Okay, cycling fans, let's talk about something that's got me seriously excited: a team kit so stunning, it might just redefine gravel racing fashion! Forget the perfectly polished Pro-Tour teams for a second. Wilier, known for their beautiful bikes, has just unleashed 'The Grip,' an elite gravel team with a look that's pure fire.
And who's leading this stylish charge? None other than Mattia De Marchi, a force to be reckoned with in the gravel scene. Joining him are some exciting talents: Eddy Le Huitouze, a promising U23 French rider who transitioned from Groupama-FDJ on the WorldTour to embrace the dirt, and Belgian powerhouse Jordy Bouts, formerly of TdT-Unibet. These aren't just riders; they're pioneers of a new gravel aesthetic.
They'll be tearing up the gravel on the Rave SLR ID2, but this Rave SLR ID2 is special. Draped in 'The Grip' livery, it's a vibrant, eye-catching tribute to the bold designs of the 90s and early 2000s. Think rave flyers, think iconic imagery, think style.
At the launch, De Marchi's enthusiasm was palpable. "The identity of The Grip and the way Wilier interprets gravel are what convinced me. It’s a new project with a clear direction and a bike designed for modern gravel. Having an active role in the team's development makes this challenge even more exciting.” He's not just riding for a team; he's helping to build something new and influential.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could this gravel team's kit actually outshine the road teams this year? I know, it's a bold statement, especially considering how much effort goes into Pro-Tour team designs. But with 'The Grip' sporting a team font that screams Cypress Hill circa 1998 and a bike paint job that looks like it was ripped straight from an old rave flyer, it's hard to argue against it. If your team kit is anything less this season, I'm just not interested.
Wilier's reputation for producing stunning bikes certainly helps. Remember the buzz around Mark Cavendish riding the Filante? This 'overlander' style on The Grip's Rave SLR iD2 gravel bike is just as captivating. It's a visual masterpiece, pure eye candy for cycling enthusiasts.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the looks. Wilier isn't just about style; they're about substance. They already have some serious gravel cred, including wins at prestigious events like The Traka 200 and Unbound Gravel. They know how to build a winning bike, and now they're backing it up with a winning team.
The team's 2026 schedule is ambitious, with an international race calendar designed to showcase their global ambitions. They're kicking things off on February 14th in Santa Vall, followed by major events like The Hills, Sea Otter Classic (USA), The Traka, Unbound Gravel, and The Rift. They're not just dipping their toes in the water; they're diving headfirst into the biggest gravel races on the planet.
We've been fans of the Wilier Rave for a while now. We gave it a great review a few years back, and guess what? We actually have a standard Wilier Rave in for review right now. Our very own Aaron Borrill is putting it through its paces, pushing it to its limits. It might not have this incredible 'The Grip' livery, of course, but over the next few weeks and months, we'll be diving deep to see if its performance matches its stunning visuals.
So, what do you think? Is 'The Grip' the best-looking team on the gravel scene? Does their bold style represent the future of cycling fashion? And more importantly, will their performance live up to the hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! I'm genuinely curious to hear if you agree that this team kit is a game-changer, or if you think the Pro-Tour teams still reign supreme. Let's get the conversation started!
