Rigs of the 2025 Trans Balkan Race

In June 2022, the inaugural Trans Balkan Race debuted with over 100 riders determined to complete the 1,300-kilometer track across the Balkans. The route, which served up over 27,000 meters of elevation gain, passed through the National Park of the Dinaric Alps, crossing Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro via a mix of gravel, paved roads, and paths. That year, Lieven Schroyen of Belgium took first place with a time of 5 days and 6 hours. Lael Wilcox was the first woman to finish, arriving in the Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro about a day later.

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The Trans Balkan Race has been increasing in popularity each year despite a challenging route packed with long, remote sections, limited water access, and massive climbs. This year, there are almost 160 riders signed up for the race. Some familiar names include Leanne Bentley of Carrie Gere, 2024 Tour Divide winner Justinas Leveika, 2023 Ascend Armenia winner Adrien Liechti, two-time SRMR winner Jenny Tough, Sofiane Sehili, and others.

Similar to the last few years, the organizers at Exploro.cc brought in photographer Giuliano Koren to capture the riders’ rigs photos before the event started. Find his gallery mixed with some user-submitted photos below, featuring details on the bikes, bags, and gear taking on this year’s race. After digging through the rigs, head over to the event page to follow along live.

Martin Appel

Age 36 / Dresden, Saxony (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding a Bergamont Revox 7, a solid hardtail mountain bike that I’ve kept mostly stock. It’s reliable, straightforward, and gets the job done on all kinds of terrain.
BAGS: Up front, I’m using an Ortlieb handlebar roll. On the back, I have a saddle bag from Decathlon, and on the top tube, I’m running a small Apidura top tube bag for easy access to snacks and essentials.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I haven’t made many modifications to my setup yet. It’s pretty minimal and practical, just the way I like it.

Leanne Bentley

Age 34 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on the updated for 2025 Sour Pasta Party, with custom anodized hubs from QVIST laced to Reynolds carbon rims, a Manitou R8 fork, and SRAM 1×12 mechanical drivetrain. Tires are 2.35″ Schwalbe Racing Ralph/Ray. I’m also running Profile Design aerobars for comfort.
BAGS: All the bags are made by me (Carrie Gere), except the long top tube bag, which is from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The combo of the Albion UL insulated jacket and Primaloft body warmer, which should see me through a wide range of temperatures. I’ll also once again be running a kLite dynamo light and charger.

Martin Berndt

Age 41 / Gorlitz (Germany)

BIKE: This is my new girlfriend, Mary-Jane, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC, which was finished at short notice! Funny detail and a hybrid, the brakes, cassette, and crank are from SRAM and the gears are from Shimano Deore XT with at 34T ring and 11-50T cassette, 12-speed. The fork is a RockShox Recon Gold. Tires are Maxxis Ardent 29 x 2.4″ tubeless.
BAGS: My top tube bag from Tailfin holds smaller technical items and snacks. The Ortlieb down tube bag holds other tubes and quickly accessible items. I also have the NeoAir sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest on the frame. In the Ortlieb saddle bag, I have my cycling clothes, as well as a rain and down jacket, a bivi and my sleeping bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I get my light and power from a SON dynamo and the SON Ladelux, which I can also use for charging.

Benedek Borsos

Age 29 / Budapest (Hungary)

BIKE: Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup Sid SL Ultimate fork, XX SL Transmission drivetrain, Roval Control SL wheelset, SRAM Level Ultimate 4 piston brakes, Roval Control SL seatpost, S-Works Romin Mirror saddle, 75mm stem.
BAGS: Custom frame bag by HorizontMakes, Tailfin Toptube bag, 2x Apidura Downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Spare headphones, KLND sticker set.

Valerio Cecchi

Age 34 / Rome (Italy)

BIKE: I’m riding a Chiru Highlander in titanium with a matching titanium seatpost and handlebar. It runs a 30T Wolf Tooth chainring paired with a 10–52T SRAM 12-speed cassette. The crankset is SRAM NX with Shimano M540 SPD pedals. Braking is handled by 180mm Shimano rotors front and rear, powered by hydraulic Shimano Deore XT dual-piston calipers. The wheelset is 29″ aluminium DT Swiss, M1900 rear and XM481 front, wrapped in 2.4″ Maxxis Forekaster tyres with Tannus Armour inserts running tubeless. The front wheel features a SON28 dynamo hub paired with a Sinewave Beacon 2. The fork is a 130mm Manitou Mattoc, and the saddle is a 3D-printed Fizik Antares Adaptive. The cockpit includes SQlab Innerbarends and Ergon GP3 grips.
BAGS: Storage is provided by a custom semi-full frame triangle bag from Miss Grape, which leaves room for a 750ml bottle on the rear side of the triangle. This is complemented by a 2L top-tube bag from Restrap. On the handlebar, I mount two food pouches on the inner side and a 14L front sack bag. On the downtube, I carry a 1.8L Apidura bag paired with another 750ml bottle. Under the saddle, I run a 14L Apidura Expedition bag. Additional volume comes from a 10L EVOC backpack, which also holds a 2L water bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleeping, I use an Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag with a Marmot Hydrogen (-7°C) sleeping bag, paired with an ultralight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mat. Power is stored in two 10,000mAh power banks, charged via a Revolution buffer battery compatible with the Beacon 2. For wall charging, I carry a 100W fast charger by Anker. The lighting system is led by the Beacon 2, supported by a Lezyne 1600XL on the handlebar, a Lezyne 1000+ Pro on the helmet, and an Exposure Zenith MK3 as backup for both.

