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In this episode, endurance cyclist and SAUER Co-Race Director Dexter Kopas joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on modern gravel and ultra-distance bikepacking. We dive deep into why wider tires are reshaping gravel racing, how real-world rolling resistance and comfort matter more than drum tests, and what actually makes riders faster over multi-day efforts. Dexter shares his personal evolution into ultra racing, lessons from events like Race Across Arizona, Unbound XL, Vermont Super 8, Doom, and the realities of sponsorships—from winning races to building pitch decks and navigating the bike industry.

The conversation expands beyond gear into the future of bikepacking itself: why the sport hasn’t grown like ultrarunning, the balance between solitude and community, and how supported elements might help bikepacking reach a wider audience. We also cover bike fit, injury prevention, ideal ultra-race bike setups, and the challenges of designing responsible race routes.

Finally, Dexter breaks down his role as Co-Race Director of the SAUER Ultra Endurance Bikepacking Race, including course design, terrain, bike recommendations, lessons learned from year one, and how SAUER aims to blend competition, accessibility, and community in a Tucson-based ultra event.

Whether you’re a gravel racer, bikepacker, or endurance athlete curious about where the sport is headed, this episode offers honest insight, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at racing and building ultra-distance events.

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https://www.instagram.com/kopeus/

https://thesauer.weebly.com/

https://www.instagram.com/otsocycles/

https://www.instagram.com/wolf_tooth_comp/

https://www.instagram.com/redshiftsports/

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks/

https://www.instagram.com/silca_velo/

https://www.instagram.com/kanberra_usa/

https://www.instagram.com/carbsfuel/

https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_/

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(00:00:00) Introduction and 2025 Year in Review

(00:03:43) The Gravel Tire Revolution

(00:04:01) Transitioning to Ultra-Endurance

(00:12:31) The Business of Sponsorship

(00:19:34) The Professional Athlete Lifestyle

(00:21:05) Legitimizing Bikepack Racing

(00:53:52) The Role of Professional Coaching

(01:09:53) Mental Focus and Endurance

(01:18:52) Nutrition and Fueling Strategies

(01:26:56) Route Development in Arizona

(01:40:44) The Philosophy of Course Design

(01:42:00) Race Directing and Community

(01:44:43) Race Tracking Technology

(02:11:22) Closing Thoughts and 2026 Outlook

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing