Monday Break - Issue 126
Another week, another roundup of the latest stories and industry news to keep you inspired. Let’s dive in!
The Hills - Fantasy Gravel
The Hills Gravel Race was crazy 🔥
@tobyperry7 (@classifiedxrose ) went all-in with 40km to go and never looked back — a massive solo win on brutal terrain. Behind him, @diegorosa.it and @o1jasper chased hard for the podium, with @petrvakoc and @filippoconca rounding out the top 5.
In the women’s race, @morgan_aguirre (PAS Racing) stormed to victory with a commanding ride. @__deborap__ took 2nd and @gee_schreurs claimed 3rd. @danni_shrosbree and @hhannanilssson (Sartoria) closed out the top 5 after a hard-fought battle on the gravel.
That’s how you race @thehillsgravel . Thanks for the fireworks! 💥🚴♂️
Taipei Cycle Show
Our First Time at Taipei Cycle Show 🇹🇼
It was a quick trip, but a meaningful one—great meetings, solid connections, and more momentum to keep growing Athletic Affair in Asia.
Taipei is a dynamic and beautiful city, and it was great to see how brands are activating around the show. From meetings to casual chats, it was all about strengthening relationships and having a good time doing it.
Huge thanks to La Course Velo for guiding us through our first time at this show—already looking forward to what’s next!
Jumbo - Alba Optics
Alba Optics launches JUMBO, their newest creation.
”Inspired by our beloved Stratos, a signature model that was born in our first years — the JUMBO features carefully considered modifications to create something beautiful and unique. Joining a family of products dedicated to cyclists. The pedalling explorer, focused on the frontier.”
Wiebke Lühmann - Riding the length of Africa
For most gravel riders, a "big ride" might mean 100 or 200 km. But for Wiebke Lühmann, big is on another level—she recently rode over 20,000 km from Germany down the west coast of Africa to the Cape of Good Hope.
Gravel Union caught up with her to learn what drives her passion for ultra-distance adventures, how she got into bikepacking, and what it’s like to push the limits of endurance on two wheels.
Is Running the New Skateboarding?
Skateboarding has gone through radical shifts—from the neon-soaked cool of the '80s to the hardcore, street-driven aesthetic of the '90s and 2000s. It shaped youth culture, fashion, and even the way cities were experienced.
Now, some are wondering—is running following the same path? With its growing influence in street style and pop culture, is it becoming the next countercultural movement? Or should it stay in its own lane?
On Academy: A Pressure-Free Path to Olympic Dreams
Swiss running brand On has launched a groundbreaking initiative in Mallorca, offering young triathletes the support they need—without the usual pressures of elite competition.
The On Academy provides four athletes, aged 18 to 22, with world-class mentoring, top-tier equipment from partners like Canyon and Sailfish, and financial backing for race travel. Led by former pro Maria Ortega, the program emphasizes patience and enjoyment over immediate results, ensuring these future stars can grow into their potential at their own pace.
T100 Singapore is Coming! 🇸🇬🔥
As the new home of Athletic Affair Asia, Singapore holds a special place for us—and we’re preparing something unique there with Jan Frodeno during the T100 weekend.
It’s part of a bigger vision and future projects we’re shaping together.
Keep an eye on our socials—and Jan’s—for what’s coming next. 👀