Carlo Centofanti

Age 47 / Rome (Italy)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a “Columbus” steel bike frame handmade by Vincenzo Forgione in Italy. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal tires, Shimano 1×11, a 11-51T cassette, 30T chaining, and Dt Swiss wheels with a PD-8X Dynamo hub up front. Surly Moloko Handlebar and Brooks Swallow saddle. The fork is a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 100mm.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom LesenokBag Frame bag. 3x 1L bottles will be mounted to the fork and Salomon hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A bivy will serve as my shelter along with an Sea To Summit UL Air Mat. I’ll also be carrying an e Garmin 1040 solar for navigation.

Mieszko Chmielarski

Age 34 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: NS BIKES Synonym. FOX 120/100mm. KOLO-KOLA carbon wheels, Maxxis RR 2.35″ tires, 30/52T drivetrain.
BAGS: Restrap Saddle Pack 4.5L, Tailfin toptube/downtube, Batu frame bag, JackPack food pouches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Evadict vest with 2L bladder, Sleep kit: MSR bivy, Klymit X frame, Cumulus puff jacket.

Miroslav Chrapka

Age 43 / LONDON (UK)

BIKE: I’m riding my Specialized Epic with RockShox suspension (120mm of travel), Roval wheels with Race King tyres, and a SRAM Transmission with a 30T chainring and 10-52T cassette. For lights, I’ve got an Exposure headlight, a Nitecore headlamp, and a AAA-powered Cateye rear light with a bonkers 200 hours of runtime. For navigation, I’m using the Coros Dura, which should last the whole race. Let’s see how much sun we get.
BAGS: My usual mix of Tailfin and Apidura bags. Handlebar bag carries the sleeping kit: bivy, mat, sleeping bag. Top tube bag is for electronics. Saddle bag holds clothes. Food pouches for the fuel. I carry two bottles and use a hydration vest for extra liquid and more snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My ski mask. Special forces thing, you know (I mean night riding, if it gets cold).

Roberto Corrao

Age 50 / Foligno, Perugia (Italy)

BIKE: I’ll be riding Trans Balkan Race 2025 on a 2025 Scott Scale RC. The bike features a new pair of Continental Cross King 2.3″ tires, a 1×11 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Syncross wheels. One modification is a bar with arm rests on the handlebars.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom Polaris Frame bag and rear bag Geosmina, I am also running a Miss Grape frame bag and a Ortileb bag in front. 1.5L bottles and 2L bladder on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Alpkit bivy with a Dechatlon sleeping pad, and sleeping bag from Marmot.

Ales Cotic

Age 51 / Gornja Radgona (Slovenia)

BIKE: Cotic Solaris Max, Wheelset DT Swiss+ Vittoria, Formula Selva, Magura MT5.
BAGS: Evoc, Aero.

Christophe Coulomb

Age 41 / Villeurbanne (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a VERSAN HEROC bike, a steel frame made in France. SRAM mechanical transmission, 30T chainring with a 10/52T cassette. Hutchinson Python and Skeleton 2.3″ tires.
BAGS: Restrap pannier setup with custom Frame bag, 7L race saddle bag, 2L top tube bag. The whole thing is completed with an Apidura backcountry hydration pack and a downtube bottle for a total capacity of 3L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Backcountry bivouac gear, Cumulus sleeping bag, MSR bivy, Therm-a-rest sleeping mat. Rain gear.

Magnus Creutzfeldt

Age 50 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: Cervélo ZHT-5 carbon hardtail MTB with 29” wheels and Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tires. SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 mechanical drivetrain with 10–52T cassette. The cockpit features a flat bar with 16° backsweep, Ergon GA3 wing grips, SQlab inner barends, and a 5cm rise aerobar for comfort and varied hand positions.
BAGS: Luggage is a mix of Decathlon, Tailfin, custom-made, and other bags. It’s not the lightest, but they don’t wobble and they look good.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Special features include the birthday gift from my brilliant friends: a carbon Lilienthal front wheel with a Son 28 dynamo and the new Son LadeLux light with high beam and charging function. But equipment is known to make up only a third of success. Let’s hope the legs and morale keep up.

