Powershift Technology delivers Canadian gravel pro to win on home soil at first ever Belgian Waffle Ride outside of the US. 

Riding away from a high quality field, including ex World Tour professionals Nicolas Roche and Nathan Haas, Classified athlete Rob Britton soloed to a popular win in front of home fans on Vancouver Island, Sunday 28th May.

Britton broke away with over 100km of the 215km race to go, creating a gap of over 10 minutes on the select chasing group of 7 riders. Attacking on the decisive climb of Shawnigan Lake Rd, Britton completed the race in under 7 hours, racing the final 100km solo. Britton said post-race:

“Winning a BIG international race at home is a special feeling you may never get in your career. To win the inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride Canada is extra special! There’s no secret this race was important to me and to execute on the day was massive. There’s no doubt in my mind, yet again, that my Classified system was a big reason for that. Having the efficiency of the 1x everywhere, riding a 50t x 11-34, which is very similar to my road set up, is ideal for the long stretches of pavement in an event like this. But then on the heavy dirt climbing sections I’m able to maintain the perfect cadence for steep climbs thanks to the hub gear. On a traditional 1x that can be hard to achieve without having massive jumps in the rear cassette. It’s honestly such an advantage, I am still surprised at how few of my competitors have adopted it, when it’s so clear how good Classified’s Powershift Technology is!”

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1984, Britton raced professionally on the road between 2010 and 2021. Racing for teams like Bissell, Team Raleigh, Team SmartStop and Rally Cycling teams, he won the overall classification of the Tour of the Gila (New Mexico) in 2015 and 2018. Switching to gravel in 2021, Britton has posted some impressive gravel results, including stage wins at BWR and the Lifetime Grand Prix. Classified CEO Mathias Plouvier said of the win: 

“Winning races at the highest level is a fantastic validation for Classified’s Powershift Technology. But soloing to victory in a 215km gravel race under the toughest conditions really confirms that our products can support athletes to stand out. A win like this is a celebration for Rob and the whole Classified team.”

Classified is known as “the front derailleur killer”, allowing riders to remove the front derailleur and small chain ring, whilst still being able to access a wide range of gears without large steps between gears. Thanks to the revolutionary wireless 2-speed hub, riders can run a bigger single chain ring up front, further increasing the bike’s overall efficiency, whilst still being able to maintain the optimum cadence in any situation.

to Power·shift [Powershifting] {Verb}:
(also: the new benchmark in shifting gears)

1. To shift gears under full load within 150 milliseconds
2. Maintain valuable momentum during climbs and transitions, or before an attack

Classified’s unique 2 speed gear hub allows riders to jump through 46% percent of the gear range, or the equivalent of 2 or 3 rear derailleur shifts, within 150 milliseconds. As such, ‘Powershifting’ is quickly becoming the go to term for maintaining momentum on the trails.

Tests undertaken with pro riders showed a far greater use of the powershift hub gear as opposed to the rear derailleur, leading to an overwhelming increase of momentum through transitions.

“The feedback of professional riders is very promising and brought us even better insights into the enormous potential the product offers. Extending our range further into off-road space with the mountain bike hub confirms Classified’s vision to be a technology that is compatible across all cycling disciplines. We are extremely excited about the possibilities the new product brings and its ability to enhance the existing MTB drivetrain market." says Mathias Plouvier, CEO and co-founder of Classified Cycling.

CTO Roell van Druten adds “we are very proud to bring Powershift technology to mountain biking. With an ultimate gear range of 530%, the Powershift Boost hub combines a high-grade, one-piece compact steel cassette (11-40t) with a larger chainring, improving the overall durability of the drivetrain.”

Van Druten goes further to explain the benefits of the new system: “Using the Classified hub with an 11-40t cassette and a 34t chainring results in the lowest drivetrain ratio of 0.58. To achieve this ratio with a traditional system the user would have to use a 30t chainring. Using a smaller chainring in a traditional system lowers the efficiency and durability of that system due to the higher chain forces. The more compact Classified cassette also allows the use of a shorter derailleur cage, increasing the robustness of the drivetrain alongside the efficiency.”    

