, although I was not brave enough to get in 50mm. Last but not least, the awesome matcha Canyon frame.

Richard Muck

Age 39 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I’m racing on a custom built 2022 Cannondale SuperSix Evo CX with a 1×12 AXS Mullet drivetrain featuring an e-thirteen 9-45T cassette and 38T Wolf Tooth Oval Chainring, Zipp 303 Firecrest rims with Vre pressure sensors, and tubeless 40mm Schwalbe RS Vre in the rear and R Vre in the front, along with RedshiS Clip-on Aerobars.
BAGS: My bag setup is full Apidura with a Racing Frame Bag, Racing Top Tube Bag, Backcountry Foodpouch plus, and an Expedition Saddle Pack. Additionally, I’m wearing an Apidura Racing HydraVon Vest with a 3L bladder and a spare 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova B54 front light, Lupine Rotlicht rear light, and Garmin 1040 Solar bike computer.

Guillermo Munoz

Age 41 / Burlington, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an Open U.P. with Sram Force XPLR on a 36T chainring and a Rotor 11-46T cassette with a KMC chain. Cérvelo seat post, Enve stem and Ritchey carbon handlebars. The wheels are Reserve carbon gravel and the tires are 40mm Challenge Getaway Pro tubeless. For lights, I’m carrying various Knog PWR lights with two external batteries mounted on the frame.
BAGS: I’m carrying a Restrap Race bag on the handle bar, stem and top tube. On the saddle, I’m carrying a Oveja negra Gearjammer. I will also carry and Apidura hydration pack with a 2L bloater, along 2 x 1L bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Overall, plenty of storage space without too much bulk. The seat post, steam and handle bars are all carbon to mitigate some of the gravel vibration.

Johan Nilsson

Age 31 / Gothenburg (Sweden)

BIKE: Riding the Canyon Grail 7 eTap with SRAM Rival 12-speed, 10-44T cassette. Running 40mm tyres.
BAGS: All the bags are from Fjällräven collaboration with Specialized. Toptube bag is a 0.8L bag for electronics, frame bag is a 3L bag for puncture kit(s), toiletry and hygiene products (wet wipes & toothbrush), and some food. Snack Bag is a 0.8L bag, perfect to store some gels from Neversecond and food. Seatbag Harness is fitted with a 16L drybag for my sleeping bag and mat, clothes and always an extra pair of bibs. Will also fill with some drink mix from Neversecond.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The matching bags, by far. Might not be the lightest or the most efficient setup, but it sure looks good.

Roger Nodeland

Age 49 / Kristiansand (Norway)

BIKE: BMC URS LT Two with 1×12 drivetrain (38-10/52) with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC tyres and tubeless setup. Profile Design Sonic Ergo 45/25A aerobars with risers and Pro Stealth saddle.
BAGS: Tailfinn Aeropack, containing my sleeping system; a Sol Escape bivvy, a Klymit Inertia X Frame sleeping pad, a silk sheet bag, a pillow, a spaceblancket (as ground sheet) and a Rapha down jacket. In addition, some food, first aid equipment and various accessories. The Apidura long top tube pack will be used for handy essentials like sunscreen and some food on-the-go. The Rapha bar bag will contain some clothes, batteries, glasses for the night etc. On my back I will wear a Evoc Hydro Pro bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My lark of whiskey to keep my spirits up.

Loris Ortlieb

Age 30 / Leipzig (Germany)

BIKE: Standert Erdgeschoss (stainless steel frame with carbon fork), GRX mechanical Groupset, 31/48T in the front and 11-42 with Goatlink in the back, waxed chain, Son Dynamohub and B&M IQ-X light, Rene Herse Manastash ridge 44mm tires (tubeless).
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, apidura expedition 5.3L framebag, apidura/canyon toptubebag, Rapha Bar Bag, 2x Restrap Race Stem Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, Dynaplug, Leatherman squirt, Decathlon lightweight down jacket, 6 bottlecages on the bike and Tailfin (five for water (3.65 L) and one for electrolyte powder), Apidura hydration vest (2L).

