July 25 2024

Departure Day

Mathieu and Eva, passionate gravel bike enthusiasts, took their Diverge STR on an extraordinary journey: The Rift, a 100-km gravel race through Iceland’s breathtaking highlands. This rigorous course led them through black lava fields and along the tectonic divide separating North America and Eurasia. Conquering this challenge demanded endurance, resilience and a deep respect for nature.

Photography: Mathieu Pellerin

Mathieu Pellerin

Meet the Riders

I’m Mathieu, a 39-year-old photographer from near Paris. I’ve been riding bikes passionately since my teenage years and immersed myself in gravel cycling three years ago. My work as a photographer has allowed me to travel by bike and experience incredible adventures, further fueling my passion. Partnering with Specialized has opened doors to exciting projects that combine my love for cycling and storytelling

Éva Cordioli

Meet the Riders

I’m Eva, a 39-year-old Italian living in Paris. My cycling journey began with gravel biking, a discipline that resonates deeply with me. In 2023, I launched Femmes à Vélo (Women on Bikes), celebrating Parisian cyclists through captivating photos by Nicola Fioravanti. Our first exhibit, held in February 2024 at Paris’s 7th arrondissement Town Hall, drew record crowds, filling Rue de Grenelle with bikes—a vision of community we hope to expand across the city

Why join The Rift ?

Receiving an invitation to The Rift was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. A 100-km gravel race through Iceland’s volcanic terrain was the perfect combination of cycling, photography, and adventure

How did you prepare ?

What makes adventures like this so rewarding ?

The sense of freedom, exploration, and the physical challenge. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes offered a dream setting for pushing our limits and bonding with cyclists from around the world.

What stood out about the Diverge STR ?

During the final stretch, we pushed ourselves and the bike to the limit. The Diverge STR’s speed and Future Shock suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. Its 47-mm tires handled everything from sand to rivers with ease, keeping us confident and efficient throughout the race

A memorable moment ?

The river crossings ! The first left us with wet feet, but on the way back, we went full speed, soaked but exhilarated. That shared moment of triumph, pride, and laughter was unforgettable.