Badlands, born in 2020, has swiftly become a benchmark in the world of gravel and bikepacking, showcasing the diverse territory of Eastern Andalusia. Its sixth edition promises to be the most extensive and immersive yet, drawing nearly 400 riders from 47 countries, a testament to its growing international appeal.

The official route spans a formidable 820 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 15,000 meters, making it the longest Badlands yet. A remarkable aspect of the 2025 route, as the event’s founder, David Rodríguez, points out, is the inclusion of more than 200 kilometers of completely new terrain, particularly toward the final section. According to David, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. As he put it, “Some of the hardest parts of the route are precisely in areas without elevation gain, through the sandy ramblas of the Tabernas Desert and Cabo de Gata in Almería.”

Once again, we received an overwhelming number of rig submissions, so we amassed one massive Rigs of the 2025 Badlands roundup, showcasing almost 90 of those who sent in their details, including a brief rundown of their gear, bike, kit highlights, and what GPS device they’re using. Dig into them all below, and then head over to our Tracker page to follow along live once the rage begins.

George Alexander

Age 22 / South Devon (United Kingdom)

BIKE: Alloy Cannondale Topstone running on 45mm Cinturato Gravel Ms. GRX 812 mechanical 11-46T with a 40T upfront.
BAGS: 11L of Restrap bags for kit and nutrition. 3x 750ml bottles and a 2L CamelBak for fluids.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Super smooth shifting thanks to a long cage derailleur mod and 3D printed Garmin/front light mount thanks to yours truly. We don’t talk about the red saddle.
GPS DEVICE: Trusty Garmin 530, likely hardwired into a power bank.

Rich Allinson

Age 37 / London (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be tackling Badlands 2025 on a 3T Racemax Integrale, running Zipp 303 wheels wrapped in 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres. Groupset is SRAM Rival XPLR 1x, with 38T chainring up front and 10-46T out the back. Lighting provided by a Lezyne Macro Drive 1400 on the bike and an Exposure Joystick on my head.
BAGS: I’ll be using a full set of Apidura racing series bags, with a 1L bolt-on bag up top and a 4L frame bag. Based on the amount of Precision Fuel & Hydration products I just ordered, it looks like I’ll need to add a saddle pack to the mix too. Hydration set up is a USWE hydration pack and 2x 1L bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s all a highlight to me. This is my first foray into gravel (yes, probably should have started with something shorter), so it’s new kit, empty bank account, and good times ahead!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 with backup from Komoot on my phone.

Amir Amin

Age 42 / Shah Alam, Selangor (Malaysia)

BIKE: I will be riding my Scott Rc with a 38T chainring and 10-52T cassette. I’m using Roval Terra CLX II wheels with Pirelli Cinturato M 45mm tires front and back.
BAGS: MAAP x Apidura frame pack (4L), Apidura Top tube bag, and Silca saddle bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Karim EL-Antably

Age 42 / Manhattan, New York (USA)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SLR, SRAM Red crankset and shifters, X01 drivetrain, ZIPP 353 NSW Wheelset, Pirelli 45mm tires, 51 Speedshop aero extensions and arm cups.
BAGS: Tailfin toptube bag and rear rack with aeropack.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam.

Alkamar Ermy Bin Mohd Aris

Age 45 / Gombak, Selangor (Malaysia)

BIKE: I will be riding my S-Works Crux with 38t chainring and 10-52 cassette. With Roval Terra CLX II on Pirelli Cinturato M 45c on the front and Specialized Pathfinder 45c on the rear.
BAGS: MAAP x Apidura frame pack (4l), Apidura packable musette, Evoc saddle bag (0.7l).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apidura packable musette for the long stretch without resupply.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Alvaro Quintas Barros

Age 47 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl, SRAM GX Eagle, 38T chainring, and 10-52T cassette.
BAGS: Cyclite Frame Bag, Cyclite Top Tube Bag, Topeak Backloader.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Ulrich “Uba” Bartholmoes

Age 39 / Girona (Spain)

BIKE: I’m racing on a BMC TwoStroke 01 – a custom build setup with Beast XS30 Rims powered by Rotor Inspider Aldhu Crank with Powermeter and 36 + 52-10 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 50mm tubeless tires. To light up the night, I swear on Supernova Lights. Fully loaded with all luggage, my bike weighs less than 10kg – it helps me to love climbing in the heat a lot.
BAGS: I use a minimalistic and also super lightweight Apidura Backcountry kit for my luggage, primarily food and spare parts in the top tube and frame pack, plus some electronics.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike and the setup for the race have proven to be perfect on so many occasions. Tour Divide, L’Esperit del Bikepacking, El Piri, Atlas Mountain Race. My focus is on the lowest possible weight, good durability, and, above all, reliability and comfort.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

Antonio Munoz Bernal

Age 58 / Murcia (Spain)

BIKE: Wilier Jena bike, carbon frame, carbon rims.
BAGS: Large seatpost bag, frame bag, and another on the handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The bike has a SRAM Rival AXS and a MTB derailleur with a 52T cassette.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Isabelle Berti

Age 37 / Nuremberg, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: For Badlands 2025 I’ll be riding an unpainted OPEN WI.DE. frameset completed with Beast Components and a custom-built wheelset consisting of Duke Worldrunner WRX rims, a SON dynamo hub, and a NON Plus hub. The drivetrain is a SRAM Force/X.01 Eagle mullet setup featuring a 36T chainring up front and a 10–50T cassette at the back. The light comes from Supernova with fully integrated cables powered by the SON dynamo.
BAGS: I’m keeping things simple and personal: a self-made full frame bag with an integrated hydration bladder tailored to fit this bike and a matching handmade saddlebag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Zuzana Bohacova

Age 31 / Prague (Czech Republic)

BIKE: A desert-ready rocket Mondraker Arid RR 2025. ZIPP 303 XPLR S wheels to keep me spinning, and a SRAM Force XPLR T-Type drivetrain (38T front, 10-46T cassette) to keep me sane on the climbs. TUFO Gravel Thundero HD 48mm Prototype Tyres, Czech-made, indestructible, and probably tougher than me. Fenix lights for when the sun takes a nap.
BAGS: The full Miss Grape orchestra: BigNodE 2H, Cluster 22 and Internode 4. Evoc Hydro Pro vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 3D printed Joyseat saddle from Czech brand Posedla. No pressure, just joy. TUFO prototype tyres which don’t just roll over rocks, they crush them into gravel.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Beat Bosshart

Age 36 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: Open U.P. frame with a SRAM AXS Mullet setup (38T x 10/52T) and Schwalbe G One R 45mm mounted on ENVE AG28 (650b) wheels.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack and Gramm Top tube and frame bag.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Felix Brenner

Age 31 / Esslingen (Germany)

BIKE: I’m using Rose’s super-fast Backroad FF gravel bike with the new 13-speed SRAM Rival XPLR groupset, including 38T/10-46T for a wide gear range. 45mm wide Schwalbe G One R Pro tires mounted on Zipp 303 XPLR S carbon wheels. An aero extension is also installed on the cockpit.
BAGS: I use the Apidura 7l Racing saddle bag, the Racing Long Top Tube Pack (2L), the small Backcountry Top Tube Pack (1L), and the Evoc Hydro Pro hydration vest with a 1.5L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I like the fast Zipp Aero wheels the most. The wide rim width allows for extremely low air pressures, which noticeably increases comfort on rough surfaces.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I use the Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2, with an additional external power bank.