Jaime Palou

Age 45 / Halmstad, Halland (Sweden)

BIKE: Van Nicholas Rowtag, SRAM Eagle AXS with 10-52t and 38t chainring. SRAM Force levers and SRAM Red calipers. Zipp 303 Firecrest with Schwalbe G-one Overland 45mm tyres.
BAGS: Brooks Scape bags. Frame, top tube, and seatbag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing special except that I can take a lot of water. And maybe my Wolf Tooth EnCase multi tool and a Lifestraw universal water filtration system.

Jose Carlos Pardo

Age 47 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: Giant Revolt Advanced with Shimano GRX and Giant CRX2 carbon wheels.
BAGS: Pro Discover bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike and the setup for the race are a great work of art. The setup is lightweight, durable, and reliable.

James Payne

Age 22 / Nottingham (United Kingdom)

BIKE: My On One Whippet XC bike, adapted for some serious gravel miles: ON One Geoff loop bars, rigid fork /post, 36T oval chainring, 11-52T cassette, Vittoria Tereno 1.7″ tyres, and a Brooks Cambium saddle.
BAGS: Podsacs saddle bag, Frame and Top Tube bag from Camelchops and decathlon stem bags for snacks, plus a 2L hydration hip pack from ION.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The On One Geoff bars are a long time favorite (a near copy of Jeff Jones Orignal Loop and H bars) – providing all the mounting and hand placement options. The brooks saddle is comfy as hell, and the DIY watch charging mount is a neat solution to an awkward problem – cheers dad for the idea!

Lucas Perez

Age 40 / Melbourne (Australia)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl Aluminium frame size XXL. The drivetrain is SRAM AXS mullet (Eagle XX1 + Force) with 10-52T cassette and a 36T front chain ring. Brake calipers and discs from Hope, rotors size 180mm front and rear. Carbon wheels 36mm profile from Craftworx Australia, with 52mm Vittoria Mezcal tires although with the 26mm internal width of the rims the tires measure 54mm installed! set up tubeless and airliners from Vittoria as well.
BAGS: Tailfin alloy aeropack (20L), Tailfin top tube bag (1.1L) and Tailfin down tube bag (3L) not shown on this picture as well as an Apidura frame bag (4L). Will travel with 2L of water on the back and two 1L water bottles on the frame, I will use a couple of cargo cages at the fork as well as one water bottle cage on the Aeropack to increase water capacity when needed on more remote sections of the route.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Krusty the clown valve caps.

Mauro Raineri

Age 48 / Grumello del Monte, Bergamo (Italy)

BIKE: 3T ULTRA, 3T 35/40 carbon wheels with Pirelli Cinturato gravel M 700x40mm tubeless ready, Sram Force AXS 42T front and rear 11-50T, Hope Rx4 Brakes, Dropbar 3T Superghiaia carbon.
BAGS: Missgrape cluster 7L, Missgrape 2 bud, Missgrape node adventure, Missgrape internode 3L, Missgrape moon, Backpack with camelbak 2L, Two bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea To Summit sleeping bag and Ortovox bivy bag. To light up the night a Lupine Piko and backup light on the helmet Petzl 400.

Pete Ralph

Age 44 / Brighton (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Planet X Titus, SRAM Force mechanical groupset.
BAGS: Mixture of Apidura and Ortieb.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: WCS Bomber XL bars, Redshift stem and grips, Specialized Power Pro Mirror saddle, Wolf Tooth 28T elliptical chainring, Hunt wheels with SON 28 dynamo, Widefoot Litre Cage to fit Nalgene 1.5L bottles.

Paul van Ravenswaaij

Age 41 / West Terschelling (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Cervelo Aspero 5, Shimano GRX Di2 shifter, brakes and crank. Shimano XTR Di2 rear derailleur, 1×11 drivetrain 38 front 11-46 rear, Zipp 101 xplr 650B rims, WTB Sendero 47x650B, Profile Design aerobar, Lezyne 1300XXL front light.
BAGS: Miss Grape Cluster 20 liter, internobe, Tendril, Moon Commuting, Big Node.

Martijn Reffeltrath

Age 47 / Best (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint with stock set up. Schwalbe 40mm G One R on the wheels.
BAGS: Focus Atlas 8 bikepack rack with two Ortlieb 7l dry bags on it, and a frame bag from Bontrager.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have the ashes from my mom hanging at the side of my frame, she is traveling with me and is a kind of talisman.

