The Gravel Paddock

Gerard Freixes recently dropped massive news: active pro rider Hans Becking is stepping up as the new Race Director for The Traka. In this episode, we sit down with Hans to understand the massive organizational shifts coming to the gravel capital of the world.We dive deep into the burning topic of race safety, detailing how the organization plans to eliminate "avoidable risks" and the exact legal reasons behind the discontinuation of the 560km Ultra format. Hans also explains the bold decision to unify the Elite category into a single 300km race, the new qualification system for pros, and the Gravel Earth Series' pivot towards "quality over quantity", including the confirmed arrival of prize money.No fluff. No filter. The race starts here. 🏁Listen to the full episode for:**** Intro: From Pro Rider to Race Director**** The Burning Topic: Race Safety, Ambulances & Avoidable Risks**** The 300km Elite Shift: Defining a True Traka Champion**** The Real Reason the 560km Ultra Format Was Canceled**** Pro Qualifications & Priority Access Registration**** The Business of Gravel: Prize Money & The Future of GES**** Hans' Dual Identity: Racing Cape Epic while Organizing The TrakaLinks:Follow Hans Becking: @hansbeckingFollow The Traka: @thetrakaFollow Gravel Earth Series: @gravelearthseriesFollow The Gravel Paddock: @thegravelpaddock

From racing XCO at the Tokyo Olympics to taking the overall Life Time Grand Prix title and now conquering the volcanic gravel of Iceland. We sit down with Haley Smith for a raw race debrief of her incredible comeback victory at The Rift 200.In this episode, we dive into the reality of a 7.5-hour epic: surviving the hardest crash of her career, getting her wheel unstuck, and finding the "flow state" to hunt down the leaders. We also discuss a harsh reality for the industry: why the true privateer model might not survive the arrival of structured teams. Finally, we explore her dream of the UCI World Championship rainbow jersey, her dual life balancing elite racing with a PhD in Sport Psychology, and her new mentorship program, Competere.No fluff. No filter. The race starts here. 🏁Listen to the full episode for:**** Intro & The Post-Tokyo Mindset Pivot**** Balancing a PhD with Pro Racing & The Competere Program**** The Inside Story: Canceled Canadian Nationals**** The Rift Debrief: Preparation & Morning Routine**** The Hardest Crash, Resetting the Mind & The Winning Attack**** Tech Check: MTB Tires, 1x Drivetrain & 17 PSI**** The Future of Gravel: Teams vs. Privateers**** UCI Worlds Clash, Rainbow Dreams & What's NextLinks:Follow Haley Smith on Instagram: @haleyhuntersmithLearn more about the Competere program: https://www.haleyhuntersmith.com/competereFollow The Gravel Paddock: @thegravelpaddock

From growing up on a massive farm in Namibia to representing his country at two Olympic Games, Alex Miller’s pathway into the European gravel peloton is anything but traditional.In Episode 9 of The Gravel Paddock, we sit down with the Swatt Club rider in his new home base of Girona. We dive into the massive cultural and physical shift of moving from the explosive 90-minute efforts of Olympic Cross-Country to the brutal 5-hour grind of modern gravel racing. Alex opens up about the reality of his 2026 season, the visa struggles of an African athlete racing in Europe, and the unique, anti-establishment culture of the Swatt Club.Plus, we get into a heavy "Tech Check" on why he strictly runs a 1x drivetrain and his strategy for running MTB tires on gravel.🎙️ In this episode:The Namibian Roots: Growing up on a farm & the culture shock of moving to Girona.The Olympic MTB Engine: Translating XCO punchiness to the endurance gravel grind.The Swatt Club Vibe: Racing for a team that breaks all the traditional rules.2026 Season Debrief: A raw look at the exploding level of the European gravel peloton.Race Tactics: Inside his Top 10 finish at Ranxo Gravel.The Tech Check: 1x vs 2x drivetrains, MTB tires on gravel bikes, and road pedals vs. SPD.Listen now and don't forget to hit follow to stay ahead of the peloton! Follow us on:👉 Instagram: @thegravelpaddock 👉 YouTube👉 TikTokFollow Alex's journey on:👉 Instagram @alex_mtb_miller👉 Strava

From a spectacular European spring campaign to the brutal reality of the Kansas dirt. We sit down with Canadian globetrotter Ben Perry to debrief the absolute mudfest of Unbound Gravel and the extreme highs and lows of the 2026 season.We cut through the noise to discuss his heartbreaking crash while fighting for the podium at The Traka 360, the heavy mental and financial toll of a DNF in the biggest race of the year, and the harsh reality of the privateer hustle when factory teams are deploying 4 AM recon crews for the mud. Finally, we ask the ultimate question: what is the most valuable career path for a gravel privateer today, and why does winning Unbound change your entire life?In this episode:00:00 The Transition from Road to Gravel03:07 The Logistics of a Globetrotting Privateer06:24 Building Form & The Traka 360 Heartbreak12:42 The Evolution and Speed of the Front Group14:04 Unbound 2026: The Mudfest & DNF Reality30:40 Tech Check: Surviving the Mud & The Bike Setup38:09 The Privateer Dilemma & Flaws in the Gravel Series53:55 Bouncing Back & The Next Targets58:20 Why Winning Unbound Changes EverythingFollow Ben’s globetrotter journey: On Instagram: @benjperryThe Gravel Paddock takes you inside the professional peloton. Subscribe so you never miss an episode and follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheGravelPaddock⁠⁠. 

From a decade in the World Tour to pioneering the European gravel scene, Nathan Haas has seen the sport evolve from the inside out. Now the Director at Team EF Coaching in Girona, Nathan joins the pod to break down the reality of modern gravel training and the extreme professionalization of the peloton.We cut through the noise to discuss the true paradigm shift requiring athletes to work on bike skills and training stimulus variations (instead of just logging empty miles), why the obsession with pushing endless carbs might be ruining your race, and the ultimate danger for any athlete: the comparative mindset.In this episode:00:00 The Transition from World Tour to Gravel Racing03:17 The Evolution of Gravel Cycling in Girona05:07 Technological Advancements in Gravel Bikes07:47 Training Paradigms for Gravel Athletes10:39 The Importance of Skills and Nutrition15:46 Coaching and the Privateer Experience24:54 Managing Expectations in Competitive Cycling25:29 The Importance of Social Training29:19 The Evolution of Gravel Racing30:06 Professionalism & Safety in Gravel Racing34:46 Cultural Differences in Gravel Racing (USA vs. Europe)44:17 Common Training Mistakes in Gravel ProsFollow Nathan's and Team EF Coaching journey: On Instagram: @nathanpeterhaas & @teamefcoachingAnd discover their training plans on: teamefcoaching.com The Gravel Paddock takes you inside the professional peloton. Subscribe so you never miss an episode and follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheGravelPaddock⁠⁠.