As a team and club that goes off the beaten track, it was only a matter of time for BIKE AID to make the step into the gravel world. With the participation at the 3Rides Festival in Aachen last Saturday, the time had finally come. With riders from the Pro team, the Development team and the club, they set off on the almost 125 kilometre route. Cobblestones, dirt roads, gravel tracks and short road sections offered something for every type of rider.
Four hours after the start, most of the BIKE AID riders crossed the finish line. And the result was impressive: Patrick Lechner from the Development Team finished a strong seventh in his age group. Markus Stoll from the BIKE AID Masters of the club crossed the finish line in 15th place in his age group and Philip Meiser from the Pro Team took 42nd place overall. Therefore, three riders qualified for the 2023 Gravel World Championships in Italy against a strong field of starters with names such as Eli Iserbyt, Gianni Vermeersch and Paul Voß.
"What an event! There should be races like this within big cycling events more often. The time and effort put into this race was worth it and with the qualification for the World Championships my personal goal was achieved. It makes me proud to be part of the BIKE AID family and I'm already looking forward to the next gravel adventures." Said Markus Stoll.
With more than 1000 starters, a large exhibition area and extra events, the 3Rides Festival in Aachen demonstrated the great interest in the theme of gravel. It was clearly noticeable that it is not only about racing, but to experience something unique beyond classic cycling together with a wide range of people. Together, the whole BIKE AID family is looking forward to getting to know this diverse and international scene and simply having a good time.
What a start for the new BIKE AID project. The planning for the next adventures off the road are already in full swing!
Pictures by Stefan Brencher and Jonas Schnabel
