Rouleur, Issue 146

Our crisp autumnal issue asks what a gravel champion looks like. Karolina Migoń, interviewed by James Ion, is one answer: proof that talent still rises without the marginal gains.

Surface Tension
What makes for great gravel riding? Champagne gravel, some call it. We spoke to
five pro racers who know their stuff when it comes to going full gas when what lies
beneath their tyres can be less than ideal. Canada, Switzerland, Italy and Girona are
all in the mix, with the gravel World Champs course in Australia also receiving an
honourable mention.

Far and wide
Our intrepid contributors have ridden all over the globe to bring their stories to life
and, maybe, inspire your next adventure. Massachusetts, Slovenia, Bolivia and the
length of the mighty Loire river in France all star in this issue. What are you waiting
for?

Eddy Merckx
Gravel was an ingredient for mixing concrete back in Eddy’s day. The undisputed
greatest male cyclist ever – with young Tadej coming up on the rails – simply won
whatever was put in front of him, on whatever road or track the organisers saw fit for
racing. He came, he saw, he conquered, including three editions of Paris-Roubaix.
Rachel Jary joins Eddy and his son Axel for a touching talk over past, present and
future.

Words of wisdom
And a shout out for our long-serving and illustrious columnists.
Ned Boulting’s missive involves happening across old issues of Mirroir du Sport in a
French apartment and gazing at one of the most evocative photos in cycling history –
René Vietto, sat on a wall, crying. An image from 92 years before that sends him
down a Tour de France rabbit hole. Beautiful writing.

Adventure on every page.