Five of our team riders are heading to the Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands this weekend, but how have they qualified and what can we expect?
The Team
Merlin Cycles Rivington Brewing Co. Racing Team was officially set up earlier this year with support from Merlin Cycles, Rivington Brewing Co, LDL Lighting, Kalas, Abus and Styrkr. and started the season with a few goals in mind. For our gravel riders, it was to reach the worlds which has since been achieved by four of our riders.
The Course
Starting in Beek in the Netherlands and finishing in Maastricht, Andy, Si and Tony are set to undergo 130 KM of riding on Saturday while Isac and Paul take on the longer 180km route on Sunday.
Andy
Andy, who is Managing Director at Merlin, made it to the top 25% of riders at Graen Cymru this September. In the 50-54 class, he hopes to make it into the top 50, but is most looking forward to watching Paul and Isac take on the longer course on Sunday.
Isac
Isac will be racing in the 19-34 category this weekend and is most happy about having qualified for the race – ‘My goal for 2025 was to qualify, so I’m proud to be on the start sheet. A top-50 would would finish off my season nicely.’
Paul
Paul is also one of our general managers here at Merlin and achieved his qualifying spot in May this year at Gralloch, Scotland. This weekend he will be competing in the 40-45 category and is prioritising enjoyment over results heading into the race.
Si
Si will be competing in the 55-59 category this weekend after qualifying in Turnhout Belgium in March this year. He’s hoping to finishing at the ‘pointy-end’ of the race.
Tony
Similar to Si, Tony also claimed his qualifying spot in Turnhout Belgium. In the 50-54 category, he will be taking on the 130km route on Saturday.
We wish them the best of luck come the weekend. To find out more about what the Team gets up to click here.
Fantastic, best wishes to all!
“>very interesting
Best of luck to all of you!