Ian Budden

Age 48 / Lewes, East Sussex (United Kingdom)

BIKE: This is my old faithful Giant Revolt, which has taken me across Europe in a few different directions. Absolutely love it. It’s built up with USE Vybe suspension seatpost and stem, 3T bars, ControlTech aero bars, and Klite lights running from a Son dynamo. Saddle is an old Fizik one that a friend gave me years ago and we’ve become inseparable! Tyres are Schwalbe G-one, R on the front, RS on the back. Drivetrain is electronic 2x SRAM Rival. I’d prefer 1x mountain bike gearing for this route, but I’ll have to make this work!
BAGS: Bags are from Apidura, which have always been rock solid, and hold my sleeping kit and warm clothes, along with all the spares and electronics. I carry 1.5L of water on the bike, and I also have an Osprey hydration backpack which carries 3L to get me through the desert.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love the Son Dynamo carbon rim wheelset made by my friend Richard at DCR wheels. The orange nipples look fire and match the Hope disc rotors and other orange bits of bling.
GPS DEVICE: GPS is a Coros Dura. The most brilliant bit of kit. I’ve tried all the brands and this is the first where I don’t have range anxiety. It’ll do Badlands with about 30% of it’s battery.

Thimothy Buytaert

Age 45 / Wervik (Belgium)

BIKE: Scott Scale 940.
BAGS: Restrap saddle bag (clothing, sleeping, etc.), top tube bag (power banks + cables), and frame bags (extra storage) with an extra food pouch on the handlebars for quick-access.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing special. Different from two years ago, less bags and bottles, just faster.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar (with the water/food points) already pinned on the route in Garmin app.

Javier Cantos

Age 46 / Ibi, Alicante (Spain)

BIKE: Orbea Terra M20iTeam 1X. The new gravel model for adventure from the Brand. With the new SRAM Froce XPLR. But I changed the rear cassette from 10-50T and the tires to Pirelli Cinturato M 700x45mm.
BAGS: A mix of brands for the bags. The storage in the frame is perfect for tools and rain jacket and repair gear. Rear bag and handlebar bag is for apparel, chargers, and miscellaneous items. The top tube is perfect for gels and bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: At least 45mm tires. Two lights in case one doesn’t work. And an extra GPS (Fenix 6x). The third bottle cage for carrying at least 3L of water.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040. Big screen for easy navigation. A very good tip is to cut the track in different stages. The device works so much better with little tracks.

Maria Capdevila

Age 30 / Tiana (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Lauf Seigla Race Transmission built up with the SRAM Eagle Transmission X0 drivetrain, 12-speed 10-52T cassette and SRAM Force 38T chainring. e*thirteen Piedmont Race Carbon wheels mounted with 50mm Hutchinson Tundra for extra comfort and puncture resistance.
BAGS: Full on Apidura bags, using the Expedition Saddle Pack (9L) (photo with the 14L), the Racing Long Top Tube pack (2L), on the frame the Racing Frame Pack (1L) fitting my XS frame and the Racing Hydration Vest on myself.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: the Lauf Grit gravel carbon suspension fork for even more comfort and stability, the POC Aspire Photochromic sunglasses with Cat.0-3 lens for eye protection in any light condition.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Elise Caron

Age 38 / Grenoble (France)

BIKE: His name is Joey. It is a full carbon frame and fork prototype from french brand GITANE. Size 49, GRX12 38T at the crankset and 10-51 at the back. 650B wheels with 47mm Hutchinson Touareg tires. Dynamo hub and lights.
BAGS: Apidura 17L saddle bag where I put all my sleeping kit, hygiene items and some spare clothes. Tailfin frame bag with jacket and easy to catch items. Two food poach with various things like electrolytes, peanut butter, bib cream and sunscreen. Top tube bag for electronics. Additional jacket with 2L of water + 3 bidons of 750ml. 2 bidons of mechanics.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bluetooth speaker JBL clip 3 (tried not to use it, believe me, I am faster with music) and Femdisk menstrual protection, game changer for women in ultra.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin edge 530 + iPhone with quad lock mount.

Jace Cimabue

Age 39 / Los Angeles, California (USA)

BIKE: Bearclaw Thunderhawk, Rockshox Rudy 30mm suspension fork, 42T chainring, 10-52T cassette, 50mm Vittoria T50 tires, Vittoria gravel lite liners.
BAGS: LeadOut Frame bag and LeadOut saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This LeadOut frame bag has lived on my bike for the past year and a half, which made it a no brainer to use it for Badlands as well. FAAST was lube on the chain. This stuff has helped prolong the life of my drivetrain, as well as keep me from having to listen to my drivetrain on those days where you see a big mix of conditions.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Sam Collins

Age 37 / Bath (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Giant Revolt with SRAM Force XPLR AXS 11×44 cassette and 38T SRAM chainring. Tyres are 45mm Pirelli Cinturato on Hunt 35 Carbon Wheelset. Front light is the Lezyne Macro Drive 1400+.
BAGS: Bags are Restrap Race top tube and frame (4.2l) bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No specific highlights. Not done an ultra before, so will have a better idea at the end of what worked well! Sounds like having capacity for lots of water is key, so I’ll be carrying a 2L Salomon water bladder on my back too.
GPS DEVICE: I’m hoping the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3 keeps me on track.

Julien Conan

Age 37 / Annecy (France)

BIKE: Specialized Crux Pro, Specialized Terra CLX Wheels, Specialized Pathfinder 700x45mm tires, Sram Force XPLR AXS 10-46T cassette & 40T chainring.
BAGS: Cyclite Frame Bag 2.8L, Restrap Tool Pouch 0.8L, Salomon S/Lab Ultra 10L customized, 226ers bottles 0.750L & 1L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lightweight setup to get the most out of my adventure and get to my two loves at the finish line as quickly as possible!

Walter Contreras

Age 38 / Escazu, San Jose (Costa Rica)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) Badlands on my Rodeo Labs Flaanimal Ti. The bike features a combination of Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” on the back and Vittoria Barzo 2.1” on the front, a Sram 1×12 mullet (Force + Gx) drivetrain with a 32T chainring and Zipp 303 wheels with CK Hubs. An all internal cable routing (FSA+Ritchey Venture Max), for comfort I have a Firefly Ti seatpost paired with an Infinity seats saddle.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is a custom made (South City Stitchworks) half frame (food and essentials), I am also running an Apidura saddle bag (rain jacket, bivy, spare clothes, chargers and power bank) and a downtube Apidura bag (tools and spare parts).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A total of 5.5L capacity, 3L on my Salomon Adv Skin Vest and 4 insulated Camelbak bottles for cold drinks (don’t mind the extra weight).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the Komoot app on my phone as a backup.

