Romain Bardet, a prominent figure in the cycling world, is set to make a significant shift in his career, transitioning from road cycling to the growing discipline of gravel biking. This move comes after an illustrious career that saw Bardet secure second and third places in the Tour de France in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and achieve notable successes in one-day races and grand tours.
Gravel biking, a sport that blends elements of road cycling and mountain biking, has been gaining traction over the past fifteen years, particularly in the United States. The discipline is known for its versatility, allowing cyclists to traverse a variety of terrains including cobblestones, roads, gravel, and dirt paths. Gravel bikes are designed with robust components, wider notched tires, and different gearing to accommodate higher pedaling frequencies.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) recognized the rising popularity of gravel biking by creating a Gravel category during the World Championships. The first edition of the women's event was won by Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in 2022, and the men's reigning world champion is Slovenia's Matej Mohoric. Bardet's transition to gravel biking will see him compete in the 2025 World Championships in Nice, an event he is particularly fond of.
Bardet's affinity for gravel biking stems from its emphasis on freedom and adventure, with less car traffic and reduced risk of accidents. This new chapter in his career will commence after he concludes his road cycling career at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June 2025. Prior to that, he will participate in the Tour de France and the Giro, events that have been cornerstones of his professional journey.
- Gravel biking's appeal lies in its blend of fun and performance, attracting cyclists who enjoy the challenge of varied terrains. The discipline allows for group outings where athletes can experience different landscapes and surfaces, making it a more social and adventurous form of cycling.
- In official gravel biking events, riders must be self-sufficient, handling mechanical issues without team assistance unless in designated areas. Races vary in distance, with notable events including the 'Barry-Roubaix' in Michigan and the 'Unbound Gravel' in Kansas, which spans an impressive 320 kilometers.
- Romain Bardet's career highlights include his remarkable performances in the Tour de France, Giro, and Vuelta, as well as his achievements in one-day races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the World Championships in Innsbruck. His transition to gravel biking marks a new and exciting phase, aligning with his passion for long-distance and off-road cycling.
