A smart race strategy, a demanding gravel course, and a confident ride aboard Nepest wheels.
After spending time away from proper gravel racing, Martijn returned to competition at Ranxo Gravel 2026 with a simple goal — enjoy racing again and see where he stood.
Without focusing on a specific result, Martijn knew that a smart race would be the key. With more than 160 km of racing through the Catalan landscape and challenging gravel conditions, pacing and patience would matter as much as fitness.
Ranxo Gravel is a true test of gravel racing — long climbs, fast descents, loose gravel, and rough sections that demand constant focus and confidence. Instead of pushing too hard early, Martijn chose to stay patient, conserve energy, and wait for the right moments to make his moves.
As the race progressed, he started to take more risks and attack groups ahead. The final hour became a solo effort to the finish line, turning the race into his own time trial.
Riding with VELO 50, Martijn found the confidence to carry speed through rough gravel sections and technical corners. The balance between responsiveness and durability allowed him to focus on his lines and ride aggressively without worrying about the equipment.
One moment stood out: after hitting a large rock hard enough to make him think the race might be over, he found the wheelset still performing perfectly. That moment changed his confidence and showed what reliable equipment means in demanding gravel conditions.
Martijn finished Ranxo Gravel 2026 in 49th place — but more importantly, he crossed the finish line wanting to race again. For him, the biggest takeaway was simple: racing is still about enjoying every kilometre.
A demanding gravel course, a steady race strategy, and confidence from Nepest VELO 50.
Eislek Gravel Luxembourg 2026 was never going to be an easy race. With warm temperatures, steep climbs, and a course built around constant elevation changes, Théo Semal knew he would need to manage his effort carefully.
Coming into the race without his best form of the season, Théo's goal was simple — give everything he had, stay consistent, and enjoy racing his bike.
The course featured three laps of challenging gravel terrain, with repeated climbs, fast descents, and technical sections where confidence and control mattered. Instead of pushing too hard early, Théo focused on maintaining a steady pace and gradually moving forward throughout the race.
On the technical descents, the Nepest VELO 50 gave him the confidence to carry speed while staying in control. The stability and comfort of the wheelset helped him focus on his lines and keep pushing through demanding sections.
Near the finish, a rear tire puncture created an unexpected challenge. With only 3 km remaining, Théo had to stop and walk before finding support to repair the issue. But he kept fighting until the finish line — proving that gravel races are never over until the final kilometre.
For his first race aboard the Nepest VELO 50, Théo was impressed by the balance between weight, responsiveness, and stability. Despite its 50mm depth, the wheelset delivered the confidence he needed for technical gravel racing.
“Having confidence in your equipment is a huge factor in how the race will go.”
For Théo, Eislek Gravel Luxembourg 2026 was a reminder that racing is not only about results — it is about enjoying the challenge, embracing the suffering, and appreciating every opportunity to ride.
14 weeks after a serious accident, Bart returned to the start line with confidence and a new perspective on racing.
Earlier this year, Bart Hol was involved in a serious car accident. For a period of time, he wasn't sure if he would be able to race again. The physical recovery was only part of the challenge — rebuilding confidence, trusting his body, and finding the motivation to return to competition took time.
After a short but focused training period, Bart decided to return to racing at The Traka 360. His goal was simple: finish the race, enjoy being back on the bike, and appreciate the opportunity to compete again.
The Traka 360 is never an easy race, combining fast gravel sections, technical climbs, rocky descents, and constantly changing terrain. Despite an early crash and losing contact with the front group, Bart stayed focused, found his rhythm, and continued pushing through more than 360 km of demanding gravel.
Riding with Nepest VELO 50 wheels, Bart found the confidence and stability needed for rough gravel sections and technical descents. The wheelset helped him stay focused on the ride and keep moving forward when the conditions became challenging.
For Bart, crossing the finish line was more than a race result. It marked the return to something he wasn't sure he would experience again — racing his bike.
A partnership built around developing riders, supporting competition, and pushing performance forward.
At Nepest, we believe performance grows through the right environment — where riders, coaches, and teams have the support they need to keep progressing.
That's why we are proud to partner with 360cycling, a UK-based cycling team and coaching community focused on developing riders through real racing experiences.
From national-level road races to junior competitions, 360cycling provides riders with opportunities to challenge themselves, learn through competition, and continue improving throughout the season.
Their approach closely reflects what we value at Nepest: creating opportunities for riders, supporting long-term development, and helping athletes perform with confidence.
Throughout the season, 360cycling riders have continued to deliver strong performances across different racing environments — from national road races and criteriums to track events and junior competitions.
Highlights include Nicola Quaye's breakthrough National A victory at the Curlew Cup, strong results across junior racing, and consistent performances from riders competing at different levels.
Beyond results, what stands out is the team's commitment to rider development. Through structured coaching, race experience, and a supportive community, 360cycling continues to help riders take the next step in their cycling journey.
We are excited to support 360cycling as they continue developing riders and building the future of competitive cycling.
Performance is proven when conditions get demanding.
Nepest wheelsets are tested by riders across gravel, road, and race environments — from The Traka 360 and Eislek Gravel Luxembourg (UCI) to Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo and L'Étape du Tour.
Different roads. Different challenges. One goal — reliable performance when it matters.
Pure Carbon. True Performance.
CarbonTrue™ is Nepest's exclusive paintless carbon technology,
reducing unnecessary sanding and painting after molding.
By preserving the natural structure of carbon fiber, we maintain its
original strength, consistency, and performance.
Not sure which wheelset fits your ride? Whether you race, ride gravel, or explore new roads, we'll help you find the right setup.
Our support policies give you peace of mind, so you can focus on every ride ahead.
Questions before or after your purchase? Our team is always ready to support.