Josh Reid

Age 25 / Newcastle Upon Tyne (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Giant Revolt with Hutchinson Tyres and Shimano GRX 2x.
BAGS: Restrap bikepacking bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going to be running an Exposure 6 pack front light. It’ll be like riding in daylight.

Jessica Richter

Age 30 / Leipzig (Germany)

BIKE: Veloheld Icon.X (Steel Frame and fork, custom color), 30/46T chainrings in the front 11-42T cassette with Goatlink and waxed chain, Rene herse Manastash Ridge 44mm tubeless tires, SON Dynamohub with SON lights.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, Rapha Bar Bag, 2x B-TWIN Food pouch, Fjällräven S/F framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, Decathlon lightweight down jacket, Pajak radical 1Z down sleeping bag, Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, Melon Optics alleycat glasses, Apidura hydration west, POC helmet.

James Ridley

Age 58 / Weardale, County Durham (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I will be riding Badlands 2023 on my Ridley Kanzo Fast. GRX810 groupset 1×11 with 40T ring up front and 10-48T cassette on the back to help me up those long climbs. Fulcrum Racing Wind wheels fitted with Schwalbe G One Bite 45mm tyres set up tubeless. For riding into the night I am using Exposure Lights front and back, with external battery packs for charging on the move.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack on the back to carry my sleep system, bivvy, mat, liner etc and extra bars and gels, a Tailfin top tube bag for phone, cables, suncream etc and an Apidura Frame pack plus Hydration Bladder for tools, toiletries and more gels! With the bladder and bottles I can carry 3.5L of water into the desert.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am hoping the Garmin 1040 solar will keep me on track, not need much charging and maybe even talk to me occasionally when I’m biking through the night on my own!

Matt Ringrow

Age 32 / Somerset (England)

BIKE: Vitus Substance 2019, Vel 650b carbon hoops fitted with Panaracer Gravel King SK+. Redshift suspension stem, aero bars with 80mm spacer for comfort. Full Vel bags all over! Shimano GRX 1×11. Exposure lights of course front and back with Alpkit lights as a back up.
BAGS: Vel saddle bag with top tube and frame bag keeping it sleek and lightweight yet durable and space for the essentials.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wide 650b Gravel kings for all the comfort in the world! Running a 34T front chainring to get my heavy body up those climbs and preserve some energy.
Garmin 1040 (maybe should have got solar with all this sun).

Fergus Roberts

Age 28 / (Scotland)

BIKE: Cannondale Topstone Carbon, GRX groupset, Schwalbe g-one allround tires.
BAGS: Apidura racing tob tube bags, Apidura expedition saddlebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Muc-off chamois cream. Any time I’m in discomfort I am relying on the cream to give me some relief from the inevitable saddle sores!

Unai Robredo

Age 51 / Urduliz, Basque Country (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Badlands 2023 on a 2022 Orbea Alma M50 carbon frame, with RockSox Judy fork. Maxxis Ikon 2.20″ tires. Shimano SLX groupset with 1×12 drivetrain: 34T ring and 10-51T cassette.
BAGS: A mix of Topeak Backloader 10L saddle bag, AGU Venture 3L frame bag and Alpkit Gnaro 3L handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin eTrex30 to find the path, Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL front light to see the path and Ergon GP3 grips to bear the path.

Patricia Rueda-Garcia

Age 32 / Galera, Granada (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grail 7 eTap AL. SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS, Cassette SRAM Rival XPLR XG-1251, 12-Speed, 10-44T.
Chairings: 1. Wheelsize 28’’. Tyre: Conti Terra 40mm.
BAGS: Restrap race bar bag 7l, Restrap frame bag-small 3l, Restrap race saddle bag 7l.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Conti Terra 40mm tires, Salomon Chase vest with Fusion reservoir hydration pack, Sea to Summit extra light sleeping Bag, USB charging setup, Lupine SL AF, and Garmin Edge 830.

