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Interview

Ivar Slik on his routines and tips for amateur gravel riders

Gravel riding is gaining popularity rapidly, and pro rider Ivar Slik knows why better than anyone. In this interview, he shares his experiences from the pro circuit, talks about his preparation for major races like Unbound Gravel, and offers practical tips for beginner gravel riders. From choosing the right bike to his supplement routine, Ivar takes you into his world and shows what makes this sport so special. Perfect for anyone who wants to start their gravel adventure stronger and smarter.

How are you doing? What has changed for you this season?

I am doing well! I am currently in a busy racing period, and the most important month of May, with my main goal Unbound Gravel on May 30th, has arrived. Training is going well; the results in races are still a bit disappointing, but I take the lessons learned with me from every race, and that goes better in the next one. With the race fitness I have gained, I think I will be able to achieve good results in the coming period.

A major change this season is that I have switched bike sponsors. After a four-year partnership with Wilier, they chose to take a new direction in the field of gravel and start a 100% Italian gravel team. So unfortunately, there is no longer a place for me, but I am proud of our relationship, in which I contributed significantly to the development of their newest gravel bike, the Wilier Rave ID2.

Then, at the end of October, concrete interest came from another major Italian bicycle brand, Pinarello. I have been a fan of this brand since I was young, and it feels like a dream to now be a Pinarello ambassador. I am really pleased with the bikes.

What are your expectations for the upcoming races (Unbound is on the schedule, among others)?

In UNBOUND, everyone who finishes is a winner, so I expect to win 😉. But the main goal is a top-15 finish. Naturally, I want to win, but that is not realistic at the moment. I am not yet at the level I was at before my heavy crash in 2024, and I should be grateful that I have fully recovered, can ride a complete calendar, and am still competing at the front. Doing better than last year and finishing in the top 25 is a realistic goal, and I am going to give it my all!

What makes gravel riding so much fun? Do you have tips for amateur gravel riders or people who want to get started?

The freedom you have on a gravel bike. You can ride on the road, on gravel paths, and on mountain bike trails. Also, (newer) gravel bikes ride almost as well on the road as a road bike. You get to the most beautiful places, right in the middle of nature. There is also less traffic on gravel paths than on increasingly busy roads.

In my case, I made the switch from road cycling to gravel racing because it suits me better, but I am starting to appreciate what is written above more and more.

Tire clearance

I consider the most important thing about a gravel bike to be the tire clearance (the width of the tire that fits in your frame). The more tire clearance, the better. Then you can ride with tires up to 60mm wide, which is super comfortable and more puncture-resistant. That is also my tip for the beginner gravel rider: pay close attention to the tire clearance.

Choose the right bike, but buy smart

The right bike is very important when you start gravel riding. I would advise everyone not to buy a new gravel bike right away. It will probably get damaged anyway. Flying stones and transporting the bike quickly cause scratches. Furthermore, this is a sustainable way to get acquainted with this beautiful sport! On a website like BuyCycle, you can get a top-quality bike relatively cheaply.

Which supplements are a staple in your routine during the gravel season?

I am very attached to my routines surrounding my training and races. For me, the foundation lies with these products:

Additionally, I am also very pleased with the recently released Beet Shot Gold. During the race in Girona (Traka), I used a lot of Energy Gels; these feel very good. Not too thick and not too thin, and easy to digest. After the race, I always have my Clear Whey Gold shake in the Iced Tea Peach flavor; this remains my favorite protein shake!

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