Canyon Bicycles has got together with Klassmark, organiser of popular gravel event The Traka.
Canyon’s sponsorship of the event, from 2025 onwards, aims to promote greater inclusivity in the sport of gravel racing, along with an ambition to double female participation.
This year’s edition of The Traka takes place on May 1-4, 2025. Held in Girona, northern Spain, The Traka is a stone’s throw from both the city’s cobbled streets and the network of singletrack and farm tracks in the surrounding hills.
With Canyon on board, there will be a focus on fan engagement activities, as well as a number of high-profile athletes on Canyon’s gravel roster who will be on hand to meet fans and share their gravel race tips.
Canyon is committing to helping Klassmark, owner of The Traka, to promote greater inclusivity in the sport of gravel racing. Currently, The Traka attracts over 800 female riders. But Canyon is looking to support Klassmark in doubling that number over the next few years through targeted outreach and specific on-site activities.
This will aim to raise female participation from approximately 18% of entrants in 2024 to 36% by 2027, bringing about an improved gender balance in the gravel event.
Canyon Brand Manager Laura Claus said “Together with The Traka, it’s our mission to celebrate the gravel scene and establish The Traka as the world’s leading gravel event, welcoming riders from all corners of the globe.
“Whether you’re an experienced gravel enthusiast or new to the sport, The Traka is committed to creating an accessible, fun, and inclusive event for everyone, especially one where female riders feel comfortable taking part. We’re thrilled to partner with Klassmark on The Traka and can’t wait to connect with thousands of riders this May celebrating the vibrant and diverse global gravel community.”
The Traka originally began seven years ago with its first event in 2019. It has since grown to become a popular European gravel race. In 2025, The Traka will offer four main distances, suitable for all levels of gravel riders, from two inspirational 560km and 360km ultra-distance events, to 200km and 100km routes.
A number of riders racing under Canyon’s gravel banner will be on the start line in Girona. Those that have already committed to The Traka 2025 include three former winners. Pete Stetina will return to defend his Traka 360 title, and Caro Schiff and Petr Vakoc will be competing in defence of their Traka 200 victories last year.
Klassmark CEO and Founder Gerard Freixes said “We are obsessed with making The Traka experience unique and memorable.
“With the power of Canyon’s brand momentum and its ability to inspire fans, we’re expecting Traka to be off-the-scale in 2025. We aim to become the largest gravel event in the world, but we want to achieve this growth organically and sustainably.
“Our focus is on ensuring a quality experience for all participants, remaining a benchmark for quality and experience, and reducing and offsetting participants’ CO2 emissions. We’re thrilled to have the support of such a progressive partner who truly matches our ethos, and who brings the vibe of fun, inspiration, community and personal performance in equal measure.”
Freixes continued, “From the moment participants arrive at the race village, we want to impress them with the setup and organization. They’ll also find the best global brands offering exceptional activations, a professional team delivering race numbers without queues and with a smile; and services that enhance every detail of their experience.”
