'I walked half a marathon' - Robin Gemperle wins 350-mile Unbound Gravel XL on 32 inch wheels

Swiss endurance rider Robin Gemperle claimed victory at the 2026 Unbound Gravel XL, a grueling 350-mile ultra-endurance race held in Emporia, Kansas. Battling through the muddiest conditions in recent years, Gemperle completed the course in 21 hours and 16 minutes, overcoming severe weather and challenging terrain that forced many riders to hike through ankle-deep mud for extensive stretches. The event, which is entirely self-supported, requires participants to navigate, manage nutrition, and repair their bikes without any outside assistance or aid stations. This marked Gemperle’s second appearance at the Unbound XL, having finished third in the 2025 edition under much drier and faster conditions. Reflecting on the stark contrast between the two races, he described the 2026 event as “completely different,” highlighting the added difficulty of the mud and weather. Despite battling stomach issues severe enough to consider withdrawal, Gemperle persevered and secured a comfortable lead over second-place finisher Max Agut, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Gemperle rode a prototype Scott bike featuring 32-inch wheels, a platform not intended for commercial release but designed to handle tough terrain. He praised the bike’s smooth rolling performance, though he acknowledged the persistent challenge of mud clearance on such a demanding course. The use of this experimental equipment added an intriguing technical dimension to the race, showcasing innovation in ultra-endurance gravel cycling. Following his success at Unbound XL, Gemperle, who previously set a record at the Tour Divide, indicated a shift in focus towards shorter ultra-endurance events this year. His victory at Unbound XL was a deliberate effort to capitalise on a single opportunity, reflecting his commitment to excellence and personal goals. With only two riders having finished at the time of reporting, the race underscored the extreme difficulty of the course and the formidable challenge it presents to competitors.