{"id":54599,"date":"2023-09-18T19:00:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T17:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=746980"},"modified":"2023-09-18T19:35:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T17:35:52","slug":"the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships\/","title":{"rendered":"The best bikes from the British Gravel Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"

What national champions, WorldTour professionals and Olympic gold medalists rode in the King’s Cup <\/p>

By Jack Luke\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 18 September 2023 at 17:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

The King\u2019s Cup Gravel Festival hosted Saturday\u2019s British Gravel Championships on a fast, flat course in the east of England.<\/p>\n

After five laps of a 15km King\u2019s Forest circuit, Xan Crees won a sprint finish in the women\u2019s race. Joseph Blackmore beat Ineos Grenadier Connor Swift in another sprint to take the men\u2019s title.<\/p>\n

More gravel galacticos, including Alex Dowsett and Alistair Brownlee, graced the Suffolk singletrack.<\/p>\n

With the women averaging nearly 30km\/h and the men 35km\/h for 76km each, the raciest gravel tech was in vogue.<\/p>\n

We were on the ground to chat to the riders and photograph their steeds. Here are the best bikes we spotted at the British Gravel Championships.<\/p>\n

Sam Culverwell\u2019s Dolan GXC<\/h2>\n
\"Sam\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The GXC is Dolan\u2019s carbon gravel bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Sam Culverwell (Dolan Ellesse RT) rode to third place in the senior men\u2019s race onboard this Dolan GXC \u2013 the brand\u2019s do-it-all gravel bike.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Sam\n<\/picture><\/div>
That\u2019s a lotta braking power for a flat-ish course.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Sam\n<\/picture><\/div>
The bike rolls on a pair of matching hubs.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Sam\n<\/picture><\/div>
Finally, a tasty matching headset finishes the red theme.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Culverwell has paired Shimano GRX Di2 shifters with aftermarket Hope RX4+ calipers. With four pistons per caliper (versus the usual two in a stock Shimano caliper), these fetching red stoppers should give him bucketloads of power.<\/p>\n

The calipers are matched with Hope RS4 hubs, laced to unidentified Alpina (Dolan\u2019s in-house finishing kit brand) carbon rims. A Hope headset finishes the look.<\/p>\n

\"Sam\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Terreno Dry is a properly fast gravel tyre.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Culverwell\u2019s bike rolls on a pair of 45mm-wide Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres. These feature an almost slick central section with shallow-profile side knobs \u2013 a fast tyre for a dry day.<\/p>\n

A Selle Italia Boost saddle sits atop an alloy Alpina seatpost. A slammed Deda stem and semi-compact bars provide a stretched-out cockpit.<\/p>\n

Xan Crees\u2019 Cannondale Supersix Evo CX<\/h2>\n
\"Xan\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Xan Crees took the big W in the women\u2019s event.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Xan Crees (Team Spectra Cannondale) won the senior women\u2019s event on board her Supersix Evo CX.<\/p>\n

The Supersix Evo CX is Cannondale\u2019s lightweight off-road race bike, designed to take on either cyclocross or gravel racing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
Crees chose a 40t chainring for the King\u2019s Cup.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
This is paired with a SRAM Force drivetrain.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
The cassette looked pretty crusty after a day of hard racing.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Crees\u2019 build features a SRAM Force rear derailleur and cassettes paired with a Cannondale One crankset. The chain is held in place on the 40t chainring with a neat chain catcher mounted to the front derailleur tab.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
The G-One RS is Schwalbe\u2019s fastest gravel racing tyre.<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
It is almost slick in the centre with widely spaced cornering lugs.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Xan\n<\/picture><\/div>
These were fitted to a pair of Cannondale Hollowgram wheels.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The G-One RS tyres have a near-slick file-like tread. The cornering lugs are slightly more pronounced than similar go-fast gravel tyres.<\/p>\n

\"Xan\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Xan Crees\u2019 Cannondale Supersix Evo CX features almost no saddle-to-bar drop.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Crees\u2019 fit is less aggressive than typical for a gravel race bike, with little saddle-to-bar drop and a relatively stubby stem.<\/p>\n

