The Italian squad officially enters the gravel racing scene at the prestigious Traka 200K in Catalonia, unveiling a high-performance setup headlined by the Merida Mission and a technical partnership of excellence.
Girona (ESP) – May 1, 2026 – There is a different kind of energy inside the Metallurgica Veneta Professional Team workshop today. The usual MTB routine has been replaced by a more focused, almost ritualistic preparation. Mechanics are torquing the final LOOK X-One G pedals, seating Pirelli tires at precision pressures, and double-checking the ISB bearings. This isn’t just another race weekend; the team is preparing to fly to the dust of Catalonia for The Traka 200K, one of the most coveted endurance gravel events in the world.
This marks the official debut of the Italian team in the gravel world, spearheaded by two powerhouse riders: Andrea Candeago and Eskil Evensen-Lie. Their weapon of choice? The Merida Mission in its exclusive Team Edition—a bike that serves as a true statement of intent, pushing the boundaries of “gravel racing” with a setup specifically dialed for high speed and long-distance durability.
The Machine: Merida Mission Team Edition
Freshly built and ready to be unleashed, the frame is crafted from 10K CF5 high-modulus carbon. Its “Transparent Blue” finish shifts under the light, revealing a chassis engineered by Merida to eat up miles on rugged terrain. The frame’s specific carbon layup provides the crucial compliance needed to save the rider’s back after 80 kilometers of relentless strade bianche.
Technical Precision: The Setup
Every detail has been curated for the demands of elite gravel racing:
- Cockpit & Contact Points: A clean, essential drop-bar setup ensures maximum control. For saddles, riders have selected their preferred “intimate contact” from Selle San Marco’s range, choosing between the aggressive Aspide Short, the Shortfit 140 (Standard and 3D), and the new gravel-specific Shortfit Allroad.
- Wheelset & Tires: The team will roll on the brand-new TABROS GS50 carbon wheels (50mm profile, 30mm internal width) featuring limited-edition chrome-finish spokes reserved for PRO teams. Traction is handled by Pirelli Cinturato Gravel 40mm tires, with both M (Mixed) and H (Hard) compounds ready depending on track conditions.
- Drivetrain: A sleek SRAM RED 1×13 AXS wireless groupset provides the range, featuring a 48T chainring paired with a 10-46 cassette. Braking is managed by Campa Bros KOMBAT-C Centerlock rotors, engineered to prevent overheating during high-speed technical descents.
- Pedals & Accessories: LOOK X-ONE G pedals, with their wide composite platform, ensure every watt is converted into forward momentum. Hydration is secured by Topeak DualSide cages holding Maurten bottles.
The Marginal Gains
True performance lies in the hidden details. The tires are fitted with Andreani Evo Lite Gravel inserts—a high-density foam protection against punctures and rim strikes. Grip is guaranteed by Selle San Marco Presa Corsa Team micro-perforated bar tape, designed to remain anti-slip even under heavy sweat and dust. Finally, the entire mechanical efficiency is entrusted to Svitol Bike lubricants.
The Appointment
The Traka kicks off this Saturday, marking the beginning of a new era for Metallurgica Veneta Professional Team. The Merida Mission, dressed in team colors, is more than just a beautiful machine; it is a tool built for the grit of competition. Looking at these bikes, freshly assembled and gleaming, it’s clear they aren’t meant for the stand—they are ready to write their own history in the dust of Spain.
Technical Sheet – Metallurgica Veneta Gravel Setup:
- Frame: Merida Mission (10K CF5 Carbon)
- Drivetrain: SRAM RED 1×13 AXS (48T / 10-46)
- Wheels: TABROS GP50 Carbon (30mm internal)
- Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel 40mm
- Inserts: Andreani Evo Lite Gravel
- Pedals: LOOK X-ONE G
- Brakes: Campa Bros KOMBAT-C
- Saddle: Selle San Marco (Aspide Short / Shortfit / Allroad)
- Bearings: ISB Industries
- Lubricants: Svitol Bike
- Nutrition / Hydration: Maurten / Topeak cages