Miguel Cuellar

Age 37 / Cholula (Mexico)

BIKE: Meet Rocinante (iykyk), my ´24 Brother Mehteh. Conceived, financed, and built completely by my best mates Romulus and Remus. Running a SRAM Rival AXS group with a 38t chainring and 11-51 cassette with an Eagle GX derailleur. Selle San Marco Shortfit Comfort saddle to keep my tush happy and Zipp handlebars with Deda aerobars. Rear wheel is a Zipp 303s and the front is a custom DT Swiss GR 531 with a SON 28 dynamo to power my Supernova Lights. I have set up the bike to be able to carry up to 7 water bottles if needed, to cope with the heat.
BAGS: Rapha Saddle Bag, Apidura frame and top tube bags. Rhinowalk stem bags as a quick replacement have come in clutch and seem to perform just fine for the price.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system with a Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT and a Nordisk ultra-light quilt. The Supernova Lights and Stinky Hank my Lego travel buddy, who has been with me all over the world.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with my iPhone as Backup

Bianca Datola

Age 28 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: Rose Backroad 2023, SRAM Force 1×12 with a 36T chainring and 10-44T SRAM cassette.
BAGS: Apidura top tube bag and framebag, Cyclite aero bar bag, and a Tailfin Aeropack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My trusted Petrichor Projects Bibs, and lots of sunscreen!

Azly Dzulkipli

Age 46 / Melawati, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

BIKE: S-Works Crux with a 38T chainring and 10-52T cassette. Equipped with Roval Terra CLX II wheels, Specialized Tracer 45mm tire on the front and a Specialized Pathfinder 45mm on the rear.
BAGS: Apidura Racing Top Tube Pack, Apidura Racing Frame Pack (4L), Apidura packable musette, Evoc saddle bag (0.7L).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apidura Racing packs for speed and function, with a packable musette to cover long resupply gaps. A setup dialed for Badlands as Malaysia’s solo rider.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1050.

Arne Engelbrecht

Age 31 / The Netherlands

BIKE: I will be cruising on my 8Bar Mitte v3 kitted out with SRAM Rival etap 2x drivetrain, some DT Swiss G1800 wheels wearing tubeless Pirelli Cinturato M shoes. I will be riding the split seatpost from Canyon, combined with a custom 3d-printed saddle from Posedla. Some nice flared handlebars from Salsa completes the gravel aesthetic.
BAGS: I have a Tailfin 3.8L framebag and a Restrap 18L saddle bag in the back. Depending on the jitters the day before, I might add a Restrap Holster bag or a Rapha bar bag in the front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For hydration, I have three Fidlock mounting points to carry as much water as possible on the bike combined with an Evoc Hydro 3 pro for some more hydration as well as fuel. I will be using a Garmin Varia UT800 and a Lyzyne Lite Drive 1000XL for the nights.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 3.

Carter Espayos

Age 47 / San Pedro, Laguna (Philippines)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Cannondale Topstone. The bike features a Fox 32 TC suspension fork. A modified 1×12 SRAM XPLR drivetrain with a 32T Carbon Ti chainring paired with 9-50T E-thirteen cassette, and a pair of size 40mm Pirelli Cinturato Tires.
BAGS: Mix brand bags, fitting the best that will work for my needs and for my best performance.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: IP68 Suunto Aqua headphones for some nice nonstop music for those long lonesome days.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Agnes Fischl

Age 32 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: My trusted Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap, which I have been using for several seasons now, all year round from racing to commuting. I have put on a set of PIRELLI Cinturato Tubeless 650B x 45mm tires on the front and 50mm on the rear. The drivetrain is pretty standard, running with a SRAM Rival XPLR 12s/10-44T cassette and a 38T chainring. I’m rolling on 25 mm DT Swiss AL wheels.
BAGS: A Restrap top tube bag (3L), fitting perfectly on my tiny frame. An Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack (17L) and a Restrap Handlebar Pack (14L). For water supply, I carry two 621ml Bivo insulated water bottles and a POC Ultra Vest with a 1.5L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favourite part without question is the standard frame, signed or tagged with a purple Spray.Bike pen by people I love. The pen is always with me, by the way, and there is still some space for new tags.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 540 computer to navigate, but will also have the route loaded on the Komoot app on my iPhone as a backup, alongside a manual map in case everything goes sideways.

Juan Antonio Flecha

Age 47 / Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized STR with SRAM Red 40x 10-50. Tracer 42 tires.
BAGS: Tailfin frame bag and a small saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova lights and Wahoo Trckr.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Eñement ACE.

Thomas Frechen

Age 48 / Munich (Germany)

BIKE: Lightcarbon LCG010-D, Campa Ekar (38-10/44), Campa Levante, Hutchinson Caracal Race 45/40mm (front/rear), Berk Dila saddle, 8,2kg in size 56.
BAGS: Tailfin frame & toptube bag, Cyclite Saddle bag, Them-a-rest mat in bag at handlebar.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Detour front light (charge through capable), Zipp Vuka w. corbaon extensions.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 830.

Aitor Fuste

Age 38 / Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: GUAVA SPOT Force AXS, 40-52T, HUNT 40 carbon gravel race wheelset.
BAGS: Top tube, framebag, and saddle bag by Geosmina.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: lights by Magicshine.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam 2.

Rasmus Gotke

Age 28 / Odense (Denmark)

BIKE: I’m riding my Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 with Shimano GRX Di2 and DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline wheelset. Components are Pro Vibe, pedals is XTR and for Badlands I have chosen the Challenge Getaway XP 45mm tires. I’m super happy and trustful in those! Bike is build with CeramicSpeed all over, including UFO Ultra Endurance Hot Wax chain. Perfect for ultras like this!
BAGS: I will be riding with Apidura Long Top Tube Pack and the 4L Frame Bag. And either the 3L Saddle Bag or the Apidura Tool Pack. For hydration I use Salomon Active Skin 8L with 2L bladder. If I go with the small Tool Pack I have space in the hydration west for provisions.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hot waxed chain combined with trusty bearings! Vittoria Light Gravel Airliner and Getaway XP as a perfect match. Top tube has a small carbon crack, but bike is still running smooth.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530.

Wilko de Haan

Age 49 / Zeist (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) Badlands 2025 on a steel Salsa Fargo. The bike features a new pair of Schwalbe G-One pro R 2.0 50mm tyres, HUNT Search 29 MTB wheelset with a SON 28 dynamo up front which is powering a Son Ladelux dynamo headlight with low and high beam and usb charging function which can charge all my electrical devices while I’m riding. It has a special 3D-printed rear dropout to accommodate the 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle rear derailleur, SRAM Eagle XX1 copper 10-52T cassette and chain, 36T chainring up front, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS power meter, SRAM Rival eTap AXS shifter and brakes, four pistons Hope RX4+ calipers.
BAGS: Ortlieb 16.5L saddle bag, Ortlieb 4L framebag, Restrap 2L race top tube bag. I have three 0.75L bottles mounted on the bike, and I’m wearing a Restrap Race Hydration vest with a 2L bladder in it. There’s more room in it for three little 0.5L soft drink bottles and food. I’m bringing a bug net/mesh bivy, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, emergency bivy, tools and gear to make repairs. I also have a Fenix HMR65 headlamp.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I built this bike up on my own, so everything is a highlight for me.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2, but also have the route loaded on the Komoot app on my phone as a backup.


