Santa Vall 2026: A photographer's journey into the heart of gravel racing
A thrilling tale of two extremes: the harsh conditions of gravel racing and the breathtaking beauty of photography.
As the rain pattered outside, I felt a peculiar sense of excitement. It was the Friday before the Santa Vall race, an event I had previously overlooked. I'm a road racing photographer, captivated by the speed and glamour of the sport. But this time, I was drawn to the raw, untamed nature of gravel racing. I wondered, could I find beauty in the mud and the mayhem?
Santa Vall is a two-stage race, held over the course of a Saturday and Sunday, where riders navigate the technical, steep, and breathtaking gravel trails surrounding Girona, Spain. It's the kick-off event of the Gravel Earth Series, and I was eager to capture its essence.
The Challenge of Mud and Rain
I had hoped for dry dust, which would have made for stunning photographs. But nature had other plans. I got rain, lots of it. And mud. I felt like I was reliving the 2021 Paris-Roubaix, where Sonny Colbrelli's victory was etched into my memory. I wish I had been there to capture it, but I guess sometimes you don't need big-name riders to make a great photo. Instagram has warped our perception of what's 'good' photography.
The Birth of a Title
This article, 'Bike racing in hell – photographing in heaven', was born from this experience. It's a testament to the beauty that can be found in the most challenging conditions. It's a celebration of the gravel racing community, where riders push themselves to the limit, and photographers strive to capture the essence of the sport.
A Call to Adventure
So, if you're like me and have been hesitant to explore gravel racing, I encourage you to give it a try. You might just find yourself in a world of mud, rain, and breathtaking beauty, where the line between hell and heaven is blurred. And who knows, you might just discover a new passion. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Let's ride into the unknown together and see where the adventure takes us.