Christian Dorfer

Age 48 / Klagenfurt, Carinthia (Austria)

BIKE: My bike is a Merida Big.Nine Team with a carbon frame and a SRAM Eagle drivetrain.
BAGS: I’m using a Topeak BackLoader 15L as a saddlebag, a Topeak MidLoader 3.0L, and two Topeak TopLoaders (0.75L each) mounted on the top tube. Additionally, I have two Topeak FreeLoaders as bottle holders and a Topeak BarLoader with a 6.5L capacity on the handlebars for food and snacks during the ride. As a backpack, I use the Ergon BX3 EVO, which has a volume of 15L and can be expanded to 18L, equipped with a 3L hydration bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For navigation, I have a Garmin Edge 530. My sleep system consists of a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag rated to -1°C, and a bivy sack.

David Gambuli

Age 38 / Modena, Florence (Italy)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a steel custom bike designed with Erman Bike. Magnatòtt is his name, which literally means “eater of everything,” both the terrain and food we’ll find. The bike is equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain (38/24T with 11-42T) which can handle pretty much anything. 2.2” tires, Continental Race king on the back and Pirelli Scorpion XC M on the front. An aero/rest bar to chill while on the rare flat section. Wheels are Fulcrum Red Zone Carbon 29.
BAGS: Full frame bag, saddle bag from Apidura, and top tube from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: a magic red box on the bottom of the bike that contains pretty much anything that can be useful for repairs.

Tim von Glahn

Age 34 / Siegburg (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding a Sauvage LaForet titanium frame with RockShox SID fork, Shimano XT/SLX brakes and shifting, and custom wheels (Dt Swiss 350 / Fratelli FC30) with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires.
BAGS: Revelate Designs front roll and seat bag alongside a Restrap top tube bag and a awesome custom frame bag from Bohemia Outdoor.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in a Cumulus Quilt, a Lupine Piko lamp on my helmet will light the way, and a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 for navigation.

Markus Herr

Age 39 / Bodenheim, Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding a Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp 2025, equipped with a SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission 1×12 drivetrain. The setup features a SON28 dynamo hub powering a Supernova M99 Pro DY headlight, supported by a Cycle2Charge adapter for efficient charging on the go. For added comfort and ergonomics, I rely on SQlab Innerbarends and the SQlab 60X Infinergy saddle. The rest of the build is stock, with the frame fully wrapped in RideWrap film to handle whatever the trail throws at it.
BAGS: I run a combination of Ortlieb bags, Handlebar-Pack, Accessory-Pack, and Frame-Pack—alongside a small Deuter top tube bag and a Decathlon food pouch for easy-access essentials. At the rear, I use the Aevor Seat Pack, and for additional capacity, a lightweight Cyclite Race Backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My gear highlights include the ultralight Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite sleeping pad, and the Sea to Summit Spark SpII sleeping bag, which strikes a balance between warmth and packability. I’m carrying essential first-aid, hygiene, and repair kits, along with a light down jacket, arm and leg warmers, a GRAYL water purifier, and a 2L water bladder in my backpack. Navigation is handled by a Wahoo ELEMNT Roam.

Carl Hopps

Age 38 / Leeds (UK)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Sonder Frontier Hardtail 29″ which I only built up on Wednesday! Its built up with a mix of Shimano 12-speed (30T ring), Hope Fortus 26 Pro5 Wheels with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35 Tyres, Crank Brothers Highline Dropper Post, Brooks Cambium C15 Saddle, Sonder Aspect Carbon Bars, Ergon GA3 Grips. Exposure Toro lighting the way.
BAGS: Carrying my kit in all Restrap Bags. I’ve got the updated 7L Race Bar Bag that came out this week holding all my sleep system, Race Top Tube, Race Stem Bags, Downtube bag with all the spares, and on the rear I have a couple of 5L mini panniers holding all the spare layers and some room for food too.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep System – Sea to Summit Spark 2, Alpkit Bivvy Bag, Klymit X Frame Mat, Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow. Led Lenser H8R Headtorch. Mountain Equipment Saltoro Waterproof. Specialized Recon Shoes that I retired after Silk road but I’m bringing them back for one last race!

Dominick ter Huurne

Age 50 / Braidwood, NSW (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Cotic Solaris hardtail on this year’s Trans Balkan Race. I’m running a Shimano GRX810 1×12 drivetrain (32T/10x51T). Hope 29 wide rear wheel and a DT Swiss front wheel with Son Dynamo hub, both with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires. kLite adventure light for the nights with a Magicshine 1200lm helmet light.
BAGS: A mix of bags with a Miss Grape Ilcoso handlebar bag for the sleeping system, Tailfin top tube bag for the electronics, Aero rack with fork packs for clothes and tools, and a repurposed half frame bag for snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An OR Helium 2 bivy for a nap along the way with a Sea to Summit UL air mat and quilt. And possum socks in case it’s really cold at night for instant warmth.

