Running On My Mind

Seven gravel race 2026.

The goal was qualifying for the world champs in October and happy to tick that box off even though not everything worked out as planned.

The start seemed very cold, maybe it's because we haven't had many cool days, only 6 or 7 degrees but went with gloves and a vest over numb hands and happy with that decision.

Pace was on from the start with the new road section before hitting the dirt and that got the heart rate going.

The course was epic with rain leading up to the race, the gravel was a LOT less slippery than last year. That and the new tyres made descending much more fun and less terrifying than in previous years.

Planned my nutrition well, didn't follow the plan at all and finished with heaps left, which probably explains why i lost a lot of energy and speed over the last hour and a half. Oops!

I've also never had cramp on the bike before but had both hamstrings go which was a lovely, painful wake up call and had to stop briefly to stretch but was able to keep going thankfully.

The worst part of the whole day though? One squeaky pedal for 5 hours!!! I'm sure i could fix it but buying new ones on principle lol.

I used to always have to use a lot of l**e or would end up with chafing on longer rides, but happy to say the Superfit 2.0 bibs from have been chafe free a

Most fun weekend of the year, no mechanicals and no crashes, is a win in my book 🎉

👓: McLaren limited edition Vulcans 🔥