Chris Hall

Age 35 / Peak District (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’m riding my 5th Badlands on Argon 18’s recently released Dark Matter. I’ve built it up with some Fox 32TC forks and Enve M5 Pro rims which have been laced up to work for gravel. The tyres are Schwalbe G-One RX Pros. A SRAM mullet groupset with the biggest casette they make and a 40T chainring. I’m using a very lovely crank made by Tom Sturdy. Handlebars, stem and seatpost are all from Enve. Tailfin bags throughout the bike and some bling from Wolf Tooth.
BAGS: All of the bags come from Tailfin, I’m using their frame and ling top tube bag. My bike also has some internal frame storage which is being used for tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Having been lucky to take part in Badlands 5 times, every year I’ve used a slightly different setup and I feel like this one may be the most refined to date. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, massive tyres, suspension on the front. Fun and fast.
GPS DEVICE: I’m going to use a faithful Garmin 1040 solar. I’ve used it for a few years now and it’s been perfect, especially with the solar function to keep it charged.

Sergei Haukka

Age 36 / Helsinki (Finland)

BIKE: 3T Exploro Racemax. Fully wrapped frame (Hexis Satin Silver Chrome + Hexis Satin Gold Chrome by Restyling Point), with custom integrated cables. Ninewave Anath
650b wheels, 42-52T SRAM Red transmission, Slammed cockpit, 37cm wide handlebar. Custom-made framebag by Bikepacking Finland. BBInfinite ceramic wide bottom bracket. Garbaruk cassette. Raceking 2.2″ tires. Hope RX4+ brakes. Selle Italia saddle.
BAGS: Silca saddlebag, Custom framebag. USWE hydration bag 4L bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 4.5kg of Gels, power, bars, carbs.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 Solar.

Sebastian Helbig

Age 35 / Neunkirchen, Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)

BIKE: Cube Nuroad C:62 Race 2025.
BAGS: I have a frame bag, upper tube bag, a saddlebag aka “assrocket.”
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I changed from Shimano’s 2×12 Di2 to the new GRX 1×12 Di2 with 42T to 10/51T, ZIPP 303 XPLR SW with Schwalbe G-One R Pro in 50mm. I am going with three water bottles, a hydration backpack, and a lot of nutrition.
GPS DEVICE: My GPS device is an Garmin Edge 1040.

Erik van Holland

Age 40 / Veenendaal, Utrecht (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Orbea Terra, RockShox Rudy RACEDAY XPLR 40mm fork, Oquo 45mm wheels, Schwalbe G One RX Pro 50-45mm tires, Vittoria superlight gravel liners, SRAM Force XPLR + X01 derailleur, 40T chainring and 10-50T cassette, Supernova lights, King Cage bottle cages.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube and framebag, small saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Custom Dirty Dropbars Albion kit and my RockShox Rudy for the rocky descents.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Artjoms Hondozko

Age 36 / Riga (Latvia)

BIKE: I will be riding a trusted ENVE MOG gravel bike, SRAM XX 40T front and 10-52T in the back. Rolling with Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires 2.25″ Super Ground for extra puncture protection, grip and comfort on ENVE 3.4 wheelset. Comfortable Fizik 140mm 3D saddle and BJORN seatpost will keep my back and butt in one piece. For the nights, I will use Lezyne 1400 front light and nitecore 65h headlamp. Burgh endurance bar tape for added comfort. We plan to run nonstop with a short sleeping break in the hotel, so from the sleeping system only the emergency bivy bag.
BAGS: Frame bag and top tube bag from Tailfin, rear bag is from Silca. Opted for a lightweight minimalist setup focused on efficiency and balance.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I would say these are definitely the 53mm wide tires and huge gearing range. The setup has been successfully tested in harsh conditions of Badlands recon and Dolomite gravel adventures.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura as a main device and Garmin watch as a backup.

Alexander Horn

Age 34 / Nuremberg (Germany)

BIKE: Canyon Grizl AL 6. Even though it seems to be a low end bike, it is pretty robust and has already served me well. I changed the derrailleur hanger (Wolf Tooth) in order to mount a casette with lower gearing. The tyres are Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M with 45 mm and Tubolito CX/Gravel inner tpu tubes.
BAGS: This is a wild mix of different brands – collected over some years. I have an Ortlieb saddle pack with most of the sleeping gear. The half frame bag is from apidura and will carry supplies, charging devices and some everyday stuff. The small top tube is from Canyon with some electrolytes and snacks. The small handlebar pack is from AGU and will be packed with arm warmers (or to be more accurate: sun protection), lighting and some more snacks. In order to carry an addtional bottle, I have also a stem bag from Zefal and an EVOC hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lupine Neo helment light and Oakley Jawbreaker Photochromic for some night riding.
GPS DEVICE: I will probably use a Wahoo Bolt v2 since my v1 is down due to the known Wahoo firmware issues.

Dylan Hubble

Age 49

BIKE: Scott Addict RC Cyclocross with SRAM GX Eagle AXS 1×11-52. TT bars with Blips. Rene Herse Barlow Pass 38mm tyres. Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels.
BAGS: Revelate Designs half frame bag and top tube bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Toro front light. Hydration pack and bottles. SOL Escape Lite bivy.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt and Garmin eTrex 20 for navigation.

Jake Inserra

Age 33 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: I am tackling this years race on my Rondo RUTT Ti. I built it up with SRAM Force1 Mechanical drivetrain, and swapped to a E13 Helix Race cassette for that sweet 500% range (36t / 9-46t). The whole rig is rolling on 32 spoke Light Bicycle WG44 wheels mounted with Tracer TLR 50mm tires. Other bits include an Ergon seatpost, Profile Design aerobars, Outbound lighting, Garmin rally pedals, and a Wahoo Bolt V2 up top.
BAGS: As much as my heart yearned for a matching set, functionality has driven me to a mix of incredible bags. Saddlebag and frame bag by Oveja Negra in Colorado, toolbag by the hometown heroes Outer Shell, and extra long top tube bag by Restrap. Not pictured is my trusty USWE for an extra 2-Liters of hydration.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Living in the cool, misty land of San Francisco (~60°F year round), I am trying to maximize water capacity to stay hydrated & cool on course. My titanium bottle cages are firm, but flexy enough to allow side entry for big bottles, helping me get just shy of 2-Liters in the triangle. My USWE, soft flasks, and some aero-bar straps should get me to a total potential capacity of 6-Liters for those long exposed sections.

