He decided to switch from his Scott Plasma to an Addict Gravel to challenge himself in the off-road world.
Sebastian Kienlea true triathlon legend, will test himself in some of the most famous gravel races in the 2024 season.
For those who don’t know him, Sebastian Kienle has won everything there is to win in the world of triathlon, establishing himself as one of the athletes who have marked the history of this sport.
Twice World Champion in Ironman 70.3, he was three times European Champion and Ironman World Champion.
However, the challenges are not over yet for him, who at 39 years old has chosen to dedicate himself to gravel to open a new chapter in his competitive career.
With Scott’s support, “Sebi” will have the opportunity to test his off-road skills in some of the most important races on the European gravel scene.
With his strengths developed in the world of triathlon he will challenge pure gravelists in what promises to be a completely new adventure for him.
Leaving the road for gravel seems to be something that stimulates him to start a new path. On the vehicle that will accompany him on this new adventure he declares:
“If I had to keep only one bike, it would be the Addict Gravel. It has enough qualities to tackle most trails, it’s fast, light and beautiful to look at. All you need to do is change the tires to transform it from one extreme to the otheror”.
On the change that awaits him with this new beginning in a new discipline he says:
“Going from professional triathlon to gravel brings different expectations, but I don’t see the two disciplines as being so distant. I might even say that gravel and triathlon are similar in many ways.
Equipment is very important, if you have a mechanical problem you can’t just raise a hand and get assistance and rolling resistance in gravel it brings it closer to the experience of a time trial.
Then a lot depends on the events, which are quite varied in gravel, and on being able to ride with a strong group.
The strengths I bring with me from triathlon are my ability to express many watts for a long time and my technical knowledge”.
Among his season goals, Kienle cites several races on the Gravel Earth Series circuit, such as the RIFT, the Octopus Gravel, the FNLD Gravel and the Gravel Earth Series final.
His thoughts on the gravel scene are clear:
“LThe gravel community seems to be a reality made up of great camaraderie and even if I am convinced that the competitive tension is high, I really hope to be able to share the post-race moments with the other riders”
On the reasons that pushed him to dedicate himself to gravel, as well as marketing issues, Kienle says:
“Gravel has everything I love about the sport. It gives you the freedom to ride anywhere, anytime and with just one bike. You can go out with friends to explore, go on adventures alone, or run in races. It allows you to be surrounded by nature and enjoy time on your bike without being disturbed by cars and other motor vehicles.“
Below are the specifications of the Scott Addict Gravel that Sebastian Kienle will use during the season:
Frame/Fork: Addict Gravel RC – HMX Carbon
Drivetrain: Sram Red eTap AXS
Brakes: Sram Red
Cockpit: Syncros Creston ic SL
Seatpost: Syncros Duncan SL D-shape
Saddle: Syncros Belcarra V-Concept 1.0
Wheels: ZIPP 353 NSW Carbon, tubeless
Tires: Schwalbe R-One and RS 45mm
If you are passionate about the world of gravel, listen to what Olympic champion Paolo Bettini has to say about it.
Paolo Bettini and gravel: this is the cycling of those looking for something else from the bike
