Jan, how long have you been riding a gravel bike and what fascinates you about gravel biking?
For a year now (September 2024). What I particularly appreciate is that I can cover many kilometers away from traffic and discover beautiful landscapes on less frequented paths.
What made you decide to register for the Gravel Trans Jura?
The desire for adventure and curiosity to discover the trails on the Jura ridge.
How did you prepare for it?
I decided to just ride it for fun.
And who was with you at the start?
The “Velosophe Cyclist Beer” team! There were five of us, but before the start I only knew one of them.
If you had to choose one moment/place from your Gravel Trans Jura, which one…
… moved you the most emotionally?
The end of the descent from La Barillette, with the lake getting closer….
… pushed you to your physical limits?
The end of the climb to La Barillette, which I was determined to conquer on my bike……
… makes you laugh, even when you think about it today?
The atmosphere in our team of five, who always find the right words to make us laugh, even (or especially) in difficult moments….
… impressed you most in terms of scenery?
All the passages on the mountain ridges, especially the beautiful hiking trails of Mont Tendre.
… touched you the most in terms of interpersonal relationships?
The friendliness and good humor of all the participants.
What advice would you give to someone participating in the GTJ for the first time in 2026?
Take the time to find the best solution for transporting your luggage so that it hinders you as little as possible while riding (especially when riding out of the saddle and on technical passages).
Will you be back?
Probably!
And what will you do differently?
I will replace the bag system with a more stable system for the bike.