Alex Dowsett\u2019s Specialized Diverge Expert<\/h2>\n
\"Alex\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The double Giro d\u2019Italia stage winner has made few changes to his Diverge Expert.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Former WorldTour professional Alex Dowsett rode an off-the-peg Specialized Diverge Expert in one of his infrequent forays into gravel racing.<\/p>\n

Dowsett\u2019s all-round gravel bike has a fetching light blue colourway with white specks, finished off with his daughter\u2019s stickers.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
Dowsett\u2019s daughter decorated his bike with stickers. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
Dowsett used a 40T SRAM chainring and wide-range NX Eagle cassette. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
Dowsett ran 28psi in the front Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready tyre and 33psi in the back. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

A 40T single SRAM X-Sync chainring pairs with the brand\u2019s 12-speed NX Eagle 10-50t cassette.<\/p>\n

The 13th-placed finisher ran 42c Specialized Pathfinder Pro<\/a>\u00a0tubeless tyres with 28psi in the front and 33psi in the back on Roval Terra C carbon wheels.<\/p>\n

With only one bottle cage, Dowsett carried a water bladder on his back to stay hydrated in the heat.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
Personal touches include the long stem to help achieve an aero position on the bike. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
The former British time trial champion turned his brake hoods inwards. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alex\n<\/picture><\/div>
A Silca mount holds a Garmin Edge 1040. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

At the front end of the bike, a Garmin Edge 1040<\/a> is attached to a 3D-printed Silca out-front mount.<\/p>\n

The inward-tilted SRAM Rival eTap AXS shifters and long stem indicate the former Hour Record holder still searches for aero advantage.<\/p>\n

Bradley Shenton\u2019s Cannondale SuperSix Evo CX<\/h2>\n
\"Bradley\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Purple components enliven the SuperSix Evo CX\u2019s colourway.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bradley Shenton is sales and brand manager for Quoc shoes and recently completed Badlands, one of the world\u2019s hardest off-road ultra-endurance races<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t ride that event on his Cannondale SuperSix Evo CX<\/a>, saying the setup is too aggressive for 750km in the Spanish outback.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Bradley\n<\/picture><\/div>
A Hunt Carbon Gravel Race wheelset rolls on Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres.<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Bradley\n<\/picture><\/div>
Purple Hope Union Race pedals attach to matching Ingrid cranks. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Bradley\n<\/picture><\/div>
The bike computer has to be purple too. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

But it was well suited to the King\u2019s Forest, where Shenton finished 18th in the men\u2019s championships.<\/p>\n

He used a 42T Ingrid crankset with an 11-speed, 11-42t Shimano GRX cassette.<\/p>\n

The purple Hope Union Race clipless pedals perfectly match the colour of the Ingrid cranks.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Bradley\n<\/picture><\/div>
The cockpit is on the aggressive side for gravel. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Bradley\n<\/picture><\/div>
The fairly small 11-42t cassette was well suited to the flat course. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

On the 42cm centre-to-centre Zipp Service Course SL handlebars, which angle inwards, a K-Edge bike computer mount continues the purple theme.<\/p>\n

Sparsely treaded 40c Schwalbe G-One Allround gravel tyres are mounted to a Hunt Carbon Gravel Race wheelset.<\/p>\n

Cameron Mason\u2019s Specialized S-Works Crux<\/h2>\n
\"Cameron\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Cameron Mason\u2019s Specialized S-Works Crux is riotously vibrant.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve covered Cameron Mason\u2019s Specialized S-Works Crux cyclocross bike<\/a> previously, but this is the 2023 gravel build the Scot rode to fourth in the senior men\u2019s race.<\/p>\n

Sprayed bright pink and blue in some of the colours of his Trinity Racing team, the S-Works Crux has a road bike groupset<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
Mason used road bike gearing on a pacy circuit. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
Gearing at the back was pretty tight too with a 10-36t cassette. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
The CX and MTB racer opted for off-road pedals, the Time Atac XC 12. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Mason has used a 1x SRAM mullet drivetrain<\/a> for some gravel racing this season. But in anticipation of higher speeds in the King\u2019s Cup, he switched to 48\/35T SRAM Force AXS <\/a>chainrings and a 10-36t cassette.<\/p>\n

