Race Report: Liv at Gravel Worlds

Tearing through the forests of Brabant in Flanders, the Gravel Worlds delivered mud, cobblestones, and unpredictable weather that pushed every rider to their limit. 

Liv takes us through the highs and lows of racing against the best in the world with the all-new King Zydeco 2.

“My qualification for gravel worlds was unexpected. I wasn’t planning on riding anything big, just some local gravel events and fun days with friends. But when I qualified, the game was on. 

I wanted to do well. I was already training as well as I could, combining with studies and work, I tried to be just that little bit more consistent. In the last few weeks before I knew my power and speed were good. I just needed to believe and grit my teeth."

"The start was hectic, but I managed to position myself in the front group. In the local lap around Halle I suffered a small but annoying mechanical failure. I hadn’t tightened my saddle enough and it was tipping forwards and backwards a little, which made it more difficult to comfortably push full power on the pedals. 

Consequently I lost touch with the front group on harder climbs and sections but I was ready for an afternoon of chasing. I wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. Even though just before the local lap, I missed my bottle."

"Going into the last lap I had almost no hydration left, 2 gels, and the first signs of upcoming cramps, but I knew I was close. Too close to give up. So I went all in, and made it back to the front. 

The King Zydeco 2 was such a fast bike. Aero and light enough to push the speed, comfortable enough to send it in the descents. The combination of 45mm tires on the Fulcrum Sharq wheels meant that I was throwing myself into the corners and trusting that grip would come through. All the tools you need to chase ‘till your legs give out."

"In that front group a German girl was the sweetest and gave me half a bottle. This was too late to prevent cramps, but made a world of difference in feeling. Coming up to the Ramberg I tried to stay calm. I knew this climb was going to be tough and painful, but also a chance to move up and position well for the final straight. 

Cramps were reigning hell at this point, but when the crowds are this loud and you’re that close to the finish, there is only one option. Push. So that’s what I did. Emptied the tank, emptied all the reserves and pushed until the finish.

A top ten was my dream before starting but to make it happen with ninth place is beyond a dream. Seeing and hearing friends after the finish and seeing all the support still makes me emotional. Days like these are memories to treasure. Thank you guys for being a part of that!"

📸: @jules_stallaerts

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