Heiko Schmidt

Age 53 / Hamburg (Germany)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge E5, Aluminium frame (cause only metal is real – old school dude), Scope wheels, Shimano GRX 810, Easton cranks, some other fine stuff.
BAGS: Top tube bag from Brooks, snack bags and small saddle bag from Apidura (modified to hold two extra water bottles).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Even if I am not very fast I opted for a minimal gear set-up. I guess I have to improvise when it comes to sleeping (no hotels). I need plenty of food while riding, so half of my bags are going to hold food. I thought long about getting an aluminum frame because of riding comfort. However, with the Specialized future shock stem and the carbon seat post it is pretty comfortable.

Oliver Schuller

Age 42 / Salzburg (Austria)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl CF, GRX 400 2/10, Supernova/Sigma lights, Schwalbe G One R with tube, 3 0.7L water bottles.
BAGS: Apidura saddlebag with light sleeping system (matress/bag) and spare cloth. Apidura top tube bag with electronics (i.e. power bank, cables). Apidura food pouch. Agu frame bag for spare parts, tools and food. I’ll be carrying an additional 2L of water in my hydration bag along with more food.

Bradley Shenton

Age 30 / London (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be riding, and racing, a FiftyOne Assassin with Hunt 42 Limitless Gravel wheelset with Rene Herse Hurricane Ridge 42 Endurance+ tyres. I’m going for a 40T chainring on the front, 11-42T on the rear. I’ve got a few Hope components thrown in for good measure and I’ll be using Exposure lights to get me through the dark nights.
BAGS: I’ll mainly be using Apidura bags and trying to keep it pretty light, I do have the addition of the Tailfin downtube bag to keep all my tools in, I’ll also have an Apidura Hydration vest on with 2L bladder in.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve got a couple of highlights but the one piece that stands out are the Albion ABR1 pocket bib shorts, there is so much space in the pockets meaning plenty of space for food, essential. The shorts go unmatched. Additionally, I’ll be wearing my QUOC GTXC’s for ultimate comfort during this massive adventure.

Manuel Saavedra

Age 51 / Purullena, Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a MEGAMO JAKAR Aluminum. I have replaced the original wheels with DRC Alloy wheels. I am riding 45mm front and 45mm back tires.
BAGS: I am going to run a mix of bags from different brands, all of them waterproof, and one hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Front lights, back lights, and a 30,000 mAh powerbank.

Robert Siebert

Age 43 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I will ride the Badlands on my Steven Gavere, which is my workhorse for pretty much everything. The drivetrain is a 2×10 GRX400 with a 30-46T chainring and a 11-42T cassette. My tires are 47mm Specialized Pathfinder Pro tubeless. For lights I will use my Ravemen 1600PR. Navigation is done by a Garmin 830.
BAGS: I have a mix of Apidura and Ortlieb bags. The Ortlieb fork bags contain my light sleeping equipment, water and some food. From Apidura I use the saddle bag (6L) for clothing. The downtube bag contains tools and spares. I also use the toptube bag, two large food pouches. The frame bag (4,5L) contains electronics and essentials. I will also carry an Apidura hydration vest with a 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Therm-a-Rest XLite mattress and Sea to Summit Aeros pillow for some sleep. The Ravemen 1600PR light for some night riding. I also take my personalized Opinel No. 12 with me.

Trihadi Siswanto

East Java (Indonesia)

BIKE: Wdnsdy JOURNEY KS, Sram Mullet 38T x 10-52T, Zipp Xplr 101, Pirelli Cinturato 700x45c tires.
BAGS: Apidura all over.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lezyne lights.

Chris Slinn

Age 51 / Mynydd Llandegai, Wales (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Ritchey Outback 1×11 Sram Rival with e*thirteen helix 9-46T cassette and 34T Wolftooth oval chainring for my puny legs! Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel X-Wide with Rene Herse Oracle Ridge. This may not be lightweight, but it’s super comfy and fun to ride.
BAGS: A mix of bags. Ortlieb frame and seat packs. Restrap top tube and feed bag, small Revelate Designs bar bag. They all work really well.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apart from my Ritchey Outback, I love the taste and ingredients of Veloforte energy bars and gels, and my 7Mesh cargo bibs and shirt are great to wear.