Mikolaj Jakubowski

Age 34 / Krakow (Poland)

BIKE: Almost stock Canyon Exceed SLX 2023. It has tires swapped for 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal and 32×10-52T drivetrain. I decided to go with batteries, no dynamo. Only flat bar, no aerobars.
BAGS: Custom frame bag from Capricorn Bags, which I have had already for many years. Revelate Designs top tube bag and a small 3L bag in front with the tent. Restrap race saddle bag with 8L capacity, which I borrowed from my wife. Cyclite race backpack with 3L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For the first time, I will race using the Coros Dura. I hope it lives up to the hype. Front light is BBB Strike Duo and 30,000mAh of batteries. For my sleep kit I will bring Nordisk Lofoten, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite and Sea to Summit Spark Sp0. I might get a bit cold, but most likely I will be fine in some extra clothing.

Laura J.

Age 26 / Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)

BIKE: I am riding a Seraph Full-Suspension frame with a self-made custom paint job. The wheels are Newmen Advanced SL with a Continental Crossking in the front and Vittoria Mezcal with an insert in the back. I opted for a Bikeyoke dropper seat post for a little bit more comfort downhill and a 32T chainring for those steep climbs.
BAGS: At the front I have a light waterproof bag mounted to the armrests to store the sleeping equipment. The tools, spare parts, and electronics are located in the custom-made framebag and the extra clothing is in the Ortlieb Seat-Pack. The small top tube bag is holding the nutrition. My water will be carried in a small backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: All of the little self-made parts, but especially a small motivation booster painted on the top tube (YOU GOT THIS!).

Ali ELAMRANI JOUTEI

Age 35 / Paris (France)

BIKE: I will be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a PIVOT LES SL.
The bike is equipped with DT Swiss carbon wheels and a SON dynamo hub. I’m running Maxxis IKON tires in the rear and REKON in the front. The suspension is handled by a FOX 120mm fork. The drivetrain is a Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed setup (28T chainring up front, 10–51T cassette) with XTR pedals. I’m using a Selle Idéale saddle, Profile Design aerobars, a Sinewave Beacon v2 front light, and a Specialized/Knog rear light.
BAGS: Apidura Saddle and Frame Bag, Tailfin Top Tube BAG, and a Restrap bag for tools
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping with Sea to Summit, SOL Escape kit, Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation.

Karlo Knezevic

Age 29 / Zagreb (Croatia)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Trans Balkan Race 2025 on my beloved full-suspension Orbea Oiz M-Pro, equipped with a stock Shimano XT groupset and Fox Factory Float 34 120mm suspension front and rear. I’m running Maxxis tires for a balanced mix of speed and grip, a Rekon Race 29×2.35” with Dual Compound Protection on the rear for rolling speed, and a Forekaster 29×2.40” WT on the front for added traction. For comfort, I’m using Ergon GS3 grips paired with ZIPP Vulka aluminium aerobars. The saddle is a Fizik Terra Alpaca Alloy X5.
BAGS: At the back, I’m using an Apidura Backcountry 6L seat pack, which is compatible with my dropper post. There’s also a 1.2L Apidura downtube pack to store my repair kit. A 1.5L Restrap top tube bag will serve as a charging station for electronics and accessories, while a Restrap food pouch holds my gels and Haribo gummies. Up front, an Ortlieb pack carries my sleeping gear, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. I’ll also be bringing a Salomon ADV Skin 12L vest with a 1.5L water bladder to store extra food and my jacket.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A DIY light mount for my aerobars, made from a cut vitamin tube and some duct tape, holds my Fenix BC26R, a bit of creative problem-solving goes a long way! For sleeping, I’m bringing the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent, Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt, Klymit Static V2 sleeping pad, and a Sea to Summit pillow. I’m a bit skeptical about the quilt, but with proper layering and good tent insulation, it should keep me warm during mountain nights. I plan to carry 2.8L of water, which I believe will be more than enough. I’ll have 2x 20,000mAh power banks to charge my Garmin 1030 Plus, Garmin InReach Mini 2, Nitecore NU25 headlamp, and Fenix BC05R V2.0 rear light. This finely tuned setup wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my friend and all-round bike mechanic, Jakov Dejanović, thanks, man!

Lukas Koprivy

Age 32 / High Tatras (Slovakia)

BIKE: I will be racing the Trans Balkan race 2025 on titanium Matula Skalia equipped with a 120mm RockShox Sid Select fork and 11-speed Shimano XT with 30T chainring. The front wheel features a SON dynamo hub paired together with Sinewave Beacon light. I rely on Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35″ in front and Rekon Race 2.35″ in rear, and powerful 4-piston Magura brakes.
BAGS: My sleeping system is packed into Acepac roll bar, frame triangle is filled with Ortlieb 6l bag carrying heavier stuff. Top tube carries two smaller Topeak bags with energy bars and electronics and I also have a tiny seatpost bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be sleeping on inflatable Sea to Summit mat hidden in High Point bivy dressed in down pants and jacket. Ergon grips will hopefully provide my hands enough comfort for long days in the saddle and on long flat sections I will lean my back a bit more on aero bars. In terms of navigation, I fully trust my Wahoo Elemnt Roam.