Mike Ioannidis

Age 34 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: My trustworthy Fairlight Secan 2.5 with a 34t chainring and an 11-51 Shimano Deore cassette. GRX Brakes, crankset, and derailleur. SON dynamo hub paired with B&M IQ-X light, with an occasional backup from a Petzl headlamp. Tires are Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M in 45mm.
BAGS: Ortlieb QR saddle bag, Wizard Works full frame bag, Acepac feed bag, and Platzangst top tube bag for the snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The stem is steel, custom-made by Vetra Bikes. The Ortlieb saddle bag with the quick-release system makes loading very easy and more efficient. I will also carry a Sea To Summit sleeping bag liner, Alpkit bivy, and an insulated mat from Exped. The latter will be strapped to the handlebars, and in case the temps drop, I will have an emergency blanket to make it cosy. In addition to the approximately 2L of water that will be in the water bottles, I will be carrying a hydration backpack with a 2L bladder. My favorite part of the whole setup is the bike itself.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530

Daniil Ivanov

Age 30 / Helsinki (Finland)

BIKE: Trusted companion Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 in the beautiful Oregano color—everything you could wish for. It runs a Shimano GRX822 12-speed groupset, and I’ve swapped to a larger cassette (10–51T) to save my legs on daily climbs. For wheels, I’m running DT Swiss paired with 45mm Schwalbe G-One Overland Evo, well reinforced against sidewall punctures.
BAGS: For quick-access items, I rely on an Apidura x Canyon frame bag with 4.5L capacity. Paired with a top tube bag from Temu—yes, Temu—it worked surprisingly well on my 700km Portugal tour. A Revelate Designs Spinelock saddle bag carries most of my gear, and it won’t swing side-to-side. Google it!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Magicshine RN3000 front light with an impressive run time, also usable as a power bank. Two snack pouches from my girlfriend—somehow they always end up being the most crucial piece of equipment.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2 loaded with a bunch of parsed GPX route files, kindly prepared with the help of ChatGPT.

Joselu

Age 56 / Vallirana, Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2024 Specialized STR S-Works Diverge, S-Works carbon handlebar, Specialized 3D saddle, SRAM AXS Red components, 10-50T Eagle X01 cassette with a custom purple Kolossos hub. Custom Industry Nine wheels with purple hubs, Specialized Pathfinder tires.
BAGS: Apidura seat bags with a top tube and handlebar bag from Cyclite.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Carbon zipp aerobars, Lezyne rear light, ay-up front light.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ACE GPS and I usually use Komoot as my App.

Victor Kouzov

Age 29 / Sofia (Bulgaria)

BIKE:Drag Bicycles Sterrato CF equipped with SRAM Force AXS. COX Carbon Wheels fitted with 50mm Schwalbe tires. Fizik adaptive saddle to keep my butt pain-free and Profile Design Aerobars to get some tension off my wrists.
BAGS: Zefal Frame and Saddle Bags + Food Pouch for the yum yum
GPS DEVICE: My dad’s old Garmin 1040

Richard Lake

Age 48 / Grimsby, Lincolnshire (UK)

BIKE: NukeProof Digger Factory 2022, GRX 1×11 Speed. I’ve made a couple of modifications to the base build to enable wider gearing firstly with a SunRace MX8 46T cassette and a Dreamcatcher 36T chainring. With this combination I can (almost!) ride up anything.
BAGS: Tailfin Aero Pack and Top Tube bag. Albion Cargo Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: RedShift QR Aero Bars, RedShift Suspensions Seatpost and Stem.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with RideWithGPS on my iPhone for exploring my own POIs on the route. Also bringing along a Garmin 540 Solar for backup.

Jesus Losa

Age 62 / Valladolid (Spain)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge, size 54. Built for endurance with Hunt 650b wheels and 53mm tires to handle everything from desert tracks to rocky climbs. Powered by a dynamo hub with a Sinewave Beacon II for endless night riding. Handlebar wrapped twice for comfort on the longest stretches. Custom drivetrain: 52/31T chainrings paired with an 11-46T cassette for the steepest ramps and fast rolling. Saddle: Selle Italia Gravel 145mm.
BAGS: Full Apidura bikepacking kit, keeping everything balanced and accessible: food and tools in the frame bag, essentials on the top tube, sleep system on the handlebar roll, and clothing in the saddle pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lighting: Dynamo + Sinewave Beacon II = freedom to ride through the night. Comfort setup: wide tires, double-wrapped bars, and a tuned saddle for ultra-distance. Strategy: ride through the night and rest in short intervals, avoiding the harshest hours of the Andalusian sun. Mindset: focus, patience, and determination, the real gear that will carry me to Granada.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 with full Komoot maps for reliable navigation.

Julio Martinez Jr.

Age 37 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: I named her “La Cocoa” for her chocolaty color. My rig is a mix of happy accidents: it started as a Checkpoint SL5 Gen 3, but morphed into a Trek’s warranty replacement frame, a curated mix of SRAM Force XPLR derailleur and 13-speed cassette, Rival XPLR crank+power meter with a 38T chainring (all of these thanks to my good friend VZ). I kept the stock SRAM Apex shifters and calipers. Wheels are Elitewheels Marvel G35, mega reliable and affordable, with super capable 45mm Maxxis Ramblers. Cockpit has a Redshift Kitchen sink 40cm handlebar plus their top grips and tape and for comfort a Fizik Vento Aliante adaptive saddle.
BAGS: For my first ultra-long-distance, bike-packing “joy ride” my rig is set up with a now extinct Bedrock Bags Coconino saddle bag, gravel special edition. Trek’s own frame bag. Talfin downtube bag. And a last-minute change: Swift Industries Catalyst pack in the front.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: That Coconino saddle bag with its super stable harness system and lots of room! And not shown, my Camelback Chase hydration vest that converts me into a Swiss Army knife.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be taking Coros Dura’s unbeatable battery life.

Ismael Masero

Age 41 / Badajoz (Spain)

BIKE: Planet X Tempest titanium, SRAM Rival 1×12 drivetrain (38T x 10-44), 30mm carbon wheels with Novatec hubs and 29 x 2.0″ Continental Race King tires. Other accessories, including the saddle and handlebar, are carbon. A very balanced and lightweight bike (8.5kg without bags, 13.5kg with Badlands setup).
BAGS: A 2.5L Decathlon bag on the saddle, a dry bag on the handlebars with a 4L DIY tire harness, small repair bag, and a 3.5L framebag. A 2L CamelBak backpack with 600ml soft flasks and two 600ml water bottles are also included.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: In addition to the 29 x 2.0″ tires, I’ve reinforced the areas near the climbing levers and the bottom of the shift button with EVA foam for greater comfort and to prevent them from digging into your hand after so many hours on bumpy terrain.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530 plus a phone mount and external batteries.

Tommaso Mattei

Age 46 / Monsummano Terme, Pistoia (Italy)

BIKE: BOTTECCHIA Gravel Monster, carbon frame, Fulcrum wheels alluminum Rapid Red 3, Shimano GRX 2×12, crankset 46/30T, 10-45T cassette, PIRELLI Cinturato 700x45mm tires, Brooks C17 saddle. It’s the same setup I used for Seven Serpents in May.
BAGS: Complete set by Miss Grape, except the downtube pack by Apidura.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: MAGICSHINE RAY 2100 front light and EVOC 3L backpack.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1030 PLUS.

Saonit Maxime

Age 36 / St Vulbas, Ain Region (France)

BIKE: Berria Naii limited edition, SRAM Red XPLR 13-speed AXS groupset + Quarq power meter, SRAM AXS blips under the handlebar and drivetrain combo (10/46T, 40T chainring), Zipp 303 SW XPLR wheels, Schwalbe G One RS 45mm rear tire, Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1″ front tire, Italia 3D carbon saddle, Avav Force 400/100 handlebar combo, Garmin front light, Topeak rear light.
BAGS: Apidura Aero Bag and Apidura 7L saddle bag, USWE 2L hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A gravel bike that’s as light as it is comfortable.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 Solar.

