Today the 31st of December, the last year of 2017, I went out for my last ride of this year. Muddy, rainy, nevertheless I had a great time. Being on the gravel trail in the nature, with the only noise the chain on my bike, I had some time to think and reflect on the past year. What has gone well, what should be done better, what challenges are ahead of us in 2018.
In 2017, we launched several new components: the SuperErgo, the successor of the highly popular Ergonova bar, which is getting very positive reviews from you. We also launched a new super light dropbar called the SuperLeggera, which is with 166 grams really taking some grams of your bike. The new Apto stem complements these new bars: I am very pleased with this absolutely stylish new stem that succeeds the highly popular Arx stem. And the highlight of the year 2017 was the introduction of our first aero road bike ever: the Strada. 
Straight after the launch in July, we won in September the Interbike Innovation Award and a month later the prestigious German Design Award 2018. We are very proud that this new concept of an aero road bike gets such a positive reception on both sides of the ocean.
We started shipping the frame in September, and from the start we couldn’t keep up with demand. The good news is that we triple our production capacity from January onwards, so your waiting time for your Strada in 2018 is going to be reduced. Gerard and I are very pleased that this new concept combining wide tires, aerodynamic design and 1x drivetrain gets such a great reception from you. We are also very excited that the Aqua Blue Sports Team choose to race in 2018 with the Strada at the highest level of cycling competitions.
In 2017 we also went on many adventure trips. One of my favorite trips, which I couldn’t join myself unfortunately, was the trip that some of our Explorers did in the Negev Desert in Israel. Absolutely stunning scenery! Really exploring! We expanded our XPDTN3 trips in 2017 to Asia, with a first trip in Japan, where we climbed Mt. Tsuguri together with our Japanese distribution partner.
In 2018, we plan to explore several super exciting new destinations. Stay tuned and follow us on these trips, or do one yourself: GPX files are available to download free of charge for every trip we publish.
In 2017 we also launched the most epic gravel event in Europe, the Jeroboam. With a grueling, overnight 300km ride, this is one of the MUST DO gravel challenges! In 2018 we will organise the 2nd edition of the Jeroboam, with 300km, 150, 75 and 37,5 km rides. The event will take place in September.
2017 was a busy year, but also a year of great fun. 2018 looks to be even better, with Aqua Blue Sports Team racing the Strada, more XPDTN3 trips with the Exploro and more new exciting products!
On behalf of myself, Gerard and the entire 3T team, I like to thank you all for your stories, your interactions and your support for 3T in 2017.
This leaves me to wish you and your families a happy 2018 with loads of cycling fun. Thats what it’s all about in the end: having fun on a bike.
