Four riders, one common goal
Jasper Levi Pahlke (Hamburg), Silas Kuschla (Hanover) and Robin Rautzenberg and Tom Lindner from Chemnitz form a well-coordinated team with a clear focus: a successful start to the gravel season together. All four have many years of experience in cyclocross, particularly internationally - a valuable advantage for the technically and tactically demanding challenges on changing surfaces. In addition, the riders can look back on numerous successes in their careers to date - from podium finishes at home and abroad to championship titles. Tom and Jasper were also active in professional road cycling. Tom, like Jasper and Silas - who currently ride for the team - was a member of the STEVENS Racing Team in the cyclo-cross division in the past. Their sporting development reflects a growing connection to the brand. "Thanks to our experience in cross, we know exactly where the fastest lines are. That will help us enormously, especially with the large fields of riders that are expected," Robin Rautzenberg is convinced.

Gravel - more than just a trend
What once started out as a niche has become a permanent fixture in cycling: Gravel cycling stands for freedom, versatility - and above all for community. It is the feeling of riding together over dusty gravel tracks, through forests and along remote paths that characterises this sport. Whether long tours, relaxed cruising or tough races - Gravel is as varied as the people who live it. The togetherness is a central element. For the STEVENS Gravel Racing Team, the sporting aspect takes centre stage, but it is also the exchange of ideas, mutual motivation and the sharing of common experiences that make it so appealing to the riders.

Gravel racing: endurance meets technique
Compared to the short, intensive cyclocross races, gravel competitions require significantly more endurance: three to four hours of racing are not uncommon - and there are no breaks. ‘The exertion is like a tough road race,’ says Silas Kuschla, describing his experience. ‘For the first ten to twenty minutes, it feels like a cross-country race - full throttle right from the start. But unlike there, the intensity doesn't let up. You have to keep going.’ The training plans also reflect these special requirements. ‘Depending on the race, you find a mixture of elements of cross-country and road cycling,’ explains Tom Lindner. For Jasper Levi Pahlke, this is precisely the appeal: ‘Gravel is an exciting challenge - technical, tactical and fast.’

Start of the season and highlights
The season kicks off on 1 May with the opening race of the German Gravel League in Eberswalde. International events in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands are also on the programme. Highlights include the German Gravel Championship in Saxony at the end of August and the UCI Gravel World Series race in Aachen - the latter is also a qualifier for the World Championships in the Netherlands in October. The team has set itself ambitious goals for both races: top 10 finishes and qualification for the World Championships are at the top of the list.

The bike: Camino - the journey is the destination
As the official bike sponsor, STEVENS equips the team with the Camino - a lightweight carbon gravel bike that lives up to its name. ‘Camino’ means path - and that's exactly what the four riders take, whether on tarmac, gravel, forest paths or meadow trails. With its sporty geometry and low weight, the Camino is designed for both ambitious racing and long distances. Its quality has already been proven several times: The bike has scored numerous test victories in the specialised press - and Cameron Mason, British champion and professional in the STEVENS-supported Team Seven Racing, also relies on the Camino.

In the eye-catching Marigold colour, the bike is not only a real eye-catcher, but also technically at the highest level - thanks to the support of the official material partners. Equipped with Shimano GRX Di2 gears, GRC carbon wheels from DT Swiss and Schwalbe G One RS tyres, the Camino stands for precision, control and grip on any surface. Smooth-running, robust and race-ready - the Camino is a competition bike through and through. The setup is completed by helmets from ABUS, which reliably accompany and protect the team on every ride.

The STEVENS Gravel Racing Team is ready for its first season: motivated, well-positioned and highly ambitious. On gravel, off-road - with team spirit, passion and the clear goal of being at the forefront of the growing gravel circus.