AURUM Riders Juanjo and Javier Take on Across Andes 2025 Volcano Edition
- James Ion
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Words by James Ion - Photography provided by Aurum Bikes
Across Andes 2025 – Volcano Edition stands as both a brutal physical test and a cultural odyssey across the volcanic heart of the Andes. Amid the demanding landscapes and vibrant local culture, two riders from AURUM Bikes, Juanjo Pereira and Javier Pastor, are preparing to take on Across Andes not only as competitors but also as key figures in the brand’s marketing leadership. Their intertwined journeys of endurance, adventure, and professional ambition perfectly mirror the ethos of both the race and the machine that will carry them: the AURUM MANTO gravel bike.
Juanjo Pereira, born in Vigo in 1988, began cycling at the age of five, quickly progressing to national-level competition in mountain biking by ten. Throughout his early years, cycling was more than a sport; it was a foundational part of his identity. Though life’s circumstances briefly pulled him away from the bike, his return to Madrid reignited a passion, this time oriented toward gravel and ultra-endurance racing. Events like the 2024 Badlands tested his limits and solidified his focus on long, challenging rides through wild landscapes, with the Across Andes 2025 race representing the next step in a journey combining intense athleticism with cultural immersion. Alongside racing, Juanjo brings his deep knowledge and passion to his role leading AURUM Bikes’ marketing department, blending authentic rider insight with brand strategy.
Javier Pastor, born in Málaga in 1994, shares this unique meld of personal adventure and professional marketing leadership within AURUM Bikes. His life has been a continuous exploration, moving through four countries and circumnavigating the globe in search of challenge and connection. Athletic achievements—including two Ironmans, a swim from Spain to Morocco, and ultra-distance cycling and running feats—underscore his endurance pedigree. Javier’s expertise extends beyond the bike, as he oversees international marketing efforts for AURUM, fusing global brand vision with grassroots rider experiences. His partnership with Juanjo, shaped through races like the 2024 Badlands, is a dynamic blend of competitive spirit, friendship, and shared leadership.
The Across Andes race itself is a vivid testament to the spirit of endurance cycling. It spans over 800 kilometres and 12,000 meters of elevation gain, navigating a route through the Kütralkura Geopark in Chile’s Araucanía Andina. This geopark features some of the world’s most stunning volcanic landscapes, including the towering giants of Llaima, Lonquimay, and Sierra Nevada volcanoes. Riders face a demanding blend of gravel, dirt, technical singletrack, and shifting weather, all within a race format that demands complete self-sufficiency. This means managing supplies, enduring both physical and mental fatigue, and embracing an intimate connection with the natural and cultural environment, from the traditions of the Mapuche-Pewenche people to the hospitality found in small mountain villages.
For Juanjo and Javier, this is much more than a race. It is a convergence of their professional and personal lives, embodying endurance, exploration, and storytelling. They navigate not only the challenges of rugged terrain but also the responsibility of representing AURUM Bikes and its vision. Their marketing roles give them a unique platform to share the story of Across Andes with a wider audience, bringing the race’s beauty and brutality to life through authentic rider experiences and brand narratives. We will be following their journey closely, providing regular updates across our social media channels and sharing in-depth interviews with them upon their return to capture the full scope of their experience and insights.
For Juanjo and Javier, this race will be more than a competition; it will be a celebration of resilience, friendship, culture, and innovative cycling technology unfolding in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Their journey, like the race itself, promises to inspire and captivate—one pedal stroke at a time.
Central to their campaign and competition is the AURUM MANTO gravel bike. Developed by cycling legends Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, the MANTO is purpose-built for high-performance gravel endurance. Its ECT10 carbon frame balances stiffness with comfort and control, essential for long days on unpredictable terrain. Key design features include a T47 threaded bottom bracket for enhanced durability, internal cable routing for a sleek aerodynamic profile, flat-mount disc brakes for reliable stopping power, and generous tyre clearance accommodating up to 45mm tyres to handle varied volcanic ash, gravel, and dirt paths.
The MANTO’s geometry is crafted to give riders confidence on steep climbs and responsiveness on fast gravel sections, reflecting the rigours of races like Across Andes. The Andean Mocha colourway ties the bike’s aesthetic directly to the Chilean landscape, infusing it with a spirit of place and exploration. Each bike is equipped for autonomy with SRAM Force XPLR drivetrains, ZIPP 303 XPLR wheels, and bikepacking setups designed for multi-day endurance.
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