Race Stories • September 2026
300 kilometers, over 4,200 meters of elevation gain, and relentless gradients. The high mountain passes do not negotiate. We took our latest gear setup straight into the heart of the alpine climbs for the ultimate endurance test.
Into the Climb
Tackling sustained climbs tests the absolute limits of power transfer. When the gradient suddenly spikes to 14%, out-of-the-saddle efforts reveal whether your frame and wheels can handle extreme lateral loads without flexing.
The Rider’s Note: “Pacing is everything on the long switchbacks. You need equipment that responds instantly the moment you push the pedals.”
Managing the Descent
Descending technical hairpins at speeds exceeding 65 km/h pushes braking systems to their thermal limits. Maintaining confident modulation and stable tracking on wet or loose corners is what separates a good ride from a legendary one.