Ribble Collective descended upon the Rift Gravel Race in full force. Ready to conquer the challenging 200km course of black sand and volcanic gravel aboard their Gravel SL race bikes. Mikey, Metheven, and Tom tackled the gruelling terrain, showcasing their strength and determination.
We spoke to the team as they reflected on this epic race.
How did your preparation for The Rift gravel race in Iceland go this year? Were there any aspects of your training or planning that stood out?
Mikey: The first third of the Rift is predominately climbing. This kind of steady tempo climbing is right up my street, so I made sure I could utilise that with some long sweet spot efforts as well as shorted 'under/over' efforts in the weeks leading up to the race. I also had a good look at the equipment I was running. Last year I punctured and broke a wheel early on, so I ran wider 45mm tyres as well as a wider and bigger tyre liner to mitigate the effects of any impacts or rocks and holes.
Tom: Personally, I think this season has involved racing in such a variety of disciplines and event types, which has made specific training for each race pretty tricky. The Rift fell within a big block of crit racing, which I would have said I was focusing more on as I find those shorter, more intense sorts of events suit me better.
Of course, I included a handful of sessions in the weeks leading up to the Rift to better prepare me. These included generally riding my gravel bike a lot more to get used to the set-up and some key sessions. Sweet spots and VO2 max efforts are two of the main types.
Metheven: A couple of the major gravel races I have planned for this year have all been similar in distance or elevation gain, so my training for Rift didn't really change. However, my equipment choice changed, which I carefully chose and tested leading up to the race. Given the rough terrain and the risk of an arduous washboard, I decided to see what the maximum tyre choice was I could squeeze into the Gravel SL fork. Ultimately, I settled on a 2" (50mm) Continental Race King. They have an incredibly low rolling resistance, and the extra volume smooths out rough terrain, making you go faster with less risk of puncturing.
What was your experience during The Rift gravel race this year? Did anything unexpected come up, and how did you handle it?
Mikey: I was happy with my start this year and in a reasonably good position going onto the first climb despite narrowly missing a crash farther up the bunch. Over the next hour or so, I managed to stay with the front of the race as it whittled down to about 15 riders towards its highest points. However, I lost contact towards the top as the race traversed a series of short, steep climbs. I then took advantage of the descents and flat rode a good tempo on my own, ensuring I could pick people off whilst not getting caught from behind. In the end, I was caught betwixt and between, catching one rider in front whilst getting caught from behind. However, I did manage to finish 13th with a bit of hard riding on the run into the finish. The only unexpected event I experienced was losing both my bottles on the 'Washboard' gravel roads. Thankfully, the feed stations were well stocked, and I quickly picked up some more at the next feed stop.
Tom: Unfortunately, my legs didn’t feel the best on race day. Although I made the front split over the first few climbs I was very much aware that I still had 160km of tough racing to go and really didn't want to blow up! With that in mind, I backed off a little, which gave me time to take in the sights as we raced around Hekla, one of the most active volcanos in Iceland! I then picked up the pace in the second half of the race, picking off the riders who had gone too deep too early to ultimately finish 25th.
Metheven: It was an absolutely incredible experience racing through volcanic landscapes and across freezing river crossings. It's a race that must be experienced to be believed. Early in the race, I was just behind Mikey when a crash occurred, and even after replaying the GoPro footage, I still have no idea how Mikey threaded the needle, emerging from the crash completely unscathed.
Looking back at this year's race, is there anything you would change in your preparation or race strategy for next year?
Mikey: I would probably look to work a bit more on my topend 1-3 minute efforts, so I can get myself over the steeper climbs a bit better. I would also probably fit some different bottle cages to hold the bottles more securely on the rougher sections.
Tom: In equipment terms, I would say I was perfectly equipped. The Ribble Gravel SL coped with the rugged terrain with ease, and I experienced no mechanicals! I would only consider adding some even longer training rides, but fitting this around working full-time can be a struggle.
Metheven: I was happy with my race setup this year, and apart from trying to save a few grams here and there, I probably wouldn't change much. The only fundamental mistake I made was missing a couple of gels during a rough section of the course, which I paid the price for later when I ran out of energy.
How much of an advantage do you think experience provides in gravel racing events like The Rift?
Mikey: Most gravel racing is trial and error. There's always stuff you will change for the next race. Therefore, an event like The Rift provides a lot of lessons to take forwards.
Tom: I don’t think it matters at all! I would say gaining experience riding on gravel is essential, but not of the course itself. Gravel can be so unpredictable that even the same course can be completely different from one year to the next.
Metheven: It definitely helps in terms of equipment choice. But ultimately, there are so many curve balls that come up during a race like Rift that it's almost impossible to plan for all of them.
What advice would you give to someone participating in The Rift for the first time?
Mikey: Wide tyres and tyre liners. Also, take a jacket with you just in case. You don't want to be stuck up a volcano fixing something or waiting for help while dressed in summer kit.
Tom: It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially with all the travelling involved, So, I would say just try to take a step back and enjoy it. That’s my biggest advice, just enjoy it and have fun.
Metheven: Make sure you have secure bottle cages as so many people lose bottles over the rough terrain. Also fit the widest tyres you can safely squeeze into your frame.
How do you celebrate or unwind after completing a demanding race like The Rift?
Mikey: It's always good just to hang out with the other racers I get on well with. Enjoy some good food, good company and chatting to people about life both on and off the bike.
Tom: For me I spent a few days sightseeing, taking in the sights we raced around to really appreciate the beauty of such a country. I always like to try and have a catch up with my racing friends, sharing our experiences of the race and just generally hearing what they’ve been up to since we last raced togther.
Metheven: By becoming a proper tourist for a couple days and making the most of what Iceland has to offer.
If you were to sum up The Rift in three words, what would you say?
Mikey: Challenging, scenic, volcanoes.
Tom: Breathtaking, crazy & epic.
Metheven: Epic. Beautiful. Brutal.
