If you love gravel riding, the freedom, the mixed surfaces, the “let’s‑see‑what’s-around-the-corner” feeling there’s a whole other frontier you might not have tried yet: beach racing.
Yes… racing on actual sand.
It’s fast, raw, totally unique, and surprisingly addictive.
This January, our athlete Marjet Groen kicked off her season by taking on two beach races, choosing the 3T Extrema Italia as her bike of choice. And honestly? Once you understand what beach racing demands, it makes perfect sense.
So… What is Beach Racing?
Imagine a race course made of long stretches of coastline, shifting sand, salty wind, and pelotons thundering down the beach at high speed. It mixes elements of road racing (fast group riding), gravel (variable terrain), and a bit of survival mode.
Riders face:
- Soft and hard sand that constantly changes
- Strong coastal winds
- Long straight sections where aerodynamics really matter
Wide tires and stability are key; anything that digs into the sand too much will slow you down or even stop you entirely. That’s why bikes optimized for big‑volume tires and confident handling shine here. Sources from gravel comparison tests highlight how tire clearance directly improves capability on sandy surfaces and rough terrain.
Why the Extrema Italia Fits Beach Racing So Well
The 3T Extrema Italia wasn’t designed specifically for beaches, but it turns out it’s almost perfect for them.
1. Big Tire Clearance = Staying on Top of the Sand
The Extrema Italia can take up to 57 mm tires, and even up to 60 mm slicks with the right setup. That’s huge, far beyond typical gravel bikes. This generous clearance makes it easier to “float” over soft sand instead of sinking in.
2. Aerodynamics That Actually Matter on Beaches
It might surprise you, but beach racing is fast.
With so much open space and so much wind, having a bike shaped to cut through the air makes a real difference. The Extrema’s aerodynamic design is engineered around real tire widths to improve airflow.
3. Stability and Control in a Wild Environment
The Extrema’s geometry leans toward stability and adventure riding, something noted in comparisons to other high‑end gravel frames and which plays a big role when you’re fighting crosswinds and uneven sand.
4. Made in Italy, Built for Extremes
This bike is manufactured in our own Italian carbon factory using our Jazz Carbon technology. It’s durable, stiff where you need it, and crafted for rough, demanding conditions; perfect for a surface that can go from firm to deep in seconds.
Marjet Groen’s January Adventures on the Extrema Italia
With two beach races already in the books this January, Marjet put the Extrema Italia to the test in true sandy conditions. For her, these early‑season races were a chance to sharpen her form, but also a chance to prove what a high‑clearance aero gravel bike can do on the beach.
While other riders struggled with changing sand textures, Marjet benefitted from:
- The bike’s flotation on wider tires
- Its aerodynamic efficiency in strong winds
- Its responsive power transfer on fast sections
Beach racing isn’t about long climbs or technical descents. It’s about holding speed, reading the terrain, and choosing the right line across a shifting surface. With its mix of speed, stability, and tire volume, the Extrema Italia slots right into that sweet spot.
Why Gravel Riders Should Care About Beach Racing
If you’re a gravel enthusiast, beach racing is an awesome extension of what you already love:
- It’s about exploring new surfaces.
- It’s about learning how your bike responds in a totally different environment.
- And it’s about feeling speed in a fresh, exhilarating way.
You don’t need big mountains or endless singletrack. Just a coastline, the right tires, and a bike ready for adventure.
The Extrema Italia happens to be that kind of bike, a fast, capable gravel machine that’s just as happy tearing across sand as it is on long gravel roads.
Ready to Try a New Line?
Beach racing pushes you to rethink what “fast gravel” means. It rewards stability, power, and aerodynamics in a way that feels different from typical gravel rides.
Marjet Groen showed what’s possible this January.
Now it’s your turn to see what happens when you point your bike toward the shoreline.
This is fast gravel evolved.
This is #RidingTheHighline.