Some of Mason\u2019s rivals are current or former road professionals and used road bike pedals<\/a>, which they are more familiar with.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
The stem is long for a small frame. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
The Specialized-sponsored rider gets the best Roval Terra CLX wheels. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Cameron\n<\/picture><\/div>
Cycling YouTubers were allowed to ride with GoPros as long as they were attached to their bike. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

However, Mason comes to gravel racing from an off-road background (he is British National Cyclocross<\/a> and Cross-country<\/a> Marathon Mountain Bike champion) and rode Time ATAC XC 12 clipless pedals.<\/p>\n

The Specialized-sponsored rider used top-of-the-range Roval Terra CLX wheels and Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready tyres.<\/p>\n

Joe Blackmore\u2019s Canyon Inflite CF SL<\/h2>\n
\"Joe\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The men\u2019s British Gravel Champion rode a modified cyclocross bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Joe Blackmore out-kicked Ineos Grenadier Connor Swift in a sprint finish to become men\u2019s British Gravel Champion.<\/p>\n

The 20-year-old, who represents Great Britain in cross-country and cyclocross at U23 level, rode an aero-optimised Canyon Inflite CF SL.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
The huge 52T chainring is from VXM. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
The rest of the well-used groupset is mechanical SRAM Rival. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
No expense is spared on the high-end HollowGram wheelset. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The cyclocross bike<\/a>\u2019s groupset mixes 11-speed, mechanical SRAM Rival components with an aftermarket VXM single, 52T chainring. This is fitted to a well-worn SRAM crankset.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
The purple pulley wheels appear to be aftermarket too. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
Blackmore went as low and narrow as he could at the front. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
The racy front end sees brake hoods positioned just 36cm apart. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The 40cm Canyon handlebar measures only 36cm between the brake hoods due to their inward angle.<\/p>\n

The Team Inspired rider used Cannondale HollowGram 45 Knot SL road bike wheels<\/a> with 45mm-deep rims. These rolled on 700 x 40c Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres, which proved a popular choice on the Suffolk dirt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Danielle Shrosbree\u2019s Factor Ostro Gravel<\/h2>\n
\"Danielle\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Shrosbree came second on Factor\u2019s all-out gravel race bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A post-race dust coating didn\u2019t spoil the looks of Danielle Shrosbree\u2019s white Factor Ostro Gravel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s champion lost out to Xan Crees in a two-up sprint for the women\u2019s title.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Danielle\n<\/picture><\/div>
Shrosbree had to fit a fresh bottom bracket on the morning of the race. <\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Danielle\n<\/picture><\/div>
The inner 31T ring did not get any use. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Danielle\n<\/picture><\/div>
Shrosbree was one of many riders on Schwalbe G-One tyres.<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Shrosbree turned the brake hoods slightly inwards on the 38cm-wide, one-piece Black Inc cockpit in a bid to further improve the aerodynamics of the gravel race bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The wheels are also from Black Inc, Factor\u2019s in-house components brand, paired with Schwalbe G-One R gravel tyres<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Amius rider used 48\/31T Shimano GRX RX810 <\/a>chainrings, but said she never left the big ring on the flat terrain.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Danielle\n<\/picture><\/div>
The one-piece aero Black Inc cockpit isn\u2019t completely slammed. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Danielle\n<\/picture><\/div>
The flat forest trails didn\u2019t call for big gravel cassettes. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

At the back, an 11-40t cassette rounds off the 11-speed groupset.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A rough weekend at the Raiders gravel event forced Shrosbree to install a fresh <\/span>bottom bracket<\/span><\/a> an hour and a half before her race.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jane Barr\u2019s Liv Devote Advanced Pro<\/h2>\n
\"Jane\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Barr won a bronze medal on her Liv Devote Advanced Pro.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Jane Barr, from Velocity 44 RT, completed the women\u2019s podium by winning another sprint for third place.<\/p>\n

The Great Britain gravel racer ran just 23psi at the front and 25psi in the rear 700 x 40c Cadex GX tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Jane\n<\/picture><\/div>
Barr used a full 12-speed SRAM Force AXS groupset. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Jane\n<\/picture><\/div>
Barr dropped the short stem as low as she could. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Jane\n<\/picture><\/div>
The pink tubeless valves are a nice touch on the Cadex AR wheels. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

She said those pressures weren\u2019t that low for her, but they helped dull vibrations on rougher sections of the course.<\/p>\n