Bruce Spilsbury

Age 36 / Surrey (England)

BIKE: Open WIDE frame, SRAM drivetrain and brakes, Hunt wheels, Easton finishing kit, Fabric saddle, Pirelli Cinturato tyres and Exposure lights.
BAGS: Wizard Works bags all round and PedalEd race vest for extra water and kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hunt wheels. Reliable, robust and light. Never let me down yet.

George Steele

Age 31 / Cirencester (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Stock BMC Unrestricted 01 with Profile Design aero bars added for comfort and the slight aero gain.
BAGS: a variety of bags to do the job from various brands. I focussed on functionality over colour scheme!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Using the Exposure Toro with back up power banks to keep me running at night.

Marnix Stolker

Age 40 / Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands (Spain)

BIKE: JGuillem Atalaya, an indestructible titanium frame with a 40T Sram Force crankset and Eagle 10-52T cassette and Pirelli Cinturato 45mm Hard Gravel tyres.
BAGS: Rapha saddle, frame and handlebar bags and a Topeak top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rapha Cargo Bibs for storage, a Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Jersey to keep it as cool as possible and the 3L USWE MTB hydration pack.

Eduardo Talavera

Age 27 / Manzanares el Real, Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: Cannondale Supersix EVO SE, Sram Rival and Force, Bolsas PRO Discover, Nutrición 226, GPS Hammerhead Karoo, Cubiertas Specialized pathfinder 42mm, Ropa Endless.
BAGS: Frame bag with food and tools, top tube bag with chargers and cables, saddle bag with clothes, bag and toiletries.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hammerhead for navigating, Endless clothing, 226 Nutrition.

Seppe Teunis

Age 24 / Bruges (Belgium)

BIKE: My bike is a Stevens Superprestige with Panaracer 38mm tires.
BAGS: My bags are from Rhinowalk. I have a 12L on the back and an 8L on the front with a 4L small bag for inner tubes and tools.

Gereon Tewes

Age 33 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Racing a Fara GR with 1X set-up, DT Swiss wheels with Schwalbe One RS 45mm tyres with Silca sealant, Redshift suspension stem and rear light, Supernova Airstream 2 & Pro B54 battery powered front lights, Vision aero bars and a 3D printed saddle.
BAGS: Apidura Backcountry full frame bag and Long Top Tube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apidura Hydration Vest and matching reflective Vest.

Martin Thow

Age 60 / Perth (Australia)

BIKE: Orbea OIZ XC 29, Dropper Post, Leather Saddle, Maxxis Reckon Race 2.25″ Tyres, Bontrager ION RT lights, 2×10,000mha ext batteries, Garmin 1030 for Nav.
BAGS: Dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Second year doing Badlands with 50mm tyres and dual suspension.

Barry Tinnelly

Age 49 / Rostrevor, Country Down (Ireland)

BIKE: Scott Addict 20 with SRAM AXS Etap, Tyres are Schwalbe G-One Bite.
BAGS: Apidura seat post bag to hold spare parts, spare clothes and food, top tube bag holds spare battery and food, frame bag holds puncture repair parts, medical and food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Sixpack front light and Exposure Diablo helmet light.

Jose L Toro

Age 34 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Bombtrack Hook Ext C. Running Vittoria Terreno Dry 47mm mounted on DT GRC 1400. SRAM Rival AXS paired with SRAM GX Eagle AXS 38T/50T.
BAGS: Top tube, frame, saddle, pouch and handlebar bags all from Agu. I’ll be also wearing a hydration backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The set up is pretty dialled in. I’ll be able to carry enough food and water to survive a couple of days and also enough sleeping gear to be able to spend the night anywhere. Not particularly light but not super heavy either.

Inocencio Moron Torres

Age 48 / Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I will be riding Badlands on my Trek Procaliber 9.8. It’s not the lightest bike for Badlands, but It’s an off-road bike and the geometry is pretty perfect for me. The bike has Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 wheels with Bontrager XR2 2.2” tires, 10-51T cassette and a 34T chainring, a Fox 120mm fork.
BAGS: Apidura backcountry long top tube bag (1.8L) for on the bike essentials: power bank, phone, all cables, food, lube and tracker. Apidura backcountry frame bag (2L) for the comforts: gloves, glasses, additional tools, medicaments, snacks, electrolyte, tissue, chain breaker, magic link, CO2 cartridge, sunscreen, lip balm, valve tool and spare core. The saddle bag is Apidura expedition saddle bad 14L carrying a lightweight down jacket, socks, t-shirt, bib shorts, leg warmers, vest, base layer, rain coat. I’m also carrying a Camel Back vest with 2L capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m using a Garmin 830 and Garmin Etrex 20 for navigation. Bontrager front and rear lights. I will wear a 2L Camelback, two 500ml Soft Flasks and a 750ml water bottle.