Konrad Kowara

Age 46 / Utrecht (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Trans Balkan Race on a 2021 Orbea Oiz TR. 1×12 gearing with 30T oval chainring and 10-51T cassette, 2.25″ tires (Wolfpack Speed at the back and Racing Ray on the front), modified cockpit with a 100mm stem and comfy aero bars.
BAGS: The main thing about riding a loaded full suspension bike is weight distribution. That’s why, after a lot of trial and error, I found that using aeroe spider rack with the bag rotated 90 degrees really works for me. The rest of my setup is a smorgasbord of brands and sizes – everything is focused on placing loaded weight in the right spots to maximize downhill fun, and not necessarily the convenience or ease of access.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Self-designed and 3D printed light/Garmin mounts – ugly as hell but they work really well. Jetboil for a quick morning coffee and some emergency noodles. Soft-sole cheapo Decathlon shoes for the times when it’s faster to walk then to ride (or when I just feel like taking my bike for a scenic stroll).

Adrien Liechti

Age 40 / On The Road

BIKE: I’ll be racing the 2025 Trans Balkan on my trusty purple Bombtrack Cale AL, equipped with a tuned Fox 34, DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheels, Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge 55mm Endurance tires, a 12-speed Shimano XT groupset, and Exposure lights.
BAGS: Full Apidura setup from the Backcountry series.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full Café du Cycliste kit to stay stylish, no matter what the trail throws at me, and a golden chainring (not pictured) for a smoother pedal stroke, of course.

Emma Loy

Age 36 / Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my beloved 2013 Salsa El Mariachi, which features a newly updated 1×11 drivetrain, SON dynamo hub, and Maxxis Ikon 2.35″ tires.
BAGS: My bag setup includes a Salsa/Revelate frame bag, Canyon/Apidura snack pouch, Revelate feed bags, and Tailfin AeroPack, Bar Bag, and Mini Panniers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m sacrificing the comforts of my usual spacious tent for this ride and using an Outdoor Research Helium bivy paired with my Nemo Tensor mat and Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt.

Arjan van Lunteren

Age 47 / De Wijk (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I will enjoy the Balkans on my titanium Salsa Fargo, equipped with a SRAM 1×12 speed AXS group and of course a grandpa gear (big sprocket). Rear wheel is a 29″ Fast Forward carbon (last minute backup from my local heroes) with Vittorio mezcal 2.35″ tubeless tires and front a Hunt SONN Dynamo alloy wheel connected to a nice kLite set. No clip-on handlebars this time.
BAGS: The bags consist of a Revelate Designs framebag and Ortlieb bags, and of course two snack packs on the handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Complete sleeping gear for low temperatures and lightweight nordic telemark (900 grams), small burner with titanium Grayl filter set (titanium pan and filter in one) assuming I need a lot of water this is divided over the bags and Patagonia race vest. For the late rides I have a Fenix ​​headlamp mounted on my helmet. I’ll also be carrying an Garmin Edge 1050 and a backup Garmin Enduro.

Susanna Markoff

Age 38 / Vaasa (Finland)

BIKE: Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert, SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed 10-52T. Wheels Roval control. Specialized Fast Trak 2.3″ tires, SQ Labs innerbarends, some cheap aerobars, Supernova lights.
BAGS: Mix of bags, Ortlieb 4.5L saddle bag, Restrap handlebar bag for sleeping setup. OR bivy, Sea to summit warm sleeping bag, Exped airmat and pillow. Ultralight Chinese poncho for getting inside the bivy in the rain. Revelate Designs feed bags and top tube bag, one homemade food pouch. Running vest for rain gear, extra food and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love the bike. It’s my first MTB and it feels great. I just bought it for this race because I wanted to participate so badly.

Mladen Milic

Age 53 / Watt, Regensdorf (Switzerland)

BIKE: S works Epic 2019, SRAM X01 drivetrain, Garmin Edge 1030 + with battery pack.
BAGS: Aero rack with its bags on the back, Profile aero bar with Cyclite front bag, Apidura frame bag, and food pouches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova lights in front.

Marcus Nicolson

Age 34 / Bolzano (Italy)

BIKE: Rothair Tropical Hardtail made in Glasgow, SID Ultimate fork (lockout is busted), Specialized 3D Saddle, Ergon Grips, rigid seatpost (the HT550 killed the last one!), used and abused DT Swiss wheels with Barzo/Mezcal combo. Built up by Rollright Bikes!
BAGS: All bags made in Edinburgh by my friend Ross at Straight Cut design and have been through quite a few ultras already!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running a very similar setup to what survived the HT550 last year. Packing a full rain kit and warm layers from Albion. Suncream/nappy rash cream and plenty of water to dry and get through the dry sections! Running an Exposure Sixpack on the front and Joystick headlight, for the long night sections and to see the bears coming!

