In Unpaved Chronicles, we delve into the world of gravel racing. This rapidly growing discipline combines the adventure of off-road riding with the intensity of racing. No smooth asphalt, but gravel roads, steep climbs, and unpredictable terrain. More and more riders are drawn to this mix of endurance, technique, and tactics. Every race features fierce competition for podium finishes and qualification for the World Gravel Championships.
After years of primarily competing on the road, Marjet Groen is consciously choosing a new direction this season. With gravel as her main goal, a first year as a privateer, and a strong start to the season, she's looking ahead with confidence.
A clear shift to gravel and for the first time as a privateer
"Next season, quite a lot will change. While I've mainly been riding on the road in recent years, my focus is now entirely on gravel. That gives me so much energy: long days, tough races, adventure, and real racing." Thanks to several sponsors, she can start with top-notch equipment, so she only has to focus on riding as fast as possible. "That gives her peace of mind. Riding as a privateer takes some getting used to, but above all, it's super cool. You make your own choices and truly follow your own path. Everything you do feels extra motivating because it's entirely your own."
One of those new partners is Airoman
"Airoman feels like a sponsor that truly suits me." In this partnership, Airoman provides Marjet with her complete kit, which she also has a say in, and where her input contributes to the development. "The brand stands for speed, performance, and building a community where the joy of cycling is central. That mentality aligns perfectly with my own approach to cycling, which makes this collaboration feel very natural."
The season starts in Bescanonina
In preparation for next week's first major event, Santa Vall, Marjet was at the start line at Bescanonina. "I didn't have high expectations beforehand, because I haven't been able to train much this winter due to a back injury. But already on the first climb, I felt things were going better than expected. Due to a technical error, I briefly lost Sophie Wright and Yael Prenger, but I kept riding at my own pace." After the long climb, she rejoined and in the final, she was even able to break away from the group. She ultimately finished second. "That was a fantastic start to the season and gives me a lot of confidence."
The year of confirmation
Marjet had a smashing start to last year's Traka 200, immediately achieving a top-10 finish. She's aiming to confirm that strong result in 2026: "Unbound, Traka 200, and the European Gravel Championships in Houffalize are my biggest goals. Those are the races that truly excite me: long, tough, and with some climbing. When a race becomes a real battle of attrition, that's when I feel at my best. Those are the moments when I think I can make a difference."
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