Asiago, Italy — Last Sunday, during the European Gravel Championship in the Italian region of Asiago, British rider Toby Perry, representing the Classified-Ridley Team - Fuelled by Foodmaker, secured a silver medal.
Just two weeks after the official launch of the Ridley ASTR RS, equipped with the Classified Powershift Hub, Perry showcased the potential of this innovative bike at the highest level of the gravel racing world.
The European Championship had been a key event on Toby Perry’s calendar. It turned out to be the highlight of the season that Perry had hoped for. From the start, Perry rode smart and eventually positioned himself in the lead group. He maintained his pace even when Czech rider Martin Stosek attacked. In the end, he overtook Belgian riders Jenno Berckmoes and Olivier Godfroid, earning him the silver medal.
Purple Chainring
At the front, he installed a striking purple chainring. The single 52-tooth chainring is larger than average for gravel bikes but was a deliberate choice, made possible only in combination with the Classified Powershift Hub. 'This combination gave me the widest gear range in the peloton. As a result, I could ride faster on flat sections and descents. Even on the climbs, I was able to maintain an optimal cadence,' said Perry. And about his purple chainring, Perry concluded, 'If you look good, you’re fast!'
Perry competed in Asiago on the brand-new ASTR RS, Ridley’s latest gravel racer. His race setup included Vittoria Dry 700c x 45 mm tires for traction and low rolling resistance on this relatively fast course, which also featured significant climbs. For speed, Perry opted for the Classified G42 wheels, whose 42 mm rim profile provided an aerodynamic advantage on the fastest sections of the course. Optimal shifting performance was guaranteed through the lightweight and durable KMC X12 chain.
About Toby Perry
Over the past few years, Toby Perry has become one of the leading specialists in gravel racing. In 2022, he finished 33rd at the Gravel World Championship in Veneto, but since then, he has distinguished himself in the UCI Gravel World Series with victories such as Millau Grands Causses and a stage win in Gravel, Grit 'n Grind.
In 2024, Perry quickly demonstrated his potential with a 4th place in the Ibereolic Gravel Tierra de Campos, followed by strong results in The Gralloch (6th) and Wish One Millau Grands Causses (4th). Despite a setback at Unbound, where illness prevented him from finishing, he made a strong comeback with a win in the Nordic Gravel Series and a double stage victory in Gravel, Grit 'n Grind, securing the overall title as well.
Photo credits (c) UEC, Chris Lanaway, Damien Raes, Mats Palinckx
