Gravel Earth Series Girona Preview Key Form Guide Before Unbound Gravel

Girona’s cobbled streets and rolling Catalonian hills have become the de facto proving ground for gravel cycling’s elite and this weekend’s The Traka isn’t just another race—it’s the last major test before the sport’s marquee event, Unbound Gravel. For riders like Karolina Migoń, Tobias Kongstad, and Sofia Gomez Villafañe, the question isn’t just about defending titles; it’s about who’s ready to step into the void if they falter. And if you’re a gravel enthusiast in Boulder, Colorado—where the Front Range’s rocky trails and high-altitude endurance culture mirror Girona’s demands—this race is a crystal ball for the season ahead.

Here’s the thing: gravel racing isn’t just about who can suffer the longest. It’s a chess match of strategy, equipment, and terrain mastery, where a single mechanical or a misjudged descent can unravel months of preparation. The Traka’s 200km route, with its 2,250 meters of climbing, is a brutal equalizer. It’s why pros like Matt Beers and Nicole Frain—both coached by Science to Sport’s John Wakefield—are treating it as a dress rehearsal for Unbound. But for local riders in Boulder, where the Pearl Street Mall’s bike shops buzz with pre-race chatter and the Flatirons loom like a daily reminder of what’s at stake, the real question is: How do you translate Girona’s lessons into your own backyard?

The Defenders: Can Migoń, Kongstad, and Gomez Villafañe Hold On?

Karolina Migoń’s 2025 Traka 200km victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Polish rider, known for her relentless pacing and tactical brilliance, dominated a field that included former road pros and mountain bike specialists. But gravel is a fickle sport. This year, she’s facing a deeper women’s field, with riders like Nicole Frain (UCI Gravel World Series overall winner) and Sofia Gomez Villafañe (a mountain bike Olympian) hungry to dethrone her. Frain, in particular, has the pedigree to exploit Migoń’s weaknesses on technical descents, while Villafañe’s explosive power could make the race’s final climb—a brutal 8km slog into Girona’s classic town—her playground.

On the men’s side, Tobias Kongstad’s 2025 victory was a masterclass in patience. The Dane, a former road racer, outlasted a stacked field that included Wout Alleman (European XCM Champion) and Matt Beers (four-time Cape Epic winner). But this year, Kongstad’s biggest threat might not be a fellow pro—it could be the race’s new age categories. The Gravel Earth Series’ 2026 overhaul introduced divisions for masters and veterans, meaning riders like 45-year-old Belgian veteran Jens Voigt (yes, that Jens Voigt) could sneak into the podium conversation. For Boulder’s legion of 40+ gravel grinders, this is a tantalizing development: What if age isn’t a limiter, but a weapon?

The Contenders: Who’s Ready to Step Up?

The Traka’s 200km race has become a proving ground for riders on the cusp of greatness. Here’s who’s poised to capitalize if the favorites falter:

• Nicole Frain (Australia): The 2025 UCI Gravel World Series winner is riding the best form of her life. Her coach, John Wakefield, has tailored her training to Girona’s climbs, and her Ridley Racing team’s equipment—including a custom gravel bike with 40mm tires—is optimized for the race’s mix of tarmac and loose gravel. If she can avoid the early accelerations that burned her in 2025, she’s the favorite.
• Wout Alleman (Belgium): The European XCM Champion is a technical descending savant. His weakness? Sustained climbs. If the race comes down to the final ascent, he’ll need to dig deeper than ever. His coach, Reece McDonald, has been working on his threshold power, but in a race this unpredictable, anything can happen.
• Mads Würtz Schmidt (Denmark): The reigning 200km champion is racing the 360km this year, but his presence in Girona is a reminder of his versatility. If he opts to race the 200km as a tune-up, he could be the dark horse no one sees coming.
• Local Wildcards: The Traka attracts a mix of pros and amateurs, and this year’s field includes several Boulder-based riders. Why does this matter? Because Girona’s terrain—steep, loose, and technical—mirrors the kind of riding you’ll find on Boulder’s Magnolia Road or the Switzerland Trail. If a local rider like Alexey Vermeulen (a former pro roadie turned gravel specialist) shows up, he could be the one to watch.