Oscar Medina

Age 51 / Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SL6 (Gen 2), Sram Eagle GX, Chain Ring 38t and Cassette 10×52, 3 Frame bags + 4 Water Bottles + Tools Container, Wahoo Element Roam v3
BAGS: Top Tube Bag: Trek (Batteries and Gels), Frame Bag: Trek 2ltr (Gels, Food, spare parts), Saddle Bag: Apidura (Gear, Clothing), Handlebar Bag: Generic (Food and Rain Jacket
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Lighting Detour Road (Cockpit) and Hangover (Helmet)
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam v3.

Michael Menhard

Age 51 / Immensee (Switzerland)

BIKE: Specialized Crux with SRAM RED drivetrain.
BAGS: Two Cyclite frame bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lezyne lighting system.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin GPS 530 Solar.

Paul Merkel

Age 26 / Gießen, Mittelhessen (Germany)

BIKE: Arc8 Eero, size M (55cm), with SRAM Rival XPLR (40T, 10-44 standard gearing), Zipp 303s wheels, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45mm tires (measured at 48mm), Zipp Vuka aerobars with blips.
Bags: Apidura 5,4l frame bag, Apidura top tube bag, Topeak Saddleback with Wishbone stabilizer, USWE Rush8 hydration vest.
BAGS: Apidura 5,4l frame bag, Apidura top tube bag, Topeak Saddleback with Wishbone stabilizer, USWE Rush8 hydration vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Aerobars, my Hydration vest and my headphones. Also 1,4kg Maltodextrin in very suspect looking ziplock bags. My frame bag looks like I am smuggling cocaine.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 (not mine, borrowed from a friend. Additionally Garmin Fenix 6 on a quarter turn watch mount. (My normal device)

Pau Mitjans

Age 31 / Barcelona (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a GUAVA Spot VOLATA X Aniversario edition, equipped with SRAM Force AXS components and an Eagle cassette (40T x 10/50). The build rolls on a set of HUNT 40 Carbon Gravel Race wheels, fitted with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45mm tires for maximum grip and versatility.
BAGS: I’ll carry three Geosmina bags: 10L Seat Bag, 3L Frame Bag and Small Top Tube Bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lighting: LEZYNE Macro Drive 1300 XL front light + Petzl headlamp. Sleep system: self-inflating trekking mattress. Fuel & hydration: hydration vest powered by Etixx.
GPS DEVICE: For guidance on the route, I’ll rely on a Garmin Edge 530.

Zachary Morvant

Age 42 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE: Lauf Seigla with SRAM AXS
BAGS: Tailfin long top tube bag, frame wedge, and new Speed Pack
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure Lights (new Toro and Diablo) and Form Cycling’s Throne Saddle
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt V2 (sponsor me, guys)

Jamie Nicholson

Age 38 / Mill Valley, California (USA)

BIKE: Open WI.DE, with Enve AG 25 wheels and 45mm Schwalbe G-One Overland Pros. Running a 10-52T Force AXS mullet with 38T Wolf Tooth chainring on the front. On the cockpit, I’ve got some Enve bars and Profile Designs aerobars for another hand position.
BAGS: Tailfin frame bags for all the bocadillos and an Apidura saddle bag for a very minimal sleep kit and spare clothes. I’ll have a Salomon ADV 12 on my back for even more bocadillos and to keep hydrated.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Apidura musette to quickly raid the village supermercados and my Exposure lights for some night riding during the cooler temps.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Diego Oliveira

Age 34 / Natal (Brazil)

BIKE: I’m going with a Cube NuRoad C:62 One, with GRX 1×12 10-51T cassette, 40T chainring and Schwalbe G-One All-around 45mm tubeless tires.
BAGS: To carry everything I’ll use a 11L Acid saddlebag for clothes and off-bike gear, 3L Acid bag with tools and electronics, a CamalBak backpack and a smaller 0.8L bag for food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite gear is definitely my 1×12 10-51T cassette! I’ll rely heavily on it to deal with the massive climbs.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 for navigation, and a mix of Komoot and Google Maps for finding POIs.

Mateusz Olszewski

Age 36 / Great Dunmow Essex (England)

BIKE: Lauf Seigla spenergge wheels with Vittoria tyres payote and tyrreno.
BAGS: Top tube Restrap, down tube Apidura aero seat post bag, Apidura race 3L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite gear is bike itself, the Lauf Seigla.
GPS DEVICE: GPS is garmin edge 840.

Bert van der Plas

Age 55 / Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

BIKE: After using a hardtail MTB and a fully at previous editions of Badlands, I will use a gravel bike this time. It’s a Ghost Fire Road Rage with SRAM Rival/GX components and a 36×11/42T drivetrain. It still has most of the original components, except from the wheels, which are handmade and fitted with wide rims and Thunder Burt 2.25″ MTB tires. This should add some extra comfort and grip on the bumpy roads.
BAGS: I have a minimalist set up, as I only plan to ride during day light hours and spend the nights in accommodation along the route. A Blackburn frame bag and a CamelBak Chase hydration vest will suffice.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I added some super thick handlebar tape for some extra comfort, which really makes a difference.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Bolt.

Chris Prahl

Age 46 / Almeria (Spain)

BIKE: Kinesis Decade Tripster 2012, Shimano Deore/105 mix.
BAGS: Blackburn Framebag
GPS DEVICE: Fairphone3 (completely overwhelmed) with Komoot

Maxime Prieur

Age 38 / Vieux Boucau les Bains, Lands (France)

BIKE: Canyon Grail CFR, lightest bike they’ve got, no aero bar, no stuff with me, only one goal: be faster. 44mm tires front and back.
BAGS: One long top tube bag from Miss Grape, one frame bag, and one very small saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mullet Transmission, like my hair, 42T oval on the front and 10-52T SRAM GX on the back.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam 3.

Benjamin Quinn

Age 28 / Sydney, New South Wales (Australia)

BIKE: My bike for 2025 Badlands is a Specialized Crux. I have stripped the frame completely of the original parts, upgrading the groupset to Shimano Ultegra Di2 and currently running a 52/36T on the front and 11-36T on the rear, although I may swap the chainrings for something a little easier. I’ve generously been given a beautiful set of Caden carbon race wheels. These are the 50mm deep, 37mm wide external, 29.5mm internal deCADENce wheels. I’ve also gone narrow on the front end with a flared Caden carbon handlebar.
BAGS: My bag set up has been thrown together with some great support from Rapha. I have chosen to use three bags from the Rapha Explore series. I have paired a small top tube bag with the larger Explore Frame Bag and Explore Seat Pack. Plenty of space for all the necessities. I’ve got two bottles on the frame and will carry a hydration pack to make sure I’ve got plenty of fluid.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favourite bit of kit on the bike has to be the Caden wheels. These things roll like an absolute dream on all surfaces. Keen to get them in the dirt in Spain!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 Solar with Raveman 300 battery backpack.

