Heïdi Gaugain and her Comete 45/55 wheels win the Red Bull Cycling Survivor, with Robin Early in the spotlight.

Heïdi Gaugain won the 2026 Red Bull Cycling Survivor on 26 September on the Charade circuit, riding her Comete 45/55 wheels, a 1,350 g carbon pair designed for rough terrain. The Mavic ambassador secured her second consecutive victory in the event, whilst Robin Early, also a brand ambassador, finished 22nd on his debut. Four stages presenting contrasting challenges, ranging from a 50 km loop along the roads of the Auvergne volcanoes to a circuit time trial: a sequence that illustrates the ambition behind the Comete wheels: to enhance the cyclist’s performance on all types of terrain.

Red Bull Cycling Survivor at Charade: Mavic provided support

On 26 September, the Red Bull Cycling Survivor once again brought together the best male and female riders on the roads of the Charade circuit. As a partner of the event, Mavic was on hand to support the participants with its Service Course, providing assistance throughout the race.

Two Mavic ambassadors were also on the starting line. Robin Early was taking part in the event for the first time, whilst Heïdi Gaugain returned with a clear objective: to defend the title she won last year.

The programme comprised three laps and a progressive elimination system, followed by a final stage in the form of a pursuit race on the Charade circuit, featuring the top five women and the top 30 men. The first three loops covered 50.3 km and 735 m of elevation gain, followed by 38.5 km and 652 m, then 18.5 km and 489 m on a steeper course, before a final 3.9 km showdown on the circuit.

Comete 45/55 and 55/65 wheels: two rim heights for racing

Our two brand ambassadors were also able to rely on the latest innovations from Mavic to support them in this event. Heïdi Gaugain rode on Comete 45/55 wheels, fitted with a special ‘World Champion’ edition, in honour of her world title in para-cycling won in early September. Robin Early, for his part, had opted for the Comete 55/65 wheels, for maximum performance across the various stages of the race. Both were also wearing the brand-new Comete Ultimate helmet, the latest addition to the Comete range and the result of Mavic’s aerodynamic expertise.

The Comete 45/55 wheels combine a 45 mm front rim with a 55 mm rear rim, weighing 1,350 g per pair – 600 g at the front and 750 g at the rear. In practical terms, the lower front profile reduces sensitivity to crosswinds on the technical descents of Charade, whilst the taller rear rim maintains speed on the fast sections. The 21 carbon spokes per wheel and 25 mm internal width round off this set, priced at €2,499.

The Comete 55/65 wheels take the aerodynamic concept a step further, with 55 mm at the front and 65 mm at the rear, weighing 1,390 g per pair and featuring a 34 mm external-width Aero Wide rim. When fitted to the bike, these tall profiles prioritise maintaining speed and stability on straightaways – two key requirements for the final sprint – and are available at the same price of €2,499. Both sets feature the Instant Drive 360 hub and its Mavic ceramic bearings, which ensure instant power transfer when accelerating.

The Comete Ultimate helmet weighs 300 g in size M and costs €239. Tested in a wind tunnel, it saves an average of 9 watts in the upright position – the position in which a rider spends most of a race of this format – and even more in the aerodynamic position. Its AeroShape design and AeroFlow 扰流片 optimise airflow, whilst the AirChannel system maintains ventilation.

Heïdi Gaugain takes the win, Robin Early finishes 22nd in his first race

Our two brand ambassadors proudly wore the Mavic colours right to the finish. In his debut appearance, Robin Early, Mavic ambassador, secured an impressive 22nd place following a hard-fought race. This Scot is a specialist in ultra-distance road and gravel racing: switching from long-distance endurance to a knockout format, where each lap is raced at maximum intensity, requires a completely different level of effort.

Meanwhile, Heïdi Gaugain, a Mavic athlete, confirmed her status as a champion by winning once again, claiming the Red Bull Cycling Survivor for the second year running. A triple Paralympic silver medallist on the track and road, and world time trial champion in the C5 category, she competes in both para-cycling and able-bodied cycling.

Another success for Heïdi Gaugain and a solid debut for Robin Early: the Mavic colours were once again well represented at the Red Bull Cycling Survivor.

Which rim height to choose from the Comete range

Comete wheels are suitable for mountain routes as well as fast routes, depending on the rim height chosen. The Comete 45/55 and Comete 55/65 wheels sit at the top of the range, at the same price, and are distinguished by their profile.

To choose, start by considering your riding style and the terrain you’ll be tackling. A rugged route, with mountain passes and winding descents, benefits from the lower front profile of the Comete 45/55 wheels and the 40 g weight saving per pair. A fast, open route justifies the taller profiles of the Comete 55/65 wheels. And for time trials, Mavic has developed the Comete 85 wheels and Comete Disc Road, the fastest wheels in the Comete range.