'I'm genuinely scared how fast I'll be' - title defender Cam Jones to race Unbound on a 32" prototype bike that will never be brought to market

Cam Jones, the reigning Unbound 200 champion from New Zealand, is set to compete in this year’s race on a groundbreaking prototype bike featuring 32-inch wheels. Developed by Scott Sports, this innovative gravel bike represents a significant departure from conventional designs and will be ridden by Jones and Swiss ultra-cyclist Robin Gemperle across the challenging Kansas Flint Hills terrain. Despite its high-profile debut, Scott has confirmed that the bike will never be commercially released, highlighting its role as an experimental platform rather than a production model. The use of 32-inch wheels in gravel racing is gaining attention as manufacturers explore the potential benefits of larger wheel sizes. Proponents argue that bigger wheels maintain momentum better, roll over obstacles more smoothly, and allow for wider tyres that improve grip and traction through a larger contact patch. While tyre makers have embraced the format, few major bike brands have yet produced bikes to accommodate these wheels, making Scott one of the first to publicly back the concept with a full prototype. Jones and Gemperle have been testing the 32-inch bike since last year, with both riders expressing strong enthusiasm for its performance advantages. Jones described the sensation as akin to "levitating over the surface," praising the bike’s exceptional traction and cornering ability, which he believes will give him a significant edge on descents. Gemperle echoed this sentiment, calling the bike the ideal evolution gravel racing has been waiting for and emphasising its readiness for competition despite its ongoing development. The prototype’s introduction at Unbound Gravel underscores the event’s growing reputation as a proving ground for cutting-edge gravel technology. Operating outside the UCI’s strict equipment regulations, gravel racing offers manufacturers greater freedom to innovate, and Scott’s 32-inch project exemplifies this spirit of experimentation. While the bike itself will not reach the market, the insights gained from its use could influence future designs and push the boundaries of gravel racing performance.