ASTR RS scores again at UNBOUND: three riders in the top 22
At the legendary UNBOUND Gravel 200, our ASTR RS once again proved its worth at the highest level. With Daan Soete (13th), Joris Nieuwenhuis (18th), and Aaron Van der Beken (22nd), no fewer than three Ridley Racing Team riders finished at the top of the standings. The entire team can look back proudly on a highly successful edition!
Despite heavy rainfall in Kansas, this edition turned out to be the fastest ever of the world’s most famous gravel race. With more than 240 kilometers still to go, the decisive breakaway by Cameron Jones and Simon Pellaud formed. Joris Nieuwenhuis was part of a chasing group for a long time, gradually reducing the gap from 12 minutes to 7. However, the two leaders managed to maintain a five-minute margin until the end.
In the peloton, Daan Soete and Aaron Van der Beken kept things under control. When the race reached its decisive phase and the groups merged, they had to give it their all. In the end, Daan finished as the first Belgian in an impressive 13th place. Joris followed shortly after with an aggressive ride to finish 18th. Aaron can also be very satisfied, returning to Belgium with a strong 22nd place.
Despite heavy rainfall in Kansas, this edition turned out to be the fastest ever of the world’s most famous gravel race. With more than 240 kilometers still to go, the decisive breakaway by Cameron Jones and Simon Pellaud formed. Joris Nieuwenhuis was part of a chasing group for a long time, gradually reducing the gap from 12 minutes to 7. However, the two leaders managed to maintain a five-minute margin until the end.
In the peloton, Daan Soete and Aaron Van der Beken kept things under control. When the race reached its decisive phase and the groups merged, they had to give it their all. In the end, Daan finished as the first Belgian in an impressive 13th place. Joris followed shortly after with an aggressive ride to finish 18th. Aaron can also be very satisfied, returning to Belgium with a strong 22nd place.
Gravel legacy
UNBOUND always takes its toll, and Ridley Racing Team riders weren’t spared. Nicole Frain was well-positioned in the top 5 when she was taken out by another rider. Unfortunately, she was forced to abandon. Felipe Orts also faced setbacks, suffering two punctures.
The team boards the plane home with great confidence. The Flint Hills proved to be the ultimate testing ground, and we passed with flying colors. Following Piotr Havik’s fourth place in 2024, our most advanced gravel performance bike, the ASTR RS, once again showed its value on the world’s biggest stage. In 2025, we’ll be back for more!
The team boards the plane home with great confidence. The Flint Hills proved to be the ultimate testing ground, and we passed with flying colors. Following Piotr Havik’s fourth place in 2024, our most advanced gravel performance bike, the ASTR RS, once again showed its value on the world’s biggest stage. In 2025, we’ll be back for more!
ASTR RS
The new standard for performance gravelThe ASTR RS is a high-end racing gravel bike that combines aerodynamics and light weight to meet all the needs of the modern gravel circuit. With a tyre clearance of 52 millimetres (1x setup), you are armed for the roughest terrain on the ASTR RS. The accompanying geometry stands for stability and speed.
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