Behind the Scenes with Sarah Max: Prepping for Victory at BWR North Carolina

The day before Sarah Max’s win at the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) North Carolina, Molly Hurford sat down with the Argonaut team rider for an in-depth interview. From race preparation to equipment choices, the conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of a gravel racing champion.

Race Prep and Mindset

Sarah shares her thoughts on what it takes to tackle one of the most challenging gravel races in the U.S., including the lessons she learned from Unbound Gravel 2022 and her earlier experience at BWR California. From the physical demands to the mental strategies, the discussion provides an honest and insightful glimpse into her approach.

The Argonaut Prototype Gravel Bike

A highlight of the interview is the deep dive into Sarah’s custom carbon gravel bike prototype from Argonaut Cycles. She breaks down her equipment choices, including:

• Pedals and drivetrain setup optimized for gravel racing

• Custom geometry tailored to her riding style and power output

• How the prototype handles challenging terrain while maintaining speed and control

This prototype showcases Argonaut’s innovative engineering and commitment to building high-performance gravel bikes designed to excel in competitive settings.

A Day Before Victory

The interview captures the energy and excitement of the day leading up to the race. From final equipment tweaks to strategy discussions, it’s a fun and informative journey behind the scenes of a top-level gravel racing experience.

Watch the full interview on YouTube to see Sarah Max share her story and ride the Argonaut prototype gravel bike: