As the Amstel Gold riders are readying themselves for that last gasp, do or die ascent of the Cauberg, somewhere in Brittany, another peloton are enduring the ribinoù on their way to victory at Tro-Bro Léon.

This northwestern region of France is famous for its tough races and even tougher riders. Flanders has its hellingen, Paris-Roubaix its pavé, but Tro-Bro Léon has its ribinoù – the hard-packed dirt tracks that criss-cross the countryside.

For the past two years Jered and Ashley Gruber, VeloVoices’ favourite duo, have photographed this race. They’ll be capturing the action at Amstel this year, but they leave us with this evocative, love letter of a blog post to their favourite race.

We came with hedged expectations both years and left speechless, wondering how it was ever in doubt that we’d come. The race showed so much of the region, from its unbelievably beautiful coastline, to its green, farmed expanses in the interior.

So grab a drink and prepare to be wowed by the grit, beauty and Breton spirit that is Tro-Bro Léon. And yes, the first Breton rider over the finish line really does get a piglet! Last word to  Europcar’s Dan Craven…

Featured Image: Jered and Ashley Gruber