200km of Lava Fields, Fog, and Roads carved from volcanic rock – My Rift Iceland Experience with Coefficient Cycling
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We at Coefficient Cycling are thrilled to share the incredible race report from our sponsored athlete, Connor. He recently took on one of the toughest challenges in the world of gravel racing: The Rift in Iceland. Covering 200 kilometers of the country's famously unpredictable and stunning terrain, The Rift is a true test of a rider's endurance and their equipment's reliability.
We’re incredibly proud that our ergonomic 38cm handlebars were a key part of his setup, helping him navigate everything from treacherous water crossings to demanding hike-a-bike sections. Connor’s journey is a powerful testament to how the right components can make all the difference when pushing limits.
Here’s his full race report from a truly unforgettable experience.
I just got back from one of the most epic race experiences of my life, The Rift Gravel Race. It was a 200-kilometer journey through the unpredictable and wildly beautiful terrain of Iceland. I couldn't have done it without the support of my sponsors, especially Coefficient Cycling, whose ergonomic 38cm handlebars kept me dialed through road, water crossings, and gnarly hike-a-bike sections.
The Journey to Iceland
Ella, my girlfriend and personal gravel soigneur, and I landed in Reykjavik on Wednesday, July 16th. We picked up our campervan, which would be our home base for the week, and made our way to Hvolsvöllur, just a few kilometers from the race start. Our campground had epic views of snowy mountains and active volcanoes, plus a golf course.
In the days leading up to the race, I previewed parts of the course. I'd seen plenty of drone footage online, but nothing compared to riding it in real life. One minute you're climbing through misty green mountains, the next you're in a crazy landscape of black gravel and glacial rivers, then suddenly you're riding under bright sun across the top of snow. It was unreal.
Race Day
I stuck to my routine just like every other race: a bowl of 6–7 Weet-Bix with sugar on top and, of course, a hot coffee 2.5 hours before the start. We then made our way to the start line just 8 km away in Hvolsvollur.
At 8 a.m. the flag dropped, and I went for it immediately, attacking out of the neutral zone. An Icelandic rider followed me on a dual-suspension mountain bike, while I stuck to my gravel setup. My bike is stiff, light, and fitted with my Coefficient 38cm handlebars, but having two completely different setups made me a little nervous about the parts of the course I hadn't ridden.
We broke clear early, navigating the sketchy water crossings and jagged early sections smoothly. For the first 50 km, it felt like we had the race under control, but then the hammer dropped from behind. A chase group of 25 elite riders caught us only 60 km in, and the race completely reshuffled.
The Hike-a-Bike Section
What followed was an absolute war zone of steep climbs, rocky descents, and endless hike-a-bike sections. The field exploded, with everyone riding solo in time-trial mode, just trying to keep moving. Over the next 80 km, I clawed my way back, finally linking up with a group of four as we hit the final feed zone with 20 km to go.
And then… I felt the front rim.
Flat Tire
A sharp rock sliced through my front tire. I stopped, looked, and saw the cut. It was a good few centimeters long. Luckily, Ella and the camper were just 1 km ahead at the feed zone. I carefully rode on the tire liner, made it to the van, and knew exactly where I had a spare tire packed. I ripped open the van door, grabbed my spare, swapped it, tossed in a tube, and was back rolling in under 3 minutes.
I lost a position or two during the tire change and knew I was in for a solo time trial for the final 22 km. I crossed the line in 19th place, clocking 6 hours and 50 minutes over one of the most punishing and rewarding courses I've ever raced.
Why Coefficient Matters
That race was all about control and efficiency, especially when things got wild. My Coefficient 38cm handlebars gave me the edge when it came to positioning, handling through rough terrain, and staying comfortable during hours of solo effort. The narrow width helped me stay aero on the flats and in the wind, especially for the final 22 km time trial to the line. They also felt stable in the flared-out drops during rocky descents. It's one of those components on my Cervelo Aspero that makes a huge difference.
Looking Ahead
The Rift was more than just a race; it was a full-blown experience. I'll be back, no question.
Massive thanks to Coefficient Cycling for being a key part of my setup and performance. And of course, thank you to all my sponsors, partners, and to Ella for being the ultimate support crew.
Next up:
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September 7: Graean Cymru, UCI Gravel World Series
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September 20: Sea Otter Girona, UCI Gravel World Series
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September 28: Ranxo Gravel, Gravel Earth Series Finale
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October 12: UCI Elite Men’s Gravel World Championships