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.
With the start of the new season, Nicole Frain is embarking on a distinctly new path. After several years of riding for teams – first on the road and later in the gravel peloton – she is returning to Europe this year as a privateer. A conscious choice, driven by a desire for more freedom, personal control, and collaboration.
Everything in your own hands
"The transition to a privateer structure really excites me," she says. "I can better manage my own race schedule and planning, but also choose which sponsors and partners I work with." However, that freedom also comes with responsibility. As a privateer, she not only has to perform but also organize everything surrounding the sporting event herself. "That's challenging, but that's precisely what makes it so interesting. It suits me well."
The choice for Airoman
One of those conscious collaborations is with Airoman. The connection wasn't just about the product, but especially about the people behind it. "Of course, style and comfort are important, but for me, a collaboration is also about the relationship with the people behind the brand. That felt right right away." This underscores her vision for sponsorships: not just logos, but partnerships that truly work.
Unexpected victory in Australia
The season got off to a successful start with a victory at RADL GRVL in Australia. "I was obviously hoping for that win, but I didn't necessarily expect it," she admits. The preparation was good, but the competition was fierce. Nevertheless, she was remarkably calm at the start. "It's early in the season. A good result is great, but there's still a lot to come." She also describes gravel racing in Australia as an experience in itself. "It feels different than anywhere else. It's a fantastic way to start the season."
Preview of the World Clay Court Championships
The World Championships on Clay in Australia also promises to be special. After a recent reconnaissance of the course, this is her conclusion: "It's going to be a tough race, with lots of climbing and descending. The most difficult parts are mainly towards the end." The course is relatively simple in terms of technique, but fast and demanding. And then there's the scenery: "The landscape is beautiful and completely different from anything most Europeans have ever seen."
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