When engineering ingenuity meets the grit of endurance riding, the results can be truly revolutionary. That's the essence of Rosa Klöser’s innovative approach to gravel cycling—a discipline that constantly evolves, defying traditional norms and embracing experimentation. But here's where it gets controversial: in the world of gravel, there's no fixed rulebook or longstanding etiquette, so riders and manufacturers alike are free to push boundaries, blending technology from both mountain biking and road racing to craft new possibilities.
Gravel racing stands as a testbed for innovation within cycling—where events unfold on diverse terrains and equipment constantly undergo testing and refinement. Unlike the tightly regulated world of asphalt racing, gravel remains a fluid landscape, shaped by the terrain, individual rider preferences, and the ongoing integration of varied bike tech. Every race becomes an informal lab, where progress is driven by the relentless pursuit of better performance, even as the full potential of those advancements is still being explored.
Few athletes exemplify this experimental spirit more than Rosa Klöser, a talented German cyclist known for competing across both gravel and road disciplines. She is celebrated not just for her victories, such as claiming the 2024 Unbound Gravel title, but for her deeply analytical approach to equipment and training. Rosa’s engineering background plays a crucial role in her method—bike setup is more than a quick checklist; it’s a deliberate process rooted in understanding the science behind gear choices. She meticulously researches and tests every detail, customizing her setup to match the specific demands of each race — whether it’s an ultra-endurance gravel race in Kansas or a short, punchy climb in Europe.
Her dedication to precision has clearly paid dividends. Following her triumph at Unbound in 2024, Rosa continued to build her legacy with a series of victories in major gravel events, including The Rift in Iceland in 2025. What truly sets her apart, however, is her curiosity about the underlying principles that make certain configurations work. She emphasizes that success doesn’t solely depend on strength but on making informed decisions backed by data and experimentation—an approach that elevates her racing and offers a blueprint for aspiring riders.
Ahead of the UCI Gravel World Championships in Maastricht, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rosa to explore her equipment philosophy further. We discussed whether the current UCI courses genuinely capture the essence of gravel racing or if they fall into the trap of being too tame—more akin to paved bike paths than challenging, variable terrain. This debate isn’t new; every year, fans and riders alike voice concerns that the courses often don’t reflect the gritty, unpredictable nature of true gravel riding. For instance, the 2024 championships featured a relatively flat, hardpack course with minimal gravel, sparking widespread criticism that it doesn’t showcase the discipline’s authentic spirit.
Rosa pointed out that her perspective on such events has evolved through a demanding season—one that took her from the expansive Kansas plains, defending her title at Unbound, to the rugged, climbing-heavy routes of central Europe. It’s during these moments of exhaustion that what truly matters becomes clearer. “You learn to focus on efficiency rather than perfection,” she explains, “maximizing what you have left rather than obsessing over every detail.”
This approach highlights a larger question: should gravel races prioritize superficial course design or prioritize the testing of rider skill and bike capability? With riders like Rosa leading by example, could it be that the true innovation in gravel lies not just in the equipment but also in the mindset—focusing on adaptability and strategic thinking rather than simply conquering a course?”}