Sven Trauernicht

Age 26 / Hamburg (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding my Focus Atlas 6.7. The components are a wild mix of GRX 400, GRX 600, GRX 800 and Ultegra parts. With the help of an extended B screw I could get an 11-42T cassette running with my 30/46T chainrings. I’m using Schwalbe G-One R tires along with the stock Novatec wheels.
BAGS: I use a combination of different brands. I’m using my well-used Topeak Backloader saddle bag. My food poutch is from Decathlon. The frame bag is from AGU. Thanks to my large frame size fits the 5.5L version without Problems. I stash my tools in a Tailfin Downtube Bag and a no-name top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My highlights consist firstly of my light setup, which includes a a Fenix BC 30 front lamp and a Fenix HP30R 2.0, these will give me enough light even in the darkest sections. My gearing is another highlight since this does not correspond at all to the Shimano specifications, but still works well. The last highlight is the content of one of my bottles. I will take from MON the Race Carb X which could already get me thru some dark times on past rides.

Tuomas Tukeva

Age 42 / (Finland)

BIKE: My first real gravel event and I’ll be riding with my 2023 TREK Checkpoint SLR9 AXS P1. The bike is with 1×12 drivetrain (Red eTap AXS XPLR) with a 38T front chainring (for Badlands climbing) with 10-44T cassette. Bontrager Aeolus RSL51 wheels are wrapped with Pirelli Cinturato M tires in 45mm (tubeless). I’ve added Bontrager extensions to the cockpit to have one more alternative riding position. Project 76 computer mount will be holding my Garmin Edge 1040 Solar. Lights back and front will be combination of Bontrager and Armytek.
BAGS: I’ll start Badlands 2023 with 4 bags. Energy, frame and tail bags are from Bontrager. Front roll is from Apidura. Backpack (USWE Outlander2) will take care of fluids with 2 bottles on the frame.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: To save some few extra watts and add precision the bike has been modified with Ceramicspeed OSPW and bottom bracket.

Bert van der Plas

Age 53 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Originally, I planned to use the same bike as last year (hardtail with rigid fork also used as my beach bike). However, I crashed a week ago and broke the frame in pieces. Although I do have a gravel bike, I opted to use my fully instead mainly for comfort reasons. It’s a Canyon Lux with a Fox step-caste fork, Shimano XT components and some light Newmen XA 25 MTB wheels with Schwalbe Thunderburts.
BAGS: Bike is equipped with a Blackburn saddlebag and a Topeak top tube bag. I will also carry a Camelbak with 2L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Overall the bike is very comfortable thanks to the full suspension and wide MTB tires. In addition, I added ESI chunky grips on the inner side of my handlebars to put my elbows on (and for a more aero position).

Claudio Vannini

Age 59 / Rapperswil, St. Gallen (Switzerland)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Badlands 2023 on a BMC Kaius two with Schwalbe G-one RS 40mm tires, ZIPP 303 S wheelset, SRAM Force chainrings (43/30T), SRAM Force sprocket 10-36T, and a Syntace c3 aerobar. Front light is a Magicshine aquila pro with 400LM.
BAGS: Apidura aerobar pack 2.5L, long top tube pack 2L, saddle pack 7L and a 4.5L frame pack with the 1.5L hydration bladder. Three 1L bottles and a gearbox are on the bike.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: DIY aerobar risers 50mm, Garmin Edge 1040 Solar for navigation and a Sony SRS-XB13 Boombox for further motivation.

