In 2026, Gobik took another step forward in its connection with the cycling community with the launch of The Gobik Band, a global ambassador program that brings together different cyclist profiles from around the world, united by the same passion: the bicycle.
One of those ambassadors is Jesse Yates, born and raised in London. Jesse represents the most adventurous spirit of The Gobik Band: a cyclist who moves naturally between different disciplines, whether road, gravel or mountain bike.
Passionate about long-distance challenges, Jesse is always ready to go one step further. Adventures on the bike are part of his DNA, with challenges that often stretch across hundreds —and even thousands— of kilometers. For him, what matters is not only competing, but also exploring new limits and enjoying the journey.
As part of The Gobik Band, Jesse embodies the more exploratory and resilient side of cycling, pushing Gobik gear to the limit as he pursues new goals in ultra-distance races and big adventures on the bike
RAR 2026: the heart of the thousand hills
Known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda provides the setting for the start of one of Africa’s ultra-distance races. Race Around Rwanda (RAR) is not just a race like those people usually know: it is 1,000 km of route, more than 19,000 meters of elevation gain, and a 163-hour time limit to complete a challenge that tests physical endurance and mental strength.
Jesse Yates and his brother Liam Yates completed this journey through Rwanda across natural parks, volcanoes and lush vegetation. For Jesse, the goal went beyond the stopwatch:
“I chose this race in Africa because I wanted to do something new and step out of my comfort zone. For me, these races are not really about competing, but about the experience: traveling, discovering a different place and pushing my own limits”.
Three key moments of the race
Kigali, the start and finish point of this loop race, witnessed the great atmosphere among the 125 riders who began the adventure. This has been the second longest race Jesse has done, so it has been a real challenge for him.
“When we reached the first checkpoint, we saw that we were in good time and felt strong. We understood that we could have a great race, but also that to win we would have to give everything until the very end. That was when we decided to prioritize enjoying the experience instead of obsessing over the result”.
The highest point of the race and the longest climb offered the most epic setting through the tropical rainforest. Crossing the rainforest at night, under a landscape radically different from the rest of the country, turned that section into an unforgettable memory for the Yates brothers.
However, the reality of Rwanda set in upon reaching the third checkpoint, as physical breakdown, health issues, and the inability to take in food put their continuation in jeopardy. “Luckily, we stopped to rest, which was key to recovering and continuing”. In ultra-distance races, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to pedal.
A shared experience
Unlike other riders who chose to take on this challenge or adventure alone, Jesse shared this experience with his brother Liam, which turned the competition into a shared adventure.
“When you race alone, it’s all pressure and results. As a pair, it’s more relaxed and you enjoy the process much more. Doing it with Liam is very special; thinking about everything we’ve experienced, from riding around our neighborhood to sharing a race in Rwanda, is incredible”.
The Setup: Preparation for African terrain
Good organization allows for greater flexibility when facing unforeseen events, which tend to happen in this type of race. For such demanding terrain, Jesse chose basic but extremely functional equipment that would guarantee comfort and durability for the challenge: Lancer bib shorts, Second Skin base layers Salt, Kaba 2.0 leg warmers, Phantom jersey Jet Black, arm warmers, rain jacket and overshoes to maintain cleanliness and thermal protection.
In races like this, where climate and environment are indisputable variables that affect riders’ performance and physical condition, using sunscreen and carrying anti-malaria tablets is truly essential. “The most important thing is to try not to get too wet and to properly protect everything that is not waterproof”.
Lessons from ultra-distance
Beyond the second-place finish, the real victory was personal growth. The hardest part of ultras is not the elevation gain, but consistency: having to get up every day after extreme exhaustion and find the strength to keep going.
“More than the result, what really matters is the experience that led us to that second place. These experiences allow you to discover other realities, connect with different people, and experience a journey on the bike, which is what truly makes it special”.
