Lauf announced as title sponsor of Gritfest 2019
Lauf, the Icelandic brand behind the unique True Grit frame and fork, has announced that it has become the title sponsor of Gritfest for the next three years. It's a positive sign for the two-day gravel enduro event, with 2018 having been its inaugural year and the 2019 round having grown substantially in size.
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Taking place from June 22nd-23rd 2019, Gritfest is a gruelling but fun two-day gravel event that mixes up the gravel racing format with enduro style timed stages as part of a bigger loop, set in the hills of Mid Wales. We rode it last year and - full disclosure, we're biased because we're the media sponsor once again - had a mass of fun riding some epic trails in blazing sunshine.
Guðberg Björnsson, founder and chief designer at Lauf says: “We are very excited to be working with Gritfest and the organising team. The trails within Wales are perfect for gravel bikes and the event is a great place to showcase the True Grit frame and fork. As gravel riding as a whole continues to grow in the UK we look forward to being involved.”
If you're not laid eyes or paws on one of Lauf's bikes before, then you'll have plenty of chance at the event, with Lauf and UK distributor Upgrade both on hand to display bikes and forks along with an arena test track. Editor Jon rode the event on a Lauf True Grit last time around which, with its unique leaf-sprung fork, also happened to be our favourite gravel bike of 2018, taking top honours as our Benchmark Gravel Bike of 2018.
Matthew Page, director at A Cycling and organisers of Gritfest said: “We could not think of a better partner for Gritfest. Lauf showcased at the first event and we are super excited that they want to invest in the event’s future. Lauf’s products are fantastic and perfect for the terrain at Gritfest, taking gravel riding performance and comfort to the next level”
Regardless of their bike, entrants should be ready for a serious chunk of riding, with the 2018 event taking in 90km and 2,400m of climbing on day one, followed by 40km and 1,000m on day two. As you'd expect, there's a proper event village with camping, food, showers and plenty of evening entertainment to be had.
If you're keen to take part, then it's probably best to hurry as the event is (very) close to selling out - head to the link below to find out more.