Denis Rautovic

Age 37 / Lumino, Ticino (Switzerland)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge (modified for UDH), SRAM XO rear derailleur, SRAM Red XPLR crank (52-38T), brakes, and shifters. Wheel set is ZIPP XPRL 303, tires Schwalbe G-ONE RS PRO Addix 45mm. The handlebar is a Canyon GROOVE because I am using their aerobar, but for Badlands, I decided to go without aerobars. Lights are Specialized Stix rear and Bookman Volume 1500 front.
BAGS: CYCLITE framebag, top tube bag, and saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My beast gear on this bike is a big cassette and a 38T chainring on the front. Riding at home in the Swiss Alps, you need fast but easy gears to climb all the steep and long alpine climbs. And wide ZIPP wheels so you can ride low pressure and be fast and comfy on the bad gravel roads or trails.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Nabil Robiati

Age 46 / Windhoek (Namibia)

BIKE: Trek Supercaliber 9.8, T-TYPE XO, AXS shifting, Brooks C17 Carved saddle, Profile Design Aero Bars on Profile design raisers for maximum comfort, and carbons wheels with Schwalbe ThunderBurt 2.25″ tires. I’m using a Son28 Dynamo Hub with a kLite headlight. Im running a 1×12 with 32T front chainring and 10-52T cassette at the back for those massive hills.
BAGS: Tailfin frame bag with a 2L water bladder, a Tailfin Long Top Tube bag, and a small saddle bag for my tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Insta360 x4 camera.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using two devices. Garmin Solar 1040 as well as a back up Wahoo Roam2.

Manuel Vazquez Romero

Age 43 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: Canyon Grail 8 CF SLX. GRX drivetrain with Rotor 48/30T chainrings and 11-34T cassette. 45mm front and 40mm rear tires.
BAGS: Cyclite bags: rear and framebag. Also, a backpack with a 3L CamelBak with a thermal cover to mitigate the desert heat.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Complete lighting system: Ravemen 2400 headlights and Duracell front light, Flaer RT rear light and Garmin Varia RTC715. An extra headlamp and a KX12D are in the backpack. A 100W 26,800mAh 4-port power bank. DJI Action 5 Pro camera.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 with iPhone as a backup.

Remco de Rooij

Age 46

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SLR9 GRX.
BAGS: Tailfin.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ROAM V3 (back-up Garmin Edge 1040 Solar).

Marie Rydne

Age 52 / Gothenburg (Sweden)

BIKE: Fara F/Gravel.
BAGS: Apidura race saddle, snackbags, Restrap tube bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040.

Florian Schigelski

Age 50 / Weyhe, Lower Saxony (Germany)

BIKE: I ride my Specialized Diverge Expert with SRAM Rival/GX. I love the Future Shock suspension and use a lighter Leeze Carbon wheelset with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 45mm tires.
BAGS: Lightweight Restrap 7L saddle bag. To boost my hydration, I will use the Evoc Hydro Pro with a 2.5L hydration bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova M99 Frontlight with high beam is amazing. My personal game changer is the Specialized Swat Box in the down tube, which fits all my tools and spare parts, including a pump.

Oliver Schuller

Age 44 / Salzburg (Austria)

BIKE: Specialized Crux, GRX 1×12 (40T/10–44), Schwalbe G-One R 45mm (tubeless), 3× 0.7L bottles.
BAGS: Saddle bag: lightweight sleeping system, first-aid kit, wind jacket. Top tube bag: multitool, spork, earphones, tape, food. Frame bag: tools and spare parts, tubes, power bank, cables, arm warmers, wind vest, spare lights, toiletries, chamois cream, food and electrolytes. Hydration vest: 2L water bladder, food, gels.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 830.

James Sell

Age 47 / Madrid (Spain)

BIKE: Basso Palta with SRAM Mullet build for the long climbs.
BAGS: Bags all from Miss Grape.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Detour light to guide the way with a Fenix HMR65 headlight supporting. Inflatable mattress from Alpkit to soften the hard Andalucian ground or pavement. Spotify playlists. Lake shoes to make the long days more comfortable.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 830.

Fred Snauwaert

Age 43 / Brussels (Belgium)

BIKE: For my first attempt at Badlands, the main goal is finishing. If I can pull it off in 4 days, I’ll consider it a successful trip. I’m bringing my Salsa Warbird, fitted with 45 mm Pirelli Cinturato M tires on 42 mm Duke Baccara RX rims and DT Swiss 180 hubs. A Wolf Tooth 38 chainring and SRAM Eagle 10–52 mullet setup should get me over the steepest sections.
BAGS: Plenty of packing gear. I do plan to sleep after all, so a few extra comfort items will be useful. Electronics go in the top tube Tailfin pouch. The half-frame bag, also Tailfin, will hold all my meticulously portioned rations, as well as a rain jacket and a few spare parts. The Salsa Anything Bags on the fork and Restrap saddle bag will hold a sleeping bag, mat, and bivvy, though I’m considering removing some of that to replace it with more riding time (smiling anxiously).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m looking forward to getting into the zone with the Deda Parabolica aerobars and the USWE 2L hydration vest with plenty of room for extra food and maybe a Red Bull on one of those days.
GPS DEVICE: The Garmin Edge Explore 2 will show me the way. It’s an entry-level device that I appreciate for its simplicity. It is mounted on a CloseTheGap Hide-my-bell, which has space below for a pretty powerful Ravemen PR2400 light.

Ondrej Sobek

Age 37 / Prague (Czech Republic)

BIKE: Mondraker Arid carbon with SRAM T-Type mullet setup. 40T chainring in front and SRAM XX SL derailleur in the back. Wheels Zipp 303 XPLR SW. Also will use aerobars from Zipp to stretch my back when possible with blibs to shift. Fenix lights.
BAGS: Miss Grape all the way, top tube 1.7L, framebag according to bike size and Cluster 13L in the back for apparel and light stuff. Will use USWE hydration vest for sure.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Really happy that I can use two perfect Czech products—Posedla custom 3D printed saddle, real game changer. And then Tufo prototype Thundero HD tyres in 48mm. Hope this will somehow save me.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Jesse Spauwen

Age 34 / Nijmegen (The Netherlands)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusted purple Rose Backroad, tuned with an 11–50T cassette (purple, of course) and a 38T Wolf Tooth chainring up front. I’ve installed a dynamo hub wheel that powers the Sinewave light and charges my GPS and phone. The tires are 45mm Schwalbe R Pros.
BAGS: Its all Apidura bags on the bike and I carry a 2L hydration pack on my back. Together with two bottles in the cages, that gives me almost 4L of water, which I hope will be enough. A standard-sized can of soda fits perfectly jammed between the aerobars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleeping, I’m taking a thin liner, a bivy bag, and a minimalist mat so I can nap comfortably wherever I like. I recently discovered the joys of a small inflatable pillow — something I won’t go without anymore. The whole sleeping setup still comes in under an incredible 1kg: a small weight penalty in exchange for a little comfort and freedom. Besides my dynamo-powered light, I carry a Fenix headlamp on my helmet to guide me through corners, some clothes for colder nights, wired headphones for music, and a few tools and spares for emergencies. Of course, there’s also quite some food in the bags.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 830.

