'A 10-hour race is my favourite' - A fourth title and french fries on the agenda at Traka 360 for Mattia de Marchi

Mattia de Marchi is set to lead The Grip gravel team in 2026, marking a new chapter in his career as a prominent figure in endurance gravel racing. The Italian rider has dominated the Traka 360 event since its inception, winning the race three consecutive times from 2021 to 2023 with significant margins. Now 34, de Marchi will captain a diverse squad including Frenchman Eddy Le Huitouze and Belgian Jordy Bouts, supported by a dedicated staff, as they prepare to compete in the challenging Girona-based race once again. De Marchi’s connection with the Traka 360 is deeply rooted in his experience of the race’s evolution. Initially taking nearly 14 hours to complete the course, the competition has intensified, cutting winning times by around two hours despite the course’s consistent distance. The route itself has shifted to include more climbing early on and a long flat section to the south, making the race faster and more tactical. De Marchi regards a 10-hour race as his ideal endurance challenge, noting the unpredictability of how the body performs after eight hours and the need to adjust pacing accordingly. After a less consistent 2024 season, which saw him drop to 42nd in the shorter Traka 200 but achieve a career-best fifth at Unbound Gravel 200 in the US, de Marchi remains focused on both competition and community. His new team, The Grip, aims to blend high performance with a strong connection to the gravel scene, emphasising camaraderie and shared experiences beyond race results. De Marchi highlights the importance of post-race socialising and mentoring younger riders, underscoring his belief that gravel’s future depends on fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Beyond racing, de Marchi has also contributed to the sport by organising events such as The Hills gravel race in Italy, which has become a key fixture in the Gravel Earth Series. His passion for the sport extends to lighter moments, such as his fondness for French fries after long rides, symbolising his approach to balancing competitive drive with enjoyment. As The Grip prepares for the 2026 season, de Marchi’s leadership promises to bring both performance and personality to the growing world of gravel racing.