‘This was my first time riding the Diverge STR as you’d expect with the bike only just landing. I’ve raced a lot of different disciplines of different lengths and surfaces but recently the 'shorter' off road ultras and FKTs have resonated with me. Away from traffic, being in nature and not having to worry about sleeping strategies/going for long periods with minimal sleep.

In saying this a lot of UK off road FKTs and ultras sit in the void between gravel and xc MTB. Where both have their benefits and drawbacks, this new rig helps to fill that gap. Reducing fatigue your body feels and therefore saving precious energy on the long +15hr rides whilst allowing for quick speeds on smoother surfaces and inclines, as well as getting loose on the descents with the 2cm of travel up front and 3cm in the back.

- Keep fuel stops to a minimum and carrying a lot of what you need, remember – if you’re not moving forwards, someone else is, ha.
- Plan some refuel/water stops so you're not stopping to search.
- Maybe an obvious one but keep it steady, better to finish going really hard than crawling for the last few hours.
- Be courteous to others using the trails, a lot of UK off road routes will be heavily used by walkers etc be nice and pass them carefully, a few seconds to slow down isn't going to jeopardise a 15hr ride.
- HAVE FUN!