What This Means for Boulder’s Gravel Scene

Boulder isn’t just a hub for gravel cycling—it’s a microcosm of the sport’s growth. The city’s 300+ days of sunshine, high-altitude training, and a culture that worships suffering (see: the Leadville 100) make it the perfect proving ground for riders looking to test their mettle. But Girona’s Traka offers something Boulder can’t: a global benchmark.

Here’s how the race’s outcomes could ripple through the Front Range:

1. Equipment Trends: If riders like Frain and Alleman dominate on 40mm tires, expect Boulder’s bike shops—like University Bicycles and Boulder Cycle Sport—to see a run on wider rubber. The city’s rocky trails (think Walker Ranch or Heil Valley Ranch) punish narrow tires, and Girona’s results could accelerate the shift toward 42mm and beyond.
2. Training Shifts: The Traka’s climbs are relentless, and riders who excel here often do so because of their ability to recover on the fly. For Boulder’s coaching community—including outfits like Carmichael Training Systems and FasCat Coaching—this could mean a renewed focus on threshold endurance rather than pure VO2 max work. Expect more riders hitting the climbs of Flagstaff or Sunshine Canyon with power meters glued to their handlebars.
3. Race Strategy: Gravel racing is as much about nutrition and pacing as it is about fitness. The Traka’s aid stations are sparse, and riders who bonk here rarely recover. For Boulder’s race organizers—like those behind the Boulder Roubaix or Gravel Locos—this could mean rethinking aid station placement and on-course support. If you’re racing locally, capture note: carry more fuel than you think you’ll need.

The Local Resource Guide: Who You Need in Your Corner

Gravel racing isn’t just about the bike—it’s about the team behind you. If you’re in Boulder and looking to step up your game, here are the three types of local professionals who can make the difference between a DNF and a podium:

1. Gravel-Specific Coaches

What to look for:

• A coach with proven gravel experience. Look for certifications from USA Cycling or the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), but more importantly, ask about their riders’ results at events like Unbound or the Traka. Coaches like Frank Overton (FasCat Coaching) or Neal Henderson (Apex Coaching) have worked with gravel specialists and understand the sport’s unique demands.
• A focus on terrain-specific training. Boulder’s climbs are short and steep, but gravel races often feature long, sustained efforts. Your coach should be able to design workouts that mimic Girona’s 8km climbs or the rolling hills of the Midwest.
• Nutrition integration. Gravel racing is an eating contest with a bike race attached. A good coach will work with a sports dietitian to dial in your fueling strategy for 4+ hour efforts.

2. Bike Fit Specialists with Gravel Expertise

What to look for:

• A fitter who rides gravel. The best bike fitters aren’t just lab technicians—they’re riders who understand how a bike feels on loose, technical terrain. Shops like Boulder Sports Chiropractic or BikeFitr have specialists who race gravel and can assist you find the sweet spot between efficiency and comfort.
• Data-driven adjustments. A good fitter will use tools like Retül or GebioMized to analyze your position, but they’ll also take you outside to test it on real trails. Ask if they offer post-fit follow-ups to tweak your position after a few rides.
• Gravel-specific considerations. Your position on a gravel bike should be different from a road bike. Look for a fitter who understands how to balance aerodynamics with stability, especially if you’re running wider tires or a dropper post.

3. Sports Medicine Professionals with Endurance Experience

What to look for:

• A provider who treats endurance athletes. Gravel racing puts unique stresses on the body, from saddle sores to overuse injuries. Clinics like Boulder Center for Sports Medicine or Howard Head Sports Medicine have physical therapists and physicians who specialize in cycling injuries.
• Preventative care. The best sports medicine pros don’t just treat injuries—they help you avoid them. Look for providers who offer movement assessments or strength training programs tailored to cyclists. A good PT can identify imbalances (like weak glutes or tight hip flexors) before they sideline you.
• Recovery expertise. Gravel racing is brutal on the body, and recovery is where races are won. Ask if they offer services like normaTec compression boots, cryotherapy, or IV hydration therapy. Some clinics, like Boulder Recovery, specialize in post-race recovery for endurance athletes.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated Teams & Riders, Women’s Cycling, Pro Cycling, and Racing experts in the Boulder area today.