When Performance Begins Before the Start Line

For Alexis Cartier, performance isn’t measured solely by rankings or average wattage. It begins long before the start line, in the choices we make, and in the way we get to where we want to go.

His project was as simple to describe as it was monumental to execute: ride his bike to every major gravel race across North America. Nine races. Fifteen thousand kilometers. Seven months on the road. A continuous thread of roads, trails, shifting weather, and accumulated fatigue.

Only two flights were taken, out of necessity, one to kick off the season in California, and another to reach the Canadian Championships in Alberta while respecting visa limitations. Everything else was done on two wheels, at the rhythm of the terrain, the body, and the seasons.

Performing, Differently

In a sport where flying and driving have become the default, Alexis wanted to do things differently, not to provoke, but to align his actions with his values.

The environmental footprint of elite sport is real, and difficult to ignore once you choose to look at it honestly.

For Alexis, this project was never about restriction or sacrifice. Riding to the races wasn’t a burden; it was the most meaningful, beautiful part of the journey. A way to reconcile athletic ambition with the world in which it unfolds.

At Craft, this vision resonates deeply: performance designed for the long run, built on thoughtful choices and respect for the environment.

Preparation Rooted in Winter

Before crossing regions and borders, Alexis crossed the Québec winter. His entire winter preparation happened at home, refusing to add a warm-weather training camp that would contradict the spirit of the project.

Fat biking, cross-country skiing, indoor cycling, about twenty hours per week spent building a solid, resilient foundation. A preparation aligned with Craft’s philosophy: respect the body, embrace the climate, train with intention.

Letting Reality Lead

While the overall plan was laid out, day-to-day decisions happened on the road. Mapping the daily route, finding water and food, locating a campsite, each day required attention, flexibility, and humility.

Bike-packing leaves no room for rigid planning. Wind shifts. Weather changes. Roads deteriorate. Instead of fighting these variables, Alexis chose to lean into them. Improvisation became its own form of mastery.

A Life Reduced to the Essentials

The rhythm was simple, almost meditative. Break down camp at sunrise. Ride for hours. Resupply. Set up camp again. Then, from the quiet of the sleeping bag, plan the next day.

A life stripped down to what truly matters.

The Hidden Challenge: Solitude

The most profound challenge wasn’t physical, it was human. Solitude, at times inspiring, at times heavy. Alexis discovered its full complexity.

When his partner joined him for two months of cycling, the project took on a new tone: lighter, gentler, more joyful. A reminder that even in endurance sport, performance thrives when shared.

Performing With What the Body Allows

Balancing constant travel with structured training proved harder than expected. With a heavily loaded bike, the goal shifted from maximizing intensity to preserving balance, managing effort, recovery, and mental load.

Alexis had to adjust his expectations. Traveling by bike meant he couldn’t reach the same fitness level as riders fully focused on performance. His place would be in the middle of the pack, and accepting that was part of the challenge.

Craft embraces this approach: performance that is sustainable, intelligent, and respectful of the body’s realities.

Recovery First: The Role of Good Equipment

On the road, recovery becomes sacred. Alexis prioritized comfort over ultralight minimalism: two sleeping pads, two sleeping bags, a sturdy alpine tent. Every night needed to count.

Craft apparel became a key ally throughout the journey. Whether facing rain, cold, or even a snowstorm in June, Alexis knew he had gear built to protect, breathe, and endure.

A durable waterproof shel, with a hood that fits over the helmet, proved essential. The waterproof pants, though rarely used, were invaluable when the weather turned.

Among all pieces, one stood out for its versatility: the CORE Essence Wool LS. Worn nearly every day, it became the trusted layer for cool starts, shifting temperatures, and long hours on the bike. Always within reach. Always right.

What Stays With You After 15,000 km

Looking back, what marked him the most wasn’t the hardship, it was the kindness. The warmth, generosity, and curiosity of the people he met, especially across the United States, left a lasting imprint.

Completing the nine races and riding home just before the first snowfall remains one of his proudest accomplishments, a project long imagined, finally lived.

For the seasons ahead, he hopes to find a gentler balance between performance and environmental responsibility. Race closer to home. Reduce transit. Spend more time with the people he loves.

In One Sentence

The bicycle is the most beautiful mode of transport in the world.

The Message

Riding fast is a fascinating game. But a game nonetheless. And like any game, it deserves to be played with respect, for the body, the environment, and the world around us.