Wilier Introduces 'The Grip' Elite Gravel Team, Showcasing Unique Aesthetic and High Performance

Wilier has unveiled its new elite gravel cycling team, 'The Grip,' a collaboration spearheaded by former Italian professional road cyclist Mattia De Marchi. This initiative aims to compete at the highest echelons of gravel racing while upholding the sport's distinctive culture, aesthetics, and narrative. The team's debut has garnered significant attention, particularly for its eye-catching kit and bicycle design, which stand out even amidst the reveal of many other professional cycling teams' new gear for the upcoming season.

The formation of 'The Grip' team brings together a diverse roster of talent. Alongside De Marchi, the team welcomes Eddy Le Huitouze, a promising U23 French rider transitioning from road racing with Groupama-FDJ, and Jordy Bouts, a Belgian cyclist previously associated with TdT-Unibet. This blend of experience and fresh perspectives is set to elevate the team's competitive edge in the demanding world of gravel cycling.

A key highlight of 'The Grip' is its distinctive visual identity. The team will ride the Wilier Rave SLR ID2, custom-finished with a livery that pays homage to the vibrant designs of the 1990s and 2000s. This retro-inspired aesthetic extends to the team's jerseys, featuring a font reminiscent of that era, creating a cohesive and memorable look that has been widely praised as one of the best in the current cycling season.

Mattia De Marchi expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the alignment between 'The Grip's' identity and Wilier's vision for gravel cycling. He highlighted the excitement of being involved in a new project with a clear direction and a bicycle specifically engineered for modern gravel challenges, noting his active role in the team's development as a particularly motivating factor.

Wilier's reputation for producing visually stunning and high-performing bicycles precedes this new venture. The company's models, such as the Filante ridden by Mark Cavendish, have often been lauded for their design. The Rave SLR ID2 gravel bike continues this tradition, with its 'overlander' style captivating enthusiasts and critics alike, demonstrating that the brand can fuse exceptional aesthetics with rugged functionality.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Wilier Rave SLR has a proven track record, boasting victories in challenging events like The Traka 200 and Unbound Gravel. 'The Grip' team is poised to build on this success, with an ambitious international race calendar planned for 2026. Their season is slated to commence on February 14, 2026, at Santa Vall, followed by participation in prestigious events such as The Hills, Sea Otter Classic, The Traka, Unbound Gravel, and The Rift, showcasing their global aspirations.

As the cycling community anticipates the team's performance, there is considerable excitement about how 'The Grip' will fare. While a standard Wilier Rave is currently undergoing rigorous testing to assess its performance capabilities, the unique visual appeal of 'The Grip's' custom bikes and kit has already set a high benchmark. This bold new team promises to deliver both competitive results and a fresh, stylish presence in the gravel racing circuit, captivating fans with its blend of speed and distinctive design.