Philip Nusbaum

Age 21 / Karlsruhe (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding my trusty Stanton Sherpa with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires front and rear, and a SON dynamo powering the Supernova M99 DY Pro. The drivetrain is GX Eagle with a 32T chainring and 10-52T cassette. SQLabs saddle and Ergon grips. Navigation device is Wahoo ELMNT Roam V2.
BAGS: Ortlieb 4L framebag and 11L saddle pack, Tailfin toptube pack. Camelbak Octane 12 Backback with 2L bladder, two bottles on the fork legs mounted with Tailfin suspension fork mounts and one more in the frame triangle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova M99DY Pro, Camelbak Octane 12 Backpack, and Frilufts Balta 11 down sleeping bag.

Benjamin Ostwald

Age 34 / Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

BIKE: Mason Raw with RockShox SID Ultimate fork (120mm travel), Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35″ tires, Shimano Deore XT groupset, Redshift suspension seatpost, SON dynamo hub.
BAGS: 7Roads custom frame bag, Miss Grape Ilcoso handlebar cradle, Miss Grape Big Node top tube bag, Restrap saddle pack, downtube anything cage with a can for tools and repair stuff.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My highlight is definitively the kLite dynamo light I will use for the race, with a charging port for my electronic devices. Was amazed by the build quality and bright light when I first used it. Couldn’t be happier. Another highlight has to be my Buff. I can’t imagine a trip without it.

Adam Palin

Age 26 / Bristol (England)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Santa Cruz Blur with DT Swiss Wheels, Conti Dubnital Tyres, and a mix of Shimano parts. I’ll be running Exposure Lights. And for this race I have gone with aerobars for more comfort and easy snacking.
BAGS: My Bags are from Tailfin. All sleep kit and clothes go in the rear Cargo Bag and spare food and repair kit in the Frame Bag. Hygiene and more food in the 2.2L Long Top Tube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve gone with a minimal sleep kit but taken my warmer down jacket. Full waterproofs packed for the Balkan rain storms which will no doubt pass through on a few occasions.

Giuseppe Pernigotti

Age 33 / Vicenza (Italy)

BIKE: I’ll ride Trans Balkan Race with a Canyon Exceed CF7 (2022). The bike bites the rocks with a pair of Vittoria Barzo 2.35″ XC-Trail mounted on Fulcrum wheels. The drivetrain is a GX Eagle with a 32T chainring, a 10-52T cassette and an SLX brake-system from Shimano. I’ve put also a pair of aero bars on handlebar.
BAGS: I’ve a Ortlieb seat-pack, the full-frame bag, a custom by Kicking Donkey and a little drybag with my sleeping system fixed on aero bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lights, Garmin, food and a lot of water.

Patrick Putz

Age 50 / Brussels (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my beloved steel gravel bike, a Jaegher FL-X Hurricane (stainless steel). This bike features new Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires I the front and 2.1” in the rear. Cockpit and wheels are from Beast, the derailleur and cassette are from Ingrid (I put 32T chainring in front to make the climbs easier) and it has a SON Dynamo hub up front. I have put 170mm cranks to (try to) avoid knee pain.
BAGS: My bags include masterpiece frame bag and front bag from Moga Bags (a local Belgian craft worker), as well as saddle bag from The Service Course (Girona). I will mount two large bottles on the front fork. I may add a small top tube bag as well for additional food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll have a small MSR tent as well as small stove as I cannot miss a warm coffee in the morning. A Kite lamp and the cap I have had with me on all travels for the last 20 years will continuously be on my head below my helmet.

Thibaut de Raikem

Age 35 / Overijse (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Canyon Lux CF 6.0. I’m going with a full suspension this year to stay comfy on all this rough terrain. I fit a 30T front chainring to absorb all these mountains and brand new 29 x 2.2″ Pirelli tires.
BAGS: A few small bags. All I need to sleep and stay warm in a front handlebar bag, electronics and food on the frame bags, and clothing plus a small drone to take back some memories in the saddle bag and backpack with water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This time I’ll take as little as possible as we have many opportunities to camp inside cabins in the balkans, but I’ll have my ultra-light inflatable mattress to ensure comfy nights.

Lasse Ravnborg

Age 36 / Hemmet, Midtjylland (Denmark)

BIKE: Shand Tam frame with an extra bottle cage mount near the sear tube. Rohloff gear hub with belt drive. 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcals on Hope rims. Surly Moloko bar. Redshift seat post. Brooks c17 saddle.
BAGS: Miss Grape 16L bar back. One AGU stembag and a Witslinger stembag. Tailfin top tube bag. Witslinger half frame bag. Klean Kanteen 1.9L. 2 large water bottles. Tailfin down tube bag. Tailfin rack with bag. And then probably some old dirt to all of it.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: OR Alpine bivy. Nemo Tensor mat. Lite way quilt. Coros Dura to find my way.

