Emmanuel Takes on The Traka

The Traka has earned its place as Europe’s biggest gravel event, drawing riders from around the world to the vibrant cycling hub of Girona. With routes that test endurance, skill, and spirit — from fast, flowing gravel to punishing climbs and unpredictable weather — it’s more than a race. The Traka is a celebration of community, adventure, and the shared love of life on two wheels.

Emmanuel, aka 616, is taking on his debut gravel season and first up, is the Traka 100. Dive in to see how he got on.

The Traka

Chaos. That’s the word. If I had to sum up The Traka 100 in one, that’s what I’d go with.

Chaos in the best, most unforgettable way.

This year marked my first step into gravel riding, and what better way to test myself than by heading to Europe’s biggest gravel event? The Traka was the obvious choice.

Welcome to Girona:

Girona welcomed me with open arms. This was my first time travelling abroad with my bike, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the moment I arrived; I felt that warmth from locals and shared love of cycling. Within hours, Girona felt like home.

The day before my race, I rode a short shakeout while the 200km race was underway. I’d originally wanted to race the 200 but missed out on a spot. Initially, I was gutted. But that Saturday heat was intense, and seeing the effort it demanded from the riders out there, I quickly realised the 100km would be more than enough.

The shakeout settled the nerves. That evening, the event village was buzzing with pre-race energy. Smiles everywhere. Music, food, stories being exchanged. It felt like more than just a bike race, it was a celebration of gravel cycling.

What impressed me most was the organisation. Registration? Seamless. Atmosphere? Electric. Whether you were a first-timer or a seasoned rider, everyone was welcomed the same.

Race Day Mayhem

Race day arrived and so did the rain. Torrential and relentless but oddly, I was a little bit happy about it. As a Londoner, I’ve spent months grinding through cold, wet rides, and I saw this as a chance to turn home-field disadvantage into strength.

But I quickly learned that The Traka plays by its own rules.

Just 10km in we hit a climb averaging 10% which would be manageable in dry conditions, but today it was a war zone. Tyres slipping, bikes toppling, riders dragging themselves up slick inclines. I lost control and went flying into a bush!

No injuries, just adrenaline. That moment shook me awake. I told myself: trust the bike, trust the training. From there, things clicked.

Flow state hit around the 40km mark. We were deep in the Spanish hills, the gravel stretched endlessly ahead, and for a while, it was just me, the trail, and the sound of gears shifting and tyres crunching.

Gravel Brings Us Together

The beauty of The Traka isn’t just in the route, it’s in the people. There’s an incredible energy out there. Supporters lining the trail, strangers shouting encouragement, riders pushing each other forward. That sense of shared struggle and shared joy really does lift you.

The final 20km were wild. Mudslides. Rivers to cross. Legs burning. But I felt strong, my nutrition was dialled in and my legs were very much still in the chat. With about 5km to go, I found myself riding next to someone I’d been with on and off for most of the race. We raced to the line. No podium or medals, just a fist bump, big grins, and mutual respect.

That moment summed up everything The Traka is about, connection through challenge and bringing together people from all walks of life.

Just Do It.

If you’re considering The Traka next year, stop thinking. Just go. It’s not just a race; it’s a cultural experience, a physical test and a celebration of everything cycling can be.

It’s diverse. It’s wild. And it’s only going to grow.

Hopefully, I’ll see you at the start line next year. Maybe even lining up for the 200km this time.

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Read Emmanuel's Bio

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