Sauvage Squad @The Traka 2024

During The Traka in Girona, cycling is palpable everywhere: clubs and enthusiasts from around the world gather to compete in one of the most prestigious gravel races in the Gravel Earth Series circuit. Among the illustrious names on the starting grid were Greg Van Avermaet and Daniel Oss, highlighting the importance of this event in the calendar of any athlete eager to test their skills on gravel bikes.

We opted for the most arduous route, 360 km, where experience and endurance are essential to complete the feat. Although the route profile, with its 3,700 meters of elevation gain, seemed inviting, adverse weather conditions transformed the dirt roads into treacherous, almost river-like sections, with deep puddles and mud that made the journey particularly challenging.

A storm drastically changed the landscape, transforming the smooth roads into treacherous streams. Starting in an unexpectedly low temperature of 4°C, we quickly realized that Traka would require maximum effort. After a few kilometers, our bikes were already covered in mud, with chains scraping against the sprockets; maximum concentration and attention to every detail were required to prevent mechanical failures and dangerous falls on the slippery descents, still wet from the previous days' rain.

Pedal after pedal, the three athletes of the Sauvage Squad completed the race without a hitch, relying blindly on their bikes that supported them to the finish line, sharing the fatigue and difficulties of the Spanish dirt trails.

"First time's a charm," they say, and we can confirm: more than a charm! We're ready to get back in the saddle, train, and improve even further thanks to this experience that has enriched our knowledge and encouraged us to always raise the bar.

Text: Fabio Conti

Photo: Andrea Pialorsi @andre_pialo