Aethos 2, Jack Ultra, and the Everesting World Championships

The road out of Linguaglossa rises steadily, weaving through forest before reaching the stark lava fields of Mount Etna. Normally breathtaking, its beauty went unnoticed at 4 a.m. by the riders beginning the inaugural Everesting World Championships—280 kilometers and seven ascents of Europe’s most active volcano.

Everesting, Reimagined

Everesting—climbing the height of Everest in a single ride—has long been a solitary challenge. But this September, more than 100 riders gathered in Sicily to attempt it together. Among them was Jack Thompson, better known as Jack Ultra, a Specialized athlete renowned for extreme endurance feats, including climbing over a million meters in a year.

Jack Ultra Meets the Aethos 2

Despite arriving just days after an epic Himalayan ride, Thompson was eager to test his all-new Specialized Aethos 2—the lightest production road bike in the world.

Although he has often relied on the Roubaix for extreme distances, the Aethos 2 provided Thompson with an ideal blend of lightweight speed and comfort, making it his go-to for big climbing days.

A Brutal Test on Etna

With gradients averaging 5%, the race required riders to cover more distance than usual Everests. Thompson battled Canadian Jack Burke through the early ascents before settling into his own rhythm, ultimately finishing second. But more than competition, it was the atmosphere that stood out: “Normally, Everesting is an individual challenge, but here it felt communal. Riders were encouraging each other all day—it was special.”

A New Era for Everesting

Event founder Andy van Bergen sees Etna becoming Everesting’s version of Kona. With over 33,000 Everests logged worldwide, the demand for a shared event was clear. Future editions will feature different ascents, offering options for full, half, and relay distances to accommodate a wider range of riders.

Closing the Season

For Thompson, the event marked the perfect season finale: “To finish second on Etna, riding the new Specialized Aethos 2—the lightest and most refined road bike I’ve ever ridden—was unforgettable.”