Brendan Johnston conquered 200 miles of rain, wind and mud at Unbound Gravel to land a career-best fourth-place finish at the world’s most prestigious gravel event. Representing the Giant gravel squad, Johnston rode his prototype Giant Revolt bike with prototype CADEX wheels to a hard-earned result on a chaotic day that saw many of the big names abandon.
“Unbound Gravel is never a straightforward race, and this year’s edition delivered some of the most challenging conditions I’ve experienced,” said Johnston, who was second among Life Time Grand Prix competitors and moved up to fourth overall in the series after two of six races. “After finishing fifth here in 2025, I was determined to improve on that result. Despite the chaotic day, I was able to come away with fourth place against one of the strongest fields in gravel racing.”
The 34-year-old Australian’s day was anything but clean. The race started at a relentless pace and Johnston found himself caught out by a series of early mishaps. He had to chase back to the front group repeatedly before finally re-establishing a strong position. When a decisive attack by three riders eventually split off the front, Johnston missed that move and had to recalibrate.
“Those final hours were some of the hardest I’ve spent on a bike,” he said. “With no group to work with and conditions still deteriorating, it became a matter of staying committed and making the most of the position I had. Crossing the line in fourth place was incredibly satisfying given how many setbacks unfolded throughout the day.”
Through all of it, Johnston was emphatic about the role his bike and gear—which also included the new Giant Pursuit helmet—played in his result. “One of the biggest positives from the event was the performance of the equipment,” he said. “The new prototype Giant Revolt was outstanding from start to finish. In conditions that exposed weaknesses everywhere else, the bike provided confidence, comfort and speed all day long. Paired with the new CADEX wheelset, the package performed flawlessly and allowed me to stay competitive despite everything the race threw at us.”