Juanjo Vargas

Age 54 / Frigiliana, Malaga (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized Epic HT with Roval Control carbon wheelset, a mix of SRAM XX1 and GX in the drivetrain with 32T chainring and 10-50T cassette and Shimano XTR brake set. Tires are Schwalbe Racing Ray/Thunder burt 29×2.25″ combo. For Badlands I’ve added a set of SQlab inner bar ends and Ergon GA3 grips. Hammerhead karoo2 as gps device. Lights will be Lezyne XXL 1300 and Fenix headlamp.
BAGS: I will try to be as minimalist as possible and I will mount a set of Apidura 7l racing saddle pack and 2l long tube pack. At the last minute I will decide whether to mount a small handlebar bag, depending on the weather forecast. A camelbak backpack for hydration and sandwiches/snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m really happy with my bike setup. The balance between lightness, drivetrain gear ratio and the comfort of riding a fork and big, rolling tires gives me full confidence to face the hashness of Badlands.

Simon Verlinde

Age 23 / Kortrijk (Belgium)

BIKE: My bike is a Canyon Grizl SL7 with Schwalbe 45mm tires.
BAGS: My bags are from Apidura, I have a 14L on the back and a 9L on the front with a 1L on top of the frame for some gels and power supplies.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I run a 50-34T on the front and a 11-34T cassette.

Alberto Viciana

Age 38 / Haarlem (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Focus Atlas 8.9 with some upgrades.
BAGS: Tailfin alloy rack with AP20 top bag, Tailfin 1.5L Top Tube pack – zip, MAAP x Apidura frame bag, Tarkaco x Ride Beyond Crew bag, to have the support of the crew during the race.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM Rival Quarq powermeter with a 40T chainring and SRAM Eagle 10-52T cassette. SRAM GX Eagle AXS. Zipp aero bars and SON dynamo from NatureMike, snackitos and nutrition from STYRKR, lights, tools, helmet and essentials from BBBcycling, albaoptics for the day and even the night, MAAP for every single piece of clothes and QUOC shoes for my feet. To keep me rolling, Fulcrum wheels, to keep me in the right direction, Hammerhead, and to keep my bike hydrated, DYNAMIC Bike Care.

Bruno González Vives

Age 43 / Valladolid (Spain)

BIKE: MMR RAKISH 29, 1×11 drivetrain with 34T Shimano XT and 11-46T cassette, Fork Rock Shox RS1 100mm, Pedals Crankbrothers Candy 7, DT-Swiss wheel, Tires Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ (front) 2.1″ (rear).
BAGS: Apidura Racing long tube pack (2L) and saddle pack. Restrap stem bag (1.1L).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Aero bars parabolica 2, SON Hub dynamo (with USB hub). Lights: Supernova M99 DY PRO, Lezyne 1300 xxl, Headlamp Petzl Nao. GPS: Garmin Edge 830 and Garmin Etrex 30x. Hydration: Camelbak 2L backpack, 2 x 0.75 ml bottels. Playmobil: Nubecilla.

Dan Walker

Age 39 / Insh, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands (Scotland)

BIKE: Albannach Torragar, HED Belgium Plus 700c rims laced on Hope Pro 4 and Shutter Precision dynamo and shod with Schwalbe G-One R 45mm tyres with Vitoria gravel inserts, and XTR RT-MT900 160mm rotors. Shimano Ultegra R8020 groupset, with Ultegra RX rear mech, 50-34T crankset, XT 11-42T cassette, and KMC X11-EL gold chain. Hope Union RC Pedals, BB and headset, Fizik Aliante Open R1 saddle. Zipp bars, seatpost, stem and TT bars. K-Edge Garmin and light mount. It served me well across the Pyrenees and back during #TPRNO1 and has explored lots of corners of Scotland on road and gravel, I’m excited now to see how it handles the desert.
BAGS: Restrap Race 3L frame, 1.5L top tube and 7L saddle bag, and albannach bagel bar bag. The saddle bag contains my sleep system and Patagonia NanoPuff jacket. Frame bag contains spare clothing, hygiene and medic kit, battery pack. Bagel bag has tools and spares. Black Diamond Distance 4 vest with 1.5L hydration bladder and 2x cage mounted bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shutter Precision dynamo should keep the Exposure Revo and Redeye dynamo lights on, and the Garmin 1030 head unit navigating via a Sinewave Revolution. Exposure Diablo light, Exposure TraceR DayBright Rear Light, and Petzl IKO Core headtorch for riding during the long cool nights. My sleeping system consists of an Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Mat, Sea-to-Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner and Rab Survival Zone Lite Bivi Sleeping Bag. Light weight and easy to set up.