Andre Rodrigues

Age 46 / Estavayer-le-Lac (Switzerland)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2020 Scott Spark RC WC for the Trans Balkan Race. The bike runs a 1x SRAM XX1 drivetrain with a 30T oval chainring and 10–52T cassette. Tires are Vittoria Barzo 2.35″ up front and Mezcal 2.35″ in the rear. For added water capacity, I’ve mounted two bottle cages on the suspension fork.
BAGS: My bikepacking setup includes an Apidura Race 2L top tube bag, Apidura Expedition 14L saddle bag, Apidura Expedition 1.2L downtube bag, Altura 9L handlebar bag, and two 1L Lezyne food pouches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Navigation will be handled by a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, supported by two Nitecore power banks for electronic autonomy. My bivy kit consists of a short Cumulus Vencer 100 sleeping bag, Quechua MT900 Air sleeping pad, and Soloclimb bivy bag.

Sofiane Sehili

Age 43 / Paris (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my full sus MTB, which is the unreleased Bombtrack Cale XC. It comes with a Shimano XT M8100 groupset, Hunt Proven XC carbon wheels paired with René Herse Fleecer Ridge tires, KS Lev Ci seat post, Fizik Alpaca saddle, Fox 32 Float SC 29″ Performance 100mm fork and Sid Select shock.
BAGS: All bags by Miss Grape. Cluster 13, Internode custom, Node.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Coros DURA GPS unit to be able to ride the whole course without need to recharge. I’ll be test riding the Seido Deviation bars with an extra wide clamp zone allowing to mount aero bars and a front bag or an Il Coso.

Louis Steinhauser

Age 21 / Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: I will ride the Trans Balkan Race with my Rose Backroad Al. I ride the Schwalbe G One RX Pro in 50mm in the Rear and in the Front. I am running on Tubeless for the first time so I hope that everything will be fine. I have an modded Shimano GRX Transmission, which has an XT 812 Derailleur Cage, so that I can ride an 11-51 cassette. In the front I have a 40T chainring. I’m running DT Swiss 25mm rims with an SON Hub Dynamo in the front. I also added Aero Bars so I can rest my wrists better.
BAGS: I use the Ortlieb Seat Pack alongside my Ortlieb Handelbar Pack and the Accessory Bag. My frame bag is also from Ortlieb, the Toptube Bag is from Riverside (Decathlon) and the Snack Pouch is from Agu. I will ride with an Hydration Vest from Decathlon that’s not in the picture.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: One of the big highlights is my Dynamo light Setup: My Klite Front light in Combination with the Klite Micro Charger and my Busch und Müller My Rear Light. Another highlight is my 3D printed custom saddle from Posedla. I also absolutely love my Sea to Summit Spark Pro Sleeping bag.

Claire Stevens

Geelong, Wadawurrung Country (Australia)

BIKE: Curve Cycling GMX+ with 29” Curve Dirt Hoops and 2.35″ Mezcals. Curve Walmer drop bars. Curve Seek 340 fork. SRAM Mullet set-up: Eagle AXS with 2024 Red levers and brakes. SP dynamo and kLite system.
BAGS: Tumbleweed rack with dry bag, Tailfin top tube and down tube packs, Custom frame bag made by Terra Rosa Designs in Naarm/Melbourne.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research Helium bivy, sleeping bag, and inflatable mat.

Wendy Stevenson

Sydney (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my well-worn 2015 XS Pivot Les 27.5 hardtail MTB set up fully rigid with curve forks. Drive train is 1×11 and time trial bars mounted on a 50mm rise stack are attached.
BAGS: My bags include a Revelate Designs 8L Terrapin seat bag, an Apidura 7L Backcountry Handlebar Pack, Bike Bag Dude custom frame bag, and Oveja Negra stem bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix bar mounted light and helmet mounted Exposure Lights Joystick, Etrex 30x, and SOL Escape Lite Bivvy.

Maciej Swinarski

Age 47 / Gdansk (Poland)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8 Expert, SRAM GX Eagle AXS, Continental Race King tires.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack with 5L side panniers and Tailfin large top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: On this trip, I’ll be mainly focused on getting good sleep in my super comfy MSR Freelite tent, Cumulus X-Lite sleeping bag, Sea to Summit pillow, with ear plugs and sleeping pills. Let’s see how far that takes me.

