Racing the Highline at Santa Vall
Girona already feels far away. It’s been less than three days since the first gravel‑racing weekend of the season, and anyone who doesn’t actually live in Girona is now back home. Some of us drove across half of Europe in a van, others came by car, the lucky ones by plane. The trip back was more or less long, depending on where we were headed. Along the way, most of us finally had time to process what had just happened—it had been a great weekend.
And now, getting back to daily routines—solo training rides, work, the same roads as always—well, it’s not exactly thrilling. Spring isn’t here yet.
All of us would rather still be out there on our bikes, in Girona, in the warm sun, surrounded by people who, just like us, are looking not just for a sport but for something closer to a ritual. Gravel racing is all‑consuming. Girona is a magical place.
For Santa Vall, the opening round of this year’s Gravel Earth Series, the whole atmosphere felt like the “first day of school”: new teams, new kits, new goals to chase, plus a wave of events and product launches in the days leading into the race weekend. There was time to ride, train, and race—but also time to talk, reconnect with friends we only see a few times a year, and start planning new trips, next races, new adventures on two wheels.
The Heart of Gravel: Community
We blended in with everyone else. That’s the thing—gravel racing is unlike any other form of cycling for many reasons. Sure, you race fast across constantly changing terrain—gravel, dust, mud, rocks, river crossings. And yes, elite riders compete on the exact same course and at the exact same time as the age‑group field. But what really sets gravel apart is the people: riders, staff, team managers, mechanics, photographers—everyone connected to racing shares the same love for being outdoors and riding together.
Together. That’s what gravel racing really is: showing up in the same place, sharing the same experience.
Community. Passion for cycling. A way of life.
Our Week in Girona: More Than Just a Race
We at 3T were in Girona for several days, not just the Santa Vall race weekend. In the week leading up to the event, we hosted a couple of social rides starting from Velodrom, the legendary shop in the heart of the city. We presented our 3T Racing the Highline project, introduced our privateer athletes, and unveiled the renewed Reverb Cycling Team. We spent a lot of time together—not only riding, but really breathing in and living the gravel scene.
Race Weekend Highlights
When it comes to racing, the weekend turned out to be a solid one: a top‑ten overall for Hanne Van Loock of the Reverb Cycling Team among the women, and Nils Brun—racing as a 3T privateer—sticking with the lead group both days among the elite men. The Reverb men improved too: Simone Pederiva, for instance, showed consistency across both stages and proved he’s not far from the front of the field.
A Project That’s Growing
But above all, what truly satisfies us is seeing the project grow. It’s growing in race performance, in the athletes’ progression, and equally in the team spirit, the sense of connection, and the desire to spend time together off the racecourse too. The direction we’re moving in is clear.
Next Stop: The Hills
The Hills, the next Gravel Earth Series round on March 28–30, isn’t far away. We can’t wait to get going again—and to meet everyone there.
Will we see you on the start line?
Text by Emilio Previtali
