HOLD TIGHT!
MEET THE GRIP,
OUR GRAVEL TEAM FOR 2026.
Introducing the new team headed by Mattia De Marchi, which will be wearing Café du Cycliste…
Powered by Wilier Triestina cycles and clad in Café du Cycliste, The Grip is a bold statement from rider and team manager Mattia De Marchi. The gravel legend, who won the Traka360 three years running is being joined by Eddy Le Huitouze, a French young gun fresh from the road WorldTour, and Jordy Bouts, a Belgian who’s an established presence at the highest level of the gravel racing scene.
Hi guys. Tell us how old you are and where you live?
MATTIA: I'm 34 and live in Noale, a small town near Venice.
JORDY: I’m 29 years old and I live in Mechelen, Belgium.
EDDY: I’m 22 and living in Nice.
What’s your background in cycling?
MATTIA: I used to be a road cyclist. And like every child, my dream was to become a professional cyclist. I've been off-road cycling for about 5 years and have rediscovered my true love for cycling.
JORDY: I’ve been involved in cycling for most of my life, progressing from BMX racing to youth categories into the professional ranks. I raced on the road for several years, combining training with work for most the time. Throughout my career I’ve faced my share of setbacks, infections, injuries, and personal challenges, but they’ve shaped me into a resilient and disciplined athlete.
EDDY: I’ve been competing in bike races since I was six. As a younger rider, I raced on track and cyclocross alongside the road. Since 2022, I’ve been a professional road cyclist for Groupama FDJ.
What’s your favourite country or place for gravel riding?
MATTIA: Definitely the Prosecco hills, where I organize The Hills, the race that’s part of the Gravel Earth Series. I know every road. And I'll never get tired of riding those hills.
JORDY: Spain, especially Girona and the surrounding regions. The terrain, the endless off-road possibilities, the climate, and the overall vibe make it the perfect gravel playground. It’s where you can combine performance, flow, and adventure.
EDDY: I haven’t ridden many places on my gravel bike yet but I really enjoy gravel riding in my home region of Brittany.
Share your secret training tip with us…
MATTIA: Never forget to have fun!
JORDY: Fatigue resistance is everything in gravel. Anyone can be strong in hour one, you win in hour five or eight. My tip: combine long endurance with short high-quality efforts late in the ride. The most important thing: get your fueling right ;)
EDDY: Always keep some cash handy for a coffee stop!
Do you have any pre- or post-race rituals?
MATTIA: Eating lots of pasta, haha.
JORDY: Pre-race, I keep things simple: controlled breathing, activation of the body in the morning, a quick mental reset, and a consistent fuelling routine. I avoid too much noise or hype, I focus on staying calm and sharp. Post-race, I always prioritise recovery nutrition, a short cooldown ride, and a moment of reflection.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling lazy?
MATTIA: I think about new things and future projects!
JORDY: I remind myself why I’m doing this: building a second career, chasing a new dream, and proving to myself that I can create something from scratch again.
EDDY: Maybe music on the bike.
What is your role on the team or what are your goals for the season?
MATTIA: I don't like to call myself a team manager: I prefer to be an athlete. My main goal is to create a fun, stress-free environment and see the smile on my friends' faces, but for sure my goal is to come back to win the Traka360!
JORDY: As a gravel racer, my goal this season is to establish myself among the top European and international gravel professionals. I’m targeting major events like The Traka, Lifetime events with Sea Otter and Unbound and UCI Gravel races.
EDDY: I want to improve myself as a gravel rider because it will be totally new for me and one of the biggest goals for next year is the Unbound.