Andreas Tastl

Age 41 / Aichelberg (Germany)

BIKE: Rose Bonero 3, Newmen Phase 30 Wheels, Syntace Hiflex Carbon Seatpost, Syntace Stem and Bar.
BAGS: Tailfin Top and Downtube bags, the rest is Ortlieb and a self made Food bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit Spark 2 sleeping bag and an Ultralite Insulated mat, and a wonderful MSR Freelite tent for a cosy sleep. An Optimus Crux stove and a small Primus pot. All my clothes are Merino wool for no stink. To find my way I will use a Wahoo Element Roam.

Stefan Truntschka

Age 41 / Dresden (Germany)

BIKE: Using my BMC Twostroke in principle in the standard equipment with SRAM GX Eagle components, DT swiss wheels and 2.3″ Vittoria Mezcals. I added a 32T chainring and a lot of comfort in the cockpit. More suspension in the rear would be great but you can’t have everything. Still, the perfect bike for a race like this. Hopefully my old Element Bolt will show me the way and my Nitecore headlamp will turn night into day.
BAGS: I mainly use Apidura bags. A 12L saddle bag for my sleeping setup, a 4L frame bag for clothes, and a top tube bag for electronics. I also have a 1.5L roll-top bag for snacks in the front. The rest has to be stowed in my ultra vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Wolf Tooth FAT PAW silicone grips to reduce vibrations to a minimum. Tiger Army in my playlist for the darkest moments.

Brecht Verhelst

Age 40 / Brussels (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the TBR on a 2017 Canyon exceed CF 6.9, which I found for cheap on a second-hand site. I added a pair of Continental Race King 2.2” tires, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and a SON Dynamo hub.
BAGS: Alpkit provided my custom-made framebag, which contains a 3L Camelbak, and my handlebar roll with my sleeping system. I also have a Miss Grape Cluster 13 and top tube bag, and two small Agu snack packs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An eeSilk+ suspension seat post and a Selle Anatomica X2 will add to my comfort while riding, and with a Sinewave Beacon 2 I will never get lost in the dark. Of course, I also brought my pyjamas for warm and cozy nights.

Tom De Wilde

Age 33 / On The Road (Belgium)

BIKE: CURVE BIG KEV. Big Kev is geared up in beast mode with 50cm Walmer bars, Dirt Hoops 29″ wheels with Vittoria Mezcals (2.35″/2.25″), SP dynamo + kLite lightening system, Hope RX4+ calipers and SRAM Eagle groupset 36/10-52T.
BAGS: The XL frame allows me to easily carry 3x 1L bottles while my trusty Tailfin half-frame (6.5L) and long toptube (3L) bags will carry most of my stuffs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My light sleeping kit composed of a Them-a-Rest NeoAir pad, Patagonia Down jacket, and a Sol emergency bivy is stashed in a 4L Ortlieb seat pack with a warm baselayer. It’s time for gravel PLUS!

Pierre de Wit

Age 44 / Baarn (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the same Canyon Exceed (2019) I used during the Atlas Mountain Race in 2020 and 2023, as well as L’Esperit 2022 and El Piri in 2024. Most of the setup has proven itself over time, though I’ve made a few upgrades along the way. The front suspension is now a RockShox SID, and I’ve improved the braking system with a larger rear rotor and a Shigura setup (Magura brakes with Shimano levers) after experiencing issues on long descents at Atlas and El Piri. The wheels are now fully carbon from Newmen, equipped with Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.25″ tires front and rear. I’ve also installed a 30T chainring from Alugear for better climbing and overall efficiency. For added comfort, the bike features an Ergon saddle, Canyon suspension seatpost, and Ergon grips.
BAGS: I’m running a custom frame bag from Rusjan, along with two food pouches, a top tube bag, and a seat pack, all from Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be carrying an Anker power bank (fully charged <1hr), BBB headlights with fresh batteries, a Wahoo Elemnt Roam for navigation, and an iPhone as a backup device. And for a personal touch, the bike has been decorated with random stickers by the kids. Oh, and I’ve added a Timber bell—to alert bears of my arrival, without sacrificing my thumb in the process.

Eric Zachhuber

Age 31 / Linz (Austria)

BIKE: Salaki and me will experience the harsh and beauty of the Balkans! It’s a Titan “Cargo” bike from Roland (rockettitanium), a small high-end brand from Leonding. Close to Linz. He specializes in custom titanium forever bikes. In the front, she wears a Barzo 20 x 1.9″ with a tubolito tube and at the rear a Maxxis Ravanger 700 x 45mm, set up tubeless. A modified 1×12 drivetrain with a 40T chainring.
BAGS: Really proud of Salakis Bag Game. Huge thanks to the one and only Jakob (von_berg_bags). I have a custom Frame bag, food pouch, and rack bag. Everything lightweight, waterproof, and plenty of nice details. Saddle bag and top tube is from Restrap. Those bags are indestructible.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely my rack bag from Jakob! But Supernova will bring me through the night, Exped and Therm-a-Rest will give me some good sleep. My beloved Ricoh WG-6 will capture all the breathtaking moments on this trip.

More Trans Balkan Rigs…

Further Reading

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