Gravel, pizza and sunshine: Van der Poel takes his new Canyon Grail for a spin in Spain, his way

Mathieu van der Poel has found the best way to debut his new Canyon Grail 2027. The Dutchman, who ended his road season after winning bronze at the World Championships in Montreal, has shared on his social media a gravel ride through Spain with his usual training partner, Freddy Ovett.

Gravel, a stop for pizza, and a new Canyon Grail

Away from the demands of competition, Van der Poel is taking advantage of these weeks to enjoy cycling in a different way. And the arrival of the new Canyon Grail has been the perfect excuse to organize an adventure day.

"The new Grail deserved an adventure worthy of it", wrote the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider alongside a video posted on his Instagram account.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by MVDP (@mathieuvanderpoel)

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The images show Van der Poel and Ovett riding gravel tracks in the eastern region, we recall that Van der Poel resides in Spain for a large part of the year, although the day also left some curious scenes. At one point during the ride, the Dutchman stops to try an elliptical machine installed outdoors and, later on, both make a stop at a pizzeria to refuel.

The star of the outing is the Canyon Grail 2027, unveiled last September. The third generation of this competition gravel bike arrives with significant updates, such as an increase in tire clearance up to 57 mm, a more aggressive riding position, and aerodynamic improvements. The range starts at €2,499 and maintains the CFR as its most exclusive version.

Will Van der Poel return to cyclocross this winter?

The post comes at a time when there are still doubts about the Dutchman's calendar. After winning the bronze medal at the World Road Championships in Montreal, Van der Poel closed his season, but he has not yet confirmed whether he will return to compete in cyclocross next winter.

The rider himself acknowledged after the World Championships that he had not yet made a decision about his return to the mud. In the meantime, he continues to enjoy his training in Spain, this time swapping his road bike for his new gravel bike.