Patrick Staubach

Age 31 / Weimar (Germany)

BIKE: A Canyon Exceed CF SLX with SRAM AXS, the same one I used for Silk Road and Atlas Mountain Race in 2024/2025. It did not feel right to buy a gravel bike specifically for Badlands. I run full flat pedals and 2.2″ Race King tires on both wheels. I changed the chainring size to 36 teeth, mounted a lower stem but higher aerobars, and shortened the bars for Badlands.
BAGS: A huge Revelate frame back, restrained by a strap to avoid touching my inner legs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Different crank lengths left and right to balance some of my 3 cm leg length difference. Wolf tooth flat pedals with Shimano SH-GE900 shoes, which already last for 3 years!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar

Rick Steffen

Age 32 / Mulheim an der Ruhr (Germany)

BIKE: Rose Backroad FF
BAGS: Cyclite
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 3L Apidura Bladder and 2 kilograms of nutrition Powder
GPS DEVICE: Garmin

Patrick Strack

Age 31 / Stockholm (Sweden)

BIKE: I am riding my Canyon Grail CF SLX Gen 2 with the Force XPLR D2 groupset. The bike features a 38T front chainring paired with a 10-44T cassette, the Canyon Grove Aerobars as well as the new Specialized Pathfinder TLR in 45mm (Front) and 40mm (Back).
BAGS: I am running the Tailfin Aeropack in the back, which holds all things that I won’t have to access too often, like spare clothes, spare parts and extra nutrition. It will also have enough space to store my camera in case I do not want it on my back. In the center, I have the Tailfin top tube bag for all things nutrition as well as the Tailfin Frame Bag, which will store all my medicine (Type 1 Diabetic), all my battery packs to power my devices as well as even more nutrition. Three big bottles as well as a hydration vest will cover all my fluids.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My custom 3D-printed computer/GoPro mount, which integrates neatly with the Canyon Aerobars, making the cockpit very clean and easy to mount my lights/computer.
GPS DEVICE: Using the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 as well as having the route and key points of the route backed up on the phone.

Sam Tabahriti

Age 29 / London (United Kingdom)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Trek Checkpoint SL5 2026, a carbon lightweight frame with 45mm tubeless tires. It has a wireless 12-speed SRAM Apex XPLR AXS drivetrain and weighs about 9.5kg on its own.
BAGS: I will be using Restrap’s bags. My setup includes a top tube bag, handlebar bag, and saddle bag. I will carry a hydration vest, and added on top of the usual bottle cages, two extras on the fork.
GPS DEVICE: I’m excited to take out the Wahoo ACE on the trails and make use of its big screen. I’ll also rely on a Wahoo Roam as backup should there be any issue.

Jordi Vera Terradellas

Age 34 / Manlleu, Barcelona, Catalunya (Spain)

BIKE: Giant Advanced Revolt with a SRAM Rival/GX AXS 11-52T groupset and a 38T chainring. My brother and I are both using Cinturato Gravel M 700x45mm tires.
BAGS: Geosmina frame bag and seat bag. Topeak for the toptube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A few clothes, a power bank, an inflatable sleeping mat, a silk sleeping bag, and a thermal blanket.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Nil Vera Terradellas

Age 33 / Manlleu, Barcelona, Catalunya (Spain)

BIKE: Trek Checkpoint SL6, SRAM Rival/GX AXS 11-52T, 38T chainring. Zipp 303 firecrest wheels, Cinturato Gravel M 700x45mm tires.
BAGS: Custom framebag by Buckitbelts, saddle bag from Ortlieb, and a Columbus top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Not a lot of clothing, lots of water, and I’m sharing a repair kit with my brother.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam.

Niels Tiaden

Age 23 / Cape Town (South Africa)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a drop bar Epic World Cup with a set of Continental Dubnital 2.2″ tires. I’ll be running mountain bike gearing with a 10-52T cassette and a 34T chainring up front. For lighting, I’ve got an Exposure SixPack mounted to the bars and a Diablo for on the helmet.
BAGS: I’m using Tailfin bags and a Salamon hydration vest with a 2L bladder.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 solar.

Duarte Tirapicos

Age 36 / Evora (Portugal)

BIKE: My bike is a CUBE Nuroad C:62 has a 38T chainring and a 42T largest rear cog.
BAGS: I’ll use a large saddle bag for my sleep kit, a jacket, and some spares. My frame bag and top tube bag carry tools, spares, food, and my power banks.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Rares Turtoi

Age 25

BIKE: Orbea Terra 2025 equipped with SRAM Force XPLR and a SRAM GX Eagle (10–52T cassette).
BAGS: Tailfin Long top tube bag, Frame bag, and Top tube pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: No sleep system, only food and a warm layer, 3L of water carried on the frame, Fenix headlamp and RockBros tail light.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Markus Valentin

Age 36 / Leipzig, Saxony (Germany)

BIKE: I am riding my old trusty Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 (2021) with a Parcours Alta 650b Wheelset and Maxxis Rambler tires.
BAGS: Restrap Bags for Snacks and clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing fancy just the usual. Syntace C3 Aero Bars and Lupine Pico.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Jose Carlos Pardo Vasquez

Age 49 / Granada, Granada (Spain)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Rodeo Labs Traildonkey TD4 EL PANAMEÑO. The bike features a new pair of WTB Vulpine 45mm tires. The wheels are ARRA Carbon 50, and the drivetrain is Shimano GRX 820. The saddle is a BROOKS C15.
BAGS: Apidura Expedition.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Flip-flops.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1030 to navigate, but will also have the route loaded in the Komoot app on my phone as a backup.

Alberto Viciana

Age 40 / Haarlem (The Netherlands)

BIKE: New CANYON Grizl CF 9 with RIFT suspension, AXS with SRAM Rival and GX Eagle AXS Transmission mullet setup, and Fulcrum SHARQ wheels.
BAGS: Tailfin frame bag, three Tailfin top tube bags, and a Tailfin downtube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am using the new SRAM Rival with Quarq power meter on a 40T chainring and an Eagle GX derailleur with 10-52T cassette. Fulcrum SHARQ wheels with Pirelli Cinturato 45mm and snackitos from MNSTRY. I am wearing MAAP, Fizik shoes, Kask helmet and Alba optics.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo.

Erik Wallinga

Age 55 / Zutphen (Netherlands)

BIKE: I will be riding Badlands on my Cannondale Scalpel.
BAGS: A Tailfin Aeropack with 2 rear panniers, a toptube bag, and a bag attached to the bar.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050.

Harry Weeks

Age 26 / Oxford (England)

BIKE: Specialized Diverge Pro 2022, SRAM Force AXS – 42T x 10-50T, Hunt 4 Seasons & Panaracer GravelKing X1 TLR 45mm tyres, and Redshift Top Shelf Handlebars with 50mm rise.
BAGS: Tailfin Aeropack, 10L rear pannier & 2.7L frame wedge pack. Apidura x Canyon top tube pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My setup features 6 bottles to carry 4.75L. My sleeping arrangement consists of an Alpkit bivy bag, a Decathlon blow-up mattress, and a puffer coat. I’m also carrying 12 Styrkr carb drinks and a million Squares bars.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.

Check out the Badlands 2025 Tracker page for updates, where you can follow along on the live tracking map and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.

Further Reading

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