From a spectacular European spring campaign to the brutal reality of the Kansas dirt. We sit down with Canadian globetrotter Ben Perry to debrief the absolute mudfest of Unbound Gravel and the extreme highs and lows of the 2026 season.

We cut through the noise to discuss his heartbreaking crash while fighting for the podium at The Traka 360, the heavy mental and financial toll of a DNF in the biggest race of the year, and the harsh reality of the privateer hustle when factory teams are deploying 4 AM recon crews for the mud. Finally, we ask the ultimate question: what is the most valuable career path for a gravel privateer today, and why does winning Unbound change your entire life?

In this episode:

• 00:00 The Transition from Road to Gravel

• 03:07 The Logistics of a Globetrotting Privateer

• 06:24 Building Form & The Traka 360 Heartbreak

• 12:42 The Evolution and Speed of the Front Group

• 14:04 Unbound 2026: The Mudfest & DNF Reality

• 30:40 Tech Check: Surviving the Mud & The Bike Setup

• 38:09 The Privateer Dilemma & Flaws in the Gravel Series

• 53:55 Bouncing Back & The Next Targets

• 58:20 Why Winning Unbound Changes Everything

Follow Ben’s globetrotter journey: On Instagram: @benjperry

The Gravel Paddock takes you inside the professional peloton. Subscribe so you never miss an episode and follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheGravelPaddock⁠⁠.