The Traka gravel race in Spain has quickly risen to prominence, but with its growth come safety concerns and controversies. As a pro gravel racer and writer, I find this particularly fascinating. The race, which started as a small local event in 2019, has now grown to attract 5,000 riders and international coverage. This expansion has led to a debate around safety, with concerns raised by top pros like Nino Schurter and Romain Bardet. The course itself is challenging, with many areas that are best suited for mountain bikes, and the presence of open roads adds to the safety concerns. The debate around safety is two-fold: one argument focuses on the course itself, while the other looks at the environment around the course. The race organization's treatment of the media has also been questioned. As a writer, I find it interesting that the main comments leaving the race were not about the winners, but the larger situation around the race. The Traka, like many other growing sports, is experiencing growing pains. In my opinion, the race organization needs to address rider safety and find its own rules to ensure the sport's long-term success. The Traka has the potential to be a mainstay of the European gravel calendar, but it must address these concerns to maintain its reputation and attract more riders.
