Imagine pushing your limits across 800 kilometers of brutal, remote gravel in South Africa's Great Karoo – that's exactly what Tom Pidcock did at the debut Gravel Burn race, and he didn't just survive, he conquered a mountain-top finish on stage 5 with his trusty Pinarello Dogma GR. If you're a cycling fan wondering how a pro like him tackles such unforgiving terrain, stick around because this bike setup reveals some smart choices that could inspire your next adventure.
To wrap up his season, the British rider headed to South Africa for Gravel Burn, a grueling seven-stage event spanning 800km through the wild, arid landscapes of the Great Karoo. Check out more details on the race here: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/routes/gravel-burn-2025-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-gravel-stage-race. Entering with zero pressure or big expectations, Pidcock still pulled off a stunning victory on that challenging stage 5 climb aboard his Pinarello Dogma GR – a bike that's become synonymous with high-stakes racing (learn more about Pinarello: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/tag/pinarello).
(Photo credit: Aaron Borrill)
(Photo credit: Future / Aaron Borrill)
Now, this wasn't the flashy red-and-gold version he rode to glory at the Gravel World Championships – that one was all about speed and spectacle. Instead, Pidcock opted for a striking green-and-gold paint job on his Dogma GR for Gravel Burn. And here's a fun twist: those colors echo South Africa's national sporting palette, most iconically sported by the Springboks rugby team, who've clinched four World Cup titles. It's almost like the bike was subconsciously cheering for the home team – or was it a deliberate nod? But here's where it gets intriguing: does blending national pride into your race bike give you an extra mental boost, or is it just clever marketing?
(Photo credit: Future / Aaron Borrill)
For riders new to gravel biking, you might wonder why not go with something more rugged like the Pinarello Grevil, which boasts up to 50mm of tire clearance to handle bumpy washboard sections, tricky technical climbs, and hairy descents without flinching (see our review: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/gravel-bikes/pinarello-grevil-f-launch-is-this-the-pinarello-gravel-bike-you-should-buy). That's a solid point – the Grevil is built for all-out endurance on rough stuff. Yet Pidcock stuck with the race-focused Dogma GR (first-ride insights here: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/gravel-bikes/pinarello-launches-dogma-gr-lightest-aero-gravel-race-bike-first-ride-review), which pulls aero-inspired tube shapes from its road sibling, the Dogma F. Think of it like borrowing the sleek efficiency of a road racer but tweaking it for gravel with wider tire options and a frame that's more forgiving on vibrations – perfect for when you need speed without sacrificing too much comfort over long hauls.
But this is the part most people miss: in a race like Gravel Burn, where the terrain can chew up bikes and riders alike, choosing a 'race-oriented' setup over a full-on adventure rig raises eyebrows. Is Pidcock's preference for aerodynamics a bold statement on prioritizing performance, or does it risk leaving you stranded on a rocky descent?
For this event, Pidcock leveled up his tire game by swapping the all-tan Vittoria Terreno T30s (which come in 35mm sizes) for beefier 45mm versions front and rear – a smart upgrade for better grip and cushioning on the punishing surfaces (Vittoria's take on tire innovation: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/gravel/you-still-ride-black-tyres-theyre-dirty-and-slow-vittoria-wants-to-change-what-bike-tyres-look-feel-and-even-smell-like). The Dogma GR is officially rated for 45mm up front and 42mm at the rear, but his team cleverly fitted a full 45mm in the back too, thanks to Vittoria's tires often running slimmer than their labels suggest. For beginners, this means you get more real-world volume for traction without clearance issues – a pro tip for tweaking your own setup.
(Photo credit: Aaron Borrill)
These Terreno T30 tires aren't your average rubber; they're made from 92% recycled materials with a fresh construction design that shone in the harsh conditions, helping Pidcock avoid the flats and mechanicals that sidelined other top pros. For example, imagine bombing down a loose gravel chute – these tires' durability could be the difference between finishing strong and walking your bike. Peering closer at the green Vittoria Multiway valves on his Vision SC 48 i25 wheels (new wheel drops: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/products/is-it-wheelie-october-already-new-gravel-and-road-hoops-dropping-everywhere-just-now), it looks like he was running Vittoria AirLiner inserts inside. These nifty inserts act like a safety net, boosting puncture resistance and smoothing out the ride – essential for a race where every bump counts.
(Photo credit: Future / Aaron Borrill)
Here's something that sets Pidcock apart from the pack: while most elite men and women in gravel stick to road-specific pedals for that clipped-in efficiency, he went with Shimano XTR mountain bike pedals (Shimano overview: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/brand/shimano). Why? The rough, rocky paths of Gravel Burn screamed for something tougher – these MTB pedals handle impacts from stones or unexpected hikes (portages) way better, keeping your feet secure when things get dicey. It's a practical choice that underscores how gravel racing blends road speed with off-road resilience.
Want the freshest race updates, rider chats, in-depth features, gear reviews, and savvy buying advice delivered straight to your email? Sign up today!
(Photo credit: Aaron Borrill)
As part of an Ineos Grenadiers squad backed by SRAM, Pidcock's rig centers on the Red XPLR AXS groupset – a gravel-optimized electronic setup that's all about versatility (ride impressions: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/products/more-gears-lightweight-bombproof-best-in-class-braking-theres-a-lot-to-say-about-the-new-sram-red-xplr-axs-but-how-does-it-ride). It rocks a 50-tooth chainring up front in a simple 1x configuration, paired with an 11-46T cassette for a wide gear range that tackles steep pitches and fast flats. To keep the chain from dancing loose over the washboard ruts and gnarly drops, a Wolf Tooth chain catcher adds that extra layer of reliability – think of it as a tiny guardian preventing mid-race chaos.
(Photo credit: Future / Aaron Borrill)
Full Bike Specs
- Frameset: TorayCa M40X carbon with TiCR technology for seamless integration
- Fork: eTICR Onda Fork featuring ForkFlap for aero gains and mud shedding
- Cockpit: MOST Talon Ultra integrated handlebar system for clean, adjustable control
- Seatpost: D-shaped Adaptive seatpost that flexes with the rider for comfort
- Groupset: SRAM Red XPLR AXS, 1x13-speed drivetrain
- Wheelset: Vision SC 48 i25 rims, built for speed and durability
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T30 in 45mm, eco-friendly and terrain-taming
- Saddle: Prologo Scratch NDR, shaped for gravel endurance
And this is where it gets controversial: Pidcock's choice of the aero-leaning Dogma GR over a burlier alternative like the Grevil – is it genius for winning races, or does it gloss over the real demands of gravel's wild side? What do you think – would you swap speed for supreme ruggedness in a multi-day sufferfest, or stick to Pidcock's race-pure approach? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you've tried a similar setup and how it fared!
