Smash The Traka: How to Prep Your Bike (and Body) Like a Legend

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EF Pro Cycling takes on The Traka

The Traka just got a serious injection of firepower — EF Pro Cycling’s Lachlan Morton and Lotta Henttala are lining up this weekend, and they’re not here for a casual roll. They're taking on the race with our custom painted helmets on to give them that extra bit of power.

Lachlan is no stranger to pain or sketchy terrain, the Aussie adventure king is taking his “Far Beyond” mission to the next level — and Girona’s gravel is the perfect playground. Expect solo attacks, wild socks, and maybe a mountain goat selfie or two.

Lotta, meanwhile, is bringing pure class and punchy legs to the mix. With WorldTour sprint wins under her belt and zero tolerance for half-measures, she’s taking on The Traka with grit and grace. This isn’t just another race — it’s a statement.

Two pros. Two weapons of choice. One hell of a weekend ahead.

Now it's up to you!

The Traka isn’t just a gravel race — it’s a pilgrimage. Girona delivers big views, big climbs, and even bigger beatdowns. Whether you're sending the 100km or going deep into the 360km ultra, this isn’t a casual cruise. It's you versus the elements, the terrain, and the voices in your head telling you to quit.

That means showing up dialled — bike, body, and mindset. Here's your no-fluff, high-performance prep guide to taking on The Traka like a pro, using the full force of the Muc-Off arsenal.

1. The Bike: Clean, Mean, and Race-Ready

Deep Clean

Girona gravel is dry and ruthless. Start clean, or you’ll be dragging last month’s grit for 200km.

Use: Nano Tech Bike Cleaner
Spray it on, let it work, rinse it off. Safe on all surfaces and fast-acting.

Hit hidden areas with the Soft Washing Brush — get under the fork, around mechs, inside tight pivots.

Drivetrain Detox

Gritty chains rob watts and ruin gear shifts. You’ll notice it at hour six.

Use: Drivetrain Cleaner or Bio Degreaser
Go deep. Strip out old lube, sand, and grime. For best results, fire up the X-3 Dirty Chain Machine.

Lube for the Long Game

The wrong lube is a ticking time bomb. Get it right for the conditions.

Dry weather? Use C3 Dry Weather Lube
Wet or mixed? Use Hydrodynamic Lube
Super fast? Use Ludicrous Lube

Apply to a clean chain. Let it sit, then wipe off excess. More lube doesn’t mean more speed — it means more mess.

Go Tubeless or Go Home

Flats on race day? Not on your watch.

Use: Road and Gravel Tubeless Sealant
Freshen up your sealant a few days out. Don’t guess — check.

Bring a B.A.M! can. It’ll seal and inflate most punctures on the fly without killing your momentum.

Pressure = Performance

Tyre pressure can be the difference between floating and fighting.

Use our AirMach Pro gauge and test different pressures before race day.

Consider the terrain — fast gravel, rocky sections, punchy climbs — and your body weight with gear.

Protect and Polish

Race-day shine is just the beginning.

Use: Ceramic Protection, Bike Protect or MO-94
They create a water-repelling barrier that keeps dust off mid-race and makes clean-up way easier after.

2. The Body & Mind: Train Hard, Ride Smart

Build That Engine

The Traka isn’t about peak power — it’s about staying strong for hours.

Stack long rides. Back-to-back endurance days build real resilience.
Train tired. Learn how your body reacts when the tank’s empty — because it will be.

Know the Terrain

This isn’t groomed singletrack. Expect gravel, dust, punchy climbs, descents that rattle your fillings, and maybe a water crossing or two.

Train on mixed surfaces. Don’t just stick to tarmac.
Ride your full race setup in training — tyres, gear, hydration — so you know what works.

Tune Your Kit, Tune Your Head

Confidence starts with knowing your setup is bombproof.

Do a 4–6 hour ride with your exact Traka kit. If something rubs, rattles or squeaks — sort it now.
Know how to fix a chain, plug a tyre, or tighten your cleats. You’re on your own out there.

Endurance gravel is as much mental as physical. Especially when the sun’s low, your legs are shot, and there’s still 80km to go.

Lock In Your “Why”

The deeper you go, the more this matters. Write it down. Keep it close. You’ll need it when the struggle kicks in.

Eat and Drink Like Clockwork

Bonking isn’t just physical — it crushes morale.

Eat every 45 minutes, hydrate often, even when you’re not thirsty.
Practice your fuelling strategy in training so it’s automatic on race day.

Start Smart, Finish Strong

Going out hot feels good — for about an hour. Then you pay.

Ride your pace. Hold back early. You’ll pass people later and feel stronger doing it.

3. Don’t Forget the Rider Essentials

Chamois Cream – long hours, rough roads. Don’t skip this.
Anti-Chafe Balm – anything that rubs, lube it. Arms, neck, feet.
Sunscreen & Lip Balm – Spanish sun doesn’t mess around.

The Final Traka Prep Checklist

Drivetrain clean and perfectly lubed
Tyres topped with fresh sealant
Pressures dialled for the terrain
Gears shifting smooth, brakes sharp
Kit tested and trusted
Tools, snacks, layers, and B.A.M! packed
Body trained and tuned
Head in the game

The Traka is tough. It’s wild. And it’s one of the best days you’ll ever suffer through.

Prep like a legend. Ride like a machine. And when you cross that finish line covered in dust and glory — Muc-Off will be right there to get your bike back to its best.

Ready to roll? Girona’s waiting.

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Smash The Traka: How to Prep Your Bike (and Body) Like a Legend

Smash The Traka: How to Prep Your Bike (and Body) Like a Legend

EF Pro Cycling takes on The Traka

Now it's up to you!