ANGUS TAKES THE METTLE TO TRAKA

The TRAKA is Europe's biggest gravel race and probably the second largest in the world after Unbound. 2026 was the second time that a 560km option was offered: 'The Traka 560 Adventure', MASON rider Angus Young decided to take it to the TRAKA!

This year bigger than ever and running over multiple days, the TRAKA included 5 rides: The 100, 200, 360, 560 Adventure and 'The TRAKA Force' Womens ride. 

The '560 Adventure' lineup included almost 200 of the worlds fastest and most experienced graveleurs, endurance racers and long-distance bikepacking race legends.

Angus joined the startline, in what promised to be a blistering race, with the top riders intending to cover the 560km course in under 24 hours.

Angus chose his MASON Bokeh and lined up against a sea of pro-race carbon. We'll let him take it from here...

"A 560km gravel race run by a multi-million dollar company is about as far from my usual style of riding as possible and that was exciting. Its proximity to the 360 race meant many eyes were on it and the competition was as strong as you'll ever get in an ultra. In the past couple of months of training I hit numbers I wouldn't have previously thought possible and was confident in my form however the style of race was such an unknown.  

The race was around 50:50 split of surfaces but that being said a lot of the road was broken and rough. Naturally I opted for my Bokeh which was built with a SRAM Force up front and GX in the back, this gave me a 10-52t range which paired perfectly with the 42t chainring for me. I spoke to Josh [Ibbett] about setup and was glad that I took his advice in running 50mm tyres, I went for 50mm Schwalbe G-One RX Pro but I probably would use the RS if I were to do it again."

[Angus was running a very similar setup to his Bright Midnight race-bike below]

"In my Restrap Race Range bags I had a load of fuel in the top and then some layers and tools in the frame bag. This is were I could have cut a little weight. I also used the soon to be released lightweight hydration vest which was essential in my eyes. As It was such a short race I went full aero in a Le Col skinsuit and aero socks, small differences add up.  

The first 60km or so was fairly relaxed rolling along a bike path in a big group before we reached the first steep off road climb. As expected I got a bit carried away following up the first climb which requires 390NP for 22 mins. At the base of the first long climb we were caught by the next group and Victor sent it once it got steep. I decided to tap out before it was too late and settle into my own pace.

For the rest of the Pyrenees section I was solo except being passed by Patxi and Ole. I had a few low moments, likely due to a mixture of going out too hard and dehydration as I had yet to stop for water."