Milos, how long have you been riding a gravel bike and what fascinates you about gravel riding?
Since 2019. I always say: There was a life before the gravel bike, and now there’s a life with the gravel bike. If I could only have one bike, it would probably be the gravel bike, because I can do pretty much anything I want with it. I’ve even ridden it on MTB trails. Whether on roads or, even better, off-road, I can get practically anywhere on the gravel bike. And bikepacking with it adds a certain sense of long-distance adventure. 😉
What made you decide to sign up for the Gravel Trans Jura?
The first time, it was just out of curiosity. The second time, I wanted to give mountain biking a try. Now, for the third time, I hope to do even better than I did the other two times.
How did you prepare for it?
My training for 2024 was mainly focused on making sure I had the right gear and didn’t get sick before then. For 2025, I’ve been hitting the gym even more and have prepared better for the sections where I have to push and carry the boat. 😉
And who was with you at the start?
In 2024 I traveled with a friend, in 2025 I traveled alone (though I did run into old and new acquaintances along the way), and in 2026 I’ll be traveling alone again.
If you had to choose one moment/place from your Gravel Trans Jura, which one…
… moved you the most emotionally?
The last checkpoint we passed (from there on, it was all downhill to the finish) and then, of course, the finish line.
… pushed you to your physical limits?
2024: Pushing my bike uphill for an hour through mud and rocks with hard carbon soles and cleats. 2025: The combination of cold weather, a strong headwind, and an upset stomach (because I couldn’t tolerate a sports drink).
… impressed you most in terms of scenery?
The stretch from Obergrenchenberg toward Sonceboz-Sombeval is always beautiful and can best be described as rolling hills.
… touched you the most in terms of interpersonal relationships?
The patience of my companions when I wasn’t feeling well during a certain stretch of the journey in 2025.
What advice would you give to someone participating in the GTJ for the first time in 2026?
Take your time, drink water whenever you can, eat regularly (things that agree with you), and enjoy the ride. After a bad day, a really good one is sure to follow.
Will you be back?
I signed up ages ago! 😉
And if so, what will you do differently, improve, or optimize compared to your last participation?
Try to pack even fewer things and, if at all possible, train specifically.