Monday Break - Issue 131
A post-Traka recap. What a week.
The Traka aftermath: dusted, hyped, and still standing.
We came, we pedaled, we partied — and The Traka 2025 will be hard to forget. Girona was once again the beating heart of the gravel universe, and the days leading up to the race were as full-on as the finish line hugs. Here’s a look back at the week that was — a celebration of people, brands, stories, and moments that made it all magic.
SRAM
Didn’t just show up — they owned the week.
From the start, Casa SRAM became a central point of energy and connection. Mornings flowed with stretch & core sessions, setting the tone for riders looking to stay sharp through the week. Afternoons opened into tech talks that broke down drivetrain science in a way that made sense — approachable, practical, and straight to the point. The Zipp social ride brought the community together early on, while the “Meet the Locals” ride helped bridge Girona’s scene with new faces rolling in for Traka. With the right rhythm and the right mix, everything just clicked.
Over at the SRAM expo stand, the rhythm never really stopped. Coffee and doughnuts flowed pre- and post-race — a small gesture that turned into a much-appreciated ritual for riders, crews, and fans alike. And when Saturday rolled in, the vibe shifted gears with the sangria cooldown party. As the race dust settled and legs turned to jelly, the energy came back through music, toasts, and just the right amount of Traka-style chaos.
Neversecond
Science, stories, and surprises.
The week kicked off with the launch of The Gravel Times — a newspaper that mixed athlete insights, local flavor, and yes, horoscopes (because gravel doesn’t have to be serious all the time). The VIP race experience added a premium layer to the weekend, while the athlete talk offered rare insight into how some of the best in the sport prepare, fuel, and race. At the center of it all was the pop-up, which quickly turned into a regular stop for riders — part nutrition station, part community hub. And even now, with Traka behind us, it’s still open — continuing to serve Girona’s riding scene beyond race week.
BUFF & Team Amani
Kept it real and really delicious.
The barbecue night with Team Amani became one of those quiet highlights of the week. No frills, just good food, great company, and stories traded under the stars. There’s something about pre-ride smoke and spice that pulls people in and makes everything feel a little closer, a little more connected — and that atmosphere was exactly what we hoped to create.
Alba Optics / Industry Night
Added that touch of cool that every week like this needs
The Industry Night at Casa Athletic was meant to be low-key — but it quietly became something more. A casual mix of riders, creators, media, and brands came together over pizza and drinks, trading ideas and stories in the kind of setting where real conversations happen. No stage, no spotlight — just a shared obsession and the space to connect. Sometimes, the best moments really do happen off the bike.
Fantasy Gravel
Kept the stakes high off the bike.
A huge thanks to everyone who followed the action and voted through the app during Traka weekend — the support and hype were next level. Don’t forget: you can still check your points, see how you stack up in the rankings, and relive your predictions in the app. And while Traka may be wrapped, the season’s far from over — Unbound is just around the corner, so now’s the time to create or tweak your Life Time Grand Prix team before the next showdown. Game on.
Wilier Triestina
There in the dust, the drama, and the glory.
With Wilier, the support was steady and right where it needed to be — behind every effort, every sprint, and every muddy grin. Ivar Slik, Seppe Rombouts, and Wendy Oosterwoud carried the brand’s colors with grit and grace throughout the weekend, and it was a privilege to be there alongside them. From the finish line emotion to those in-between moments that don’t always make headlines — we stayed close, capturing and cheering all at once.