Joeri Wannijn

Age 39 / Kluisbergen (Belgium)

BIKE: I ride a custom steel mountain bike. Frame is built by hand to my geometry by the Deanima crew in Italy. Ink painted in house by G. Pegoretti. The rigid Enve mountain fork is adapted to fit the Alygn front rack. I chose a XTR 2×12 mechanic drivetrain. The Son front dynamo hub is connected to the Plug (charging my Wahoo GPS) or to the Supernova light system (I swap connectors). The rims are from Beast and have wide 2.35″ Renegade tires. Smoother is faster.
BAGS: Three bags only so I need to spend less time searching. In the front drybag goes the sleeping system. The central framebag carries everything I need while riding (energybars, repair kit, sunscreen…). Clothing and some bocadillos go in the rear Ortlieb trunk bag. A 1.5L water bottle fits underneath.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ergon grips with bar ends.

Jeff Webb

Age 52 / Oslo (Norway)

BIKE: I’m riding an F/Gravel from Fara Cycling (of course), the company I founded. It’s a full carbon, short wheel-based ripper but for this year I decided to size up to a 56 and add the RockShox Rudy to make the bike a bit more stable and compliant. The bigger size also makes more space for cargo inside the triangle. I have a prototype integrated carbon cockpit that is well adapted to adventure racing and fits aero-extensions (mostly for hand-relief in this case). I’m also running 1x for the first time (at least as of this moment, could always switch back to 2x) on full SRAM Force D2 with a Red crank. Wheels are a sweet set of Fulcrum Rapid Red Carbon’s on my favourite Pirelli Gravel M 45mm tires.
BAGS: I will go light on gear so I have no option but to ride through the nights, so at the moment only planning to use one of our integrated frame bags and small bar bag, mostly to carry food. I will also wear a hydration vest with a 2L bladder and pockets stuffed at the start.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I carried a sleep kit last year, but I’m ditching it this year so I don’t waste time sleeping, haha. My favourite part of this bike is the fact that I was a part of the team that developed it! I love the downtube storage which fits basically all my spares and tools neatly out of the way.

Gary Williams

Age 55 / Cadiar, Granada (Spain)

BIKE: Ican X gravel. Hunt Carbon wheels with GRX/XT groupset. WTB Riddler tyres .
BAGS: Geosmina.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Super light bivvy sleep system.

Zippy

Age 49 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: Super happy to be back again this year on my trusty FiftyOne Assasin, GRX Di2, 36T Wolf Tooth Front ring, 46-11T cassette. Son dynamo hub, Sinewave front light, vap aero bar. Tyres by the one and only Rene Herse (Oracle Ridge 48mm) although I ran their Slicks last year (zero flats or issues) and might switch back before the start. (I LOVE slicks)
BAGS: Cordel bar bag, others all Apidura, 2.4L frame, 2L top tube, 7L saddle, 1.5L water bladder, packable musette.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rene Herse Tyres.

Thomas Zbinden

Age 58 / Maennedorf (Switzerland)

BIKE: I will ride Badlands on a 2020 Trek Checkpoint SL 7. This beauty served me well in the past. Drivetrain is a SRAM Force eTap AXS, 12-speed with a SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-50T cassette. Cranks are 172.mm with a 40T chainring. Wheels are 700c Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon with the Schwalbe G-One RS 45mm. For navigation I use a Garmin Edge 1040 solar and my phone as a backup. For charging devices, I carry a 10,000 mAh Anker Powerbank.
BAGS: I am using ultralight CYCLITE bags: Saddle bag small 8L, Frame bag large 3.6L, Top Tube bag large 2.2L, Handle bag aero bars 4.5L, and an Evoc Hydro Pro 1.5L vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping system consists of a bivvy and a Sea To Summit ultra-light sleeping mat. Profile design 45/25A aerobars with 50mm risers will help me to change positions and keep me comfortable during the journey.

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Further Reading

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