Tribute to a man's best friend - Alexey Vermeulen's custom-painted 'Sir Willie' Enve bike for Unbound Gravel

Gravel racer and former WorldTour professional Alexey Vermeulen made a distinctive impression at this year’s Unbound Gravel event, arriving with his beloved dog Sir Willie and a striking custom-painted Enve Mog gravel bike. The American rider, known for carrying Sir Willie safely in a backpack during rides, finished 15th in the Elite 200 race, maintaining an average speed close to 21mph without the added weight of his canine companion. Vermeulen’s special bike, featuring a unique paint job celebrating Sir Willie, attracted considerable attention at the event’s expo, where he openly showcased his race-day setup. The custom Enve Mog bike stood out not only for its eye-catching design but also for its technical specifications tailored to the challenging gravel conditions. Vermeulen’s rig was equipped with the new Enve G SES 6.7 wheels, noted for their aerodynamic profile and wide rim design, paired with 45mm Kenda Crusher tyres chosen for their mud clearance and reliability. The bike also featured Shimano GRX Di2 electronic shifting and a single-ring Wolf Tooth chainring, a departure from Vermeulen’s usual double setup, optimised for the muddy terrain of Unbound Gravel. Vermeulen’s affection for Sir Willie was evident in the bike’s detailed custom artwork, which included a windswept image of the dog on the head tube and a matching colour scheme of red, white, and black across the frame and components. This personal touch added a warm, human element to the high-tech gravel bike, highlighting the bond between rider and pet. The choice to display the bike openly at the expo, rather than keeping it under wraps like many competitors, allowed fans and fellow riders to appreciate both the craftsmanship and the story behind the build. The combination of innovative gravel technology and heartfelt tribute underscores a growing trend in the sport where personal narratives and cutting-edge equipment intersect. Vermeulen’s approach to racing with Sir Willie and his custom-painted bike not only celebrates companionship but also demonstrates how riders can personalise their gear to reflect their identities and relationships. As gravel racing continues to evolve, such unique stories and bespoke builds are likely to become an increasingly visible part of the scene.