The Ringshifter:

The next generation of shifting, this sleek, fully wireless handlebar control provides unrivalled shifting performance with the lightest flick of your thumb. The Ringshifter can perform 10,000 shifts before needing to be easily recharged with the provided magnetic USB cable.

Featuring a unique magnetic spring back mechanism, the Ringshifter delivers unparalleled durability and a smooth, responsive feel. The functionalities of the Ringshifter can be customized to meet the individual needs of every rider.

How much confidence, in your form and your equipment, does this win give you going into Unbound?

Form is good, but honestly it will be touch and go for putting the pieces back together for Unbound. I went pretty deep at BWR. But to be honest I would rather have won BWR in Canada, at my home event, than come an anonymous 4th at Unbound. My bike set up is new, and it’s so fast. The new frame is a Factor Ostro Gravel. I’ve only had it for around 10 days, but I love it. Given the weather forecast this weekend, I will definitely be making use of the wider clearance.

A wet and muddy Unbound could be yet another chance for the Classified system to shine. Everybody knows that 2x in the mud is awful, with so many chances for a mechanical or a derailleur problem. One wrong shift and that front derailleur could be gone! The weatherproof hub gear removes all of that uncertainty.

How do you feel Powershift Technology will help you at Unbound?

With the weather set to be bad, and the shitty slow gravel and flint you get in that area - like broken rocks – it could be a game changer! Having confidence in your drivetrain in a situation like that is key to success. Being able to attack, or follow an attack, at a key moment in the race is only possible if you trust your equipment. I feel that with Classified.

Tell us about Unbound, why is it called the world’s premiere gravel event?

It’s the "real" World Championships of gravel. Everyone can tell you who won Unbound for the last 3 years. Especially in the last 3 years, with the talent that’s racing now. This year will be even more ridiculous talent-wise. Gravel racing isn’t a side show anymore, or a hobby for ex pros. It’s legit, and a win at Unbound can make you gravel royalty for at least a season.

How many times have you raced Unbound and how did it go?

This will be my second year. Last year I managed a good 6th place, riding around 100km of the race solo, just two minutes behind the front group. I don’t know if knowing what’s coming will be an advantage or not! Blissful ignorance helped me last year, hopefully fitness will help this year.

What are your hopes for this year’s race?

Honestly, I’ve never been that results orientated. I just want a clean run at the race, with no flats or mechanicals. If I can get through the race clean, then I think my fitness will allow me to be up there. A podium would be a great result.

How can we follow the race?

The best option is to follow the Unbound Instagram account (@unboundgravel) and keep an eye on the stories. I’m sure Classified’s account (@classified.cc) will also be following the race and reposting as much content as possible.

Can the fans ride with you before Unbound?

Yes. There will be a shakeout ride on Thursday 1st at 9:30am, leaving from the Schwalbe tent in the event village. And then at 9am on Friday morning there will be another shake out ride with Chamois Butter and Wahoo. Both rides will be around 1.5 hours, taking on a few parts of the Unbound route, and will be very social. Riders can just show up on the day to join the ride.

What else do you have on the calendar as big goals this year? 

A few days after Unbound I’m flying directly to Finland for FNLD GRVL, which will be a good one. The Lifetime series is a big goal in the season and riding Badlands in Spain would be cool, and something I haven’t done before. Then I’m taking part in Across Andes, a 1000km event through Chile. That will be cool, and a good test for the Classified system.

Will you be racing the gravel World Championships?

I won’t be racing at the World Championships this year. It falls at a funny time for me, so it's not on my plan this year. Maybe next year though.

Maybe a trip to Belgium for the 2024 Gravel World Championships?

Yes for sure I'd love that. I would love to race in Belgium, and also visit the Classified HQ and meet the team there. If it fits in my 2024 calendar then tnat would be really cool.

Thanks Rob, best of luck for the weekend. You can follow Rob’s progress at Unbound this weekend by following Classified on social media, and also following Rob on Instagram - @rob_britton.