The tyres wrapped around Cadex AR 35 gravel wheels<\/a> on her Liv Devote Advanced Pro, fitted with a 12-speed SRAM Force AXS groupset.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Jane\n<\/picture><\/div>
Barr barely had time to look at the data from her Garmin Rally XC200 power meter pedals. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Jane\n<\/picture><\/div>
The Cadex GX tubeless tyres retained grip in the sandy turns. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Like many riders, Barr said she remained in the larger of the 43\/30T chainrings.<\/p>\n

Barr rode Garmin Rally XC200 power meter <\/a>pedals. But she rarely glanced at the watts displayed on her Wahoo Elemnt Bolt<\/a>,<\/a> such was the pace of the racing.<\/p>\n

Alistair Brownlee\u2019s BMC Kaius<\/h2>\n
\"Alistair\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The world-class triathlete has become a big fan of gravel racing.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Double Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee rode his BMC Kaius<\/a> to ninth place.<\/p>\n

He started with a 10-44t SRAM XPLR cassette in an otherwise SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset.<\/p>\n

But he finished on a 10-36t cassette after changing his rear wheel following a first-lap puncture.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
With a 38T chainring, Brownlee said he had a large enough gear in the 10t sprocket. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
The Kaius is every centimetre the gravel aero bike. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
This is Brownlee\u2019s spare rear wheel. A puncture forced a swap from one with a SRAM XPLR cassette. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Yorkshireman said the 38T single chainring was large enough given the range a 10t smallest cog provides.<\/p>\n

On reflection, he said he could have got away with road bike pedals because he rarely unclipped from his Shimano XT SPD pedals.<\/p>\n

Brownlee\u2019s Kaius is specced with BMC\u2019s ICS Carbon Aerocockpit, which measures 36cm across the tops and 42cm-wide in the drops.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
Brownlee picked narrower Continental Terra Speed tyres for the King\u2019s Cup. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
A 3D-printed Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive saddle is the perch of choice. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
The power data tells a tale of a long chase to regain contact with the leaders. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Alistair\n<\/picture><\/div>
Yorkshire-inspired water bottles for Brownlee. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

He switched down from 40c to 38c Continental Terra Speed tyres<\/a> on Zipp 303S wheels <\/a>for the day in an attempt to reduce rolling resistance.<\/p>\n

Less tyre volume didn\u2019t noticeably decrease the comfort of the 3D-printed Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive saddle, according to Brownlee.<\/p>\n

Joe Laverick\u2019s Ribble Gravel SL<\/h2>\n
\"Joe\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Laverick used some crafty hacks on his gravel racer to reduce weight and drag.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Joe Laverick is part of the Ribble Collective, a multi-discipline racing team, and rode the brand\u2019s Gravel SL Pro into 21st place.<\/p>\n

The Gravel SL Pro is built around an 11-speed, Shimano GRX Di2 groupset with 48\/31T chainrings. His Zipp 303S wheels are clad in 38c Vittoria Terreno Dry <\/a>tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
The flat aero handlebar comes from Ribble\u2019s in-house brand Level.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
Laverick carried few spares strategically attached to the Gravel SL.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
Laverick turned a 48\/31T crankset. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The BikeRadar contributor<\/a> tweaked the build to be as fast as possible in the shortest gravel race he\u2019d ridden this year.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
38c Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres sat on Zipp 303S wheels. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
What\u2019s hiding in the bar plugs? <\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"Joe\n<\/picture><\/div>
Da da! Tubeless tyre darts.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Matt Grayson<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Instead of carrying spares in a saddle bag, he taped gas canisters to the frame and stored tubeless tyre plugs in the bar ends.<\/p>\n

To optimise power transfer, Laverick rode Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL road pedals.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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What national champions, WorldTour professionals and Olympic gold medalists rode in the King’s Cup <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":54600,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"17"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-scaled.jpg",2560,1704,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-768x511.jpg",768,511,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-1024x682.jpg",800,533,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-1536x1023.jpg",1536,1023,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/the-best-bikes-from-the-british-gravel-championships-2048x1363.jpg",2048,1363,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"What national champions, WorldTour professionals and Olympic gold medalists rode in the King's Cup","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/54599"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}