The story behind our Strasbourg, the gravel bike for the roughest terrains

When you hear 'Strasbourg,' you probably think of the European Court of Human Rights or the oldest part of the capital of Alsace. However, in cycling terms, Strasbourg is particularly notable for Eddy Merckx. In 1971, he won an epic Tour de France stage on unpaved roads, which is the direct inspiration for naming our bike after it.

The Tour of 1971 couldn't have started better for the Cannibal. With Molteni, he immediately won the prologue in team time trial format and, consequently, had the honor of wearing the first yellow jersey in Mulhouse. Already in the 2nd stage from Mulhouse to Strasbourg, every cycling fan was glued to the radio or television for what would be a spectacular stage. On the Col de Firstplan, Joop Zoetemelk attacked, and in the background, the peloton split. 17 riders remained, and later, two unlucky ones dropped out from the front.

The 15 escapees kept increasing their lead over the peloton. For Joaquim Agostinho and others, the situation quickly became dire. Ultimately, the 16th in the stage results lost more than 8 minutes. This way, the Tour was already decisively shaped after a few days. Of course, there was also a stage victory at stake in the leading group. With Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Herman Van Springel, especially the Belgians were eager for success. So, that day was truly for men of steel. The finish was at the Stade Tivoli on an unpaved cycling track around a football field. Spectacle guaranteed!

Side by side

Van Springel did the necessary preparatory work for Merckx towards the final sprint, but De Vlaeminck quickly overtook him. Then the two rivals went side by side on the cycling track. The yellow jersey fought against De Vlaeminck on the inside while taking the outside line. There was a final burst of power from the saddle and in the end, Merckx won by a mere tire width. "Incroyable," said the French commentator.

Eddy Merckx ultimately won the 1971 Tour, in which a duel with Luis Ocaña was avoided due to the Spaniard's fall. The Cannibal felt little respect for his victory and trained with resentment like a monk towards the World Championships in Mendrisio. This eventually earned him the rainbow jersey and many years later, our eponymous bike. We have also immortalized Strasbourg - written in the French way. Our bike is available in steel, aluminum, and carbon and is designed for gravel rides and off-road adventures.