SPX
GRN
About the GATHERING
Welcome to an experience crafted for those who thrive on intelligent conversation, deep connection, and world-class gravel riding.
Girona, Catalunya — global capital of gravel cycling — sets the stage for this intimate, invite-only gathering of brilliant minds who value fitness, exploration, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Olav Alexander Bu:
Olav Aleksander Bu is an internationally renowned sports scientist and elite coach, best known for his work with the Norwegian Olympic triathlon team and athletes like Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. He is a co-founder of the companies Santara Technology and Entalpi and is also the head coach for the Uno-X Mobility professional cycling team. Bu is recognized for revolutionizing endurance sports training through a data-driven methodology often referred to as the "Norwegian Method"
This unique event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and technologists who share a passion for health, performance, and the transformative power of sport.
If you love gravel riding, thrive on meaningful dialogue, and want to spend time with extraordinary people in an extraordinary place — this is your invitation.
At the heart of the experience: a shared belief — the intersection of health, sport, and artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting frontiers of our time.The small, intimate gathering explores the latest ideas in longevity, the future of healthcare and technology, and why sport is an essential and overlooked part of that transformation.
Where Sports, Technology and Health come together to shape Tomorrow's Innovations
REQUEST AN INVITESchedule
Day 1 - Friday Nov, 21st
Welcome + Networking
Networking and Welcome in Hors Categorie Restaurant.
Day 2 - Saturday Nov, 22
Gravel Ride
Gravel bike ride from the Triathlon bike store in Girona
Talks - Longevity, Coaching and Technology
SPX Main Session: Longevity, Tech & Performance.
Venue: Hors Categorie Restaurant
Talks by Olav Alexander Bu and Richard Laidlow on Performance, Coaching,Technology and Longevity
Panel Discussion – Denis, John, Robert
Cycling, community, and regional economic development.
Networking
Networking & Snacks in Hors Categorie, Girona
Day 3 - Sunday Nov, 23
Gravel Ride
Reconnect with fellow riders, and enjoy some spectular gravel riding in Girona.
Depart
Speakers
Olav Aleksander Bu is the Head of Performance and Head Coach at Uno-X Mobility Cycling, and a leading Norwegian sports scientist renowned for revolutionizing triathlon with a data-driven, scientific methodology. He has guided Olympic and world champion triathletes Kristian Blummenfelt to the pinnacle of the sport. Olav now brings his approach to professional cycling, shaping athletes to excel on the global stage.
Olav Aleksander Bu
Richard Laidlow is a full-time professional triathlon coach with over 35 years of experience and one of the most respected figures in the sport. As France’s first IRONMAN-certified coach and the coach behind the 2023 IRONMAN World Champion, he is known for developing athletes through deeply personalized, data-driven training. Richard leads a high-performance coaching program built around 24/7 support and the TriDot platform, helping triathletes reach elite levels on the global stage.
Richard Laidlow
Riders and Attendees
Riders and attendees from leading tech companies, organizations, and innovative startups will connect and share insights on emerging trends in sports technology and health.
Philip McNamara is the founder of GetProven, a platform that enables PE firms, VCs, and banks to connect their portfolio companies with the best vendors and service providers. With nearly a decade of experience across business development and venture capital, he is dedicated to helping startups and enterprises grow, scale, and operate more effectively. Outside of work, he is an avid mountain biker and kitesurfer, and has represented Ireland at the World Mountain Bike Championships.
Philip McNamara
Josep is a Professor at the University of Girona and a Research Associate at both the Girona Biomedical Research Institute and CIBERDEM, Spain’s leading center for diabetes and metabolic disease research. A specialist in artificial pancreas technologies since 2004, he has secured more than three million euros in competitive research funding. His group’s innovations have led to multiple patents, clinical-trial–ready tools, that push the boundaries of diabetes technology.
Josep Vehí
Chris is a senior engineering leader with deep experience across mechanical and electronic design. Before joining Muoverti, he served as Director of Design Engineering at Polestar UK and held key engineering roles at McLaren. Now in his third year at Muoverti, Chris combines world-class technical expertise with his passion for cycling, playing a central role in driving the company’s product development and launch strategy forward.
Chris Staunton
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Adnan is a USAC Level 1 cycling coach (one of only 120) with over two decades of professional experience. This, combined with the experience of an international racing career spanning over 30 years in a variety of disciplines, has helped him coach riders to several national and world championship medals. Adnan has led multiple cycling industry businesses to successful outcomes. He holds an M.A. in Literature in English.
Adnan Kadir
Oriol is the Owner of BikeCRM and EnaCast. A technologist and entrepreneur based in Girona, he launched the EnaCast Podcast System, a pioneering platform that helped shape the modern podcasting landscape. With BikeCRM, Oriol brings his technical and product leadership into the cycling industry, creating tools that empower bike shops and service providers to manage customer relationships more efficiently.
Oriol Jiménez
Marc Barceló is the Founder of Niche Mobility, a Girona-based company specializing in high-performance cycling and mobility solutions. A lifelong cyclist and innovator, Marc combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of athlete performance, developing advanced products and services that support professional teams and endurance athletes around the world.
Marc Barceló
Miquel is a bilingual finance professional with more than 13 years of experience spanning banking, entrepreneurship, and various industries including internet, tourism, public relations, and real estate. Known for his creativity and strong interpersonal skills, he combines strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to drive growth, guide projects, and shape effective business and marketing initiatives.
Miquel Manzano
Jordi Vilagran is a Catalan entrepreneur and investor, serving as Partner at Business Angels Girona (BAGI) and Head of Operations at Mas Arcous. Jordi Vilagran is a Catalan entrepreneur and investor, serving as Partner at Business Angels Girona (BAGI) and Head of Operations at Mas Arcous. Jordi has built a solid career across the agribusiness and livestock sectors, leading his family enterprise while guiding early-stage founders through capital raising and growth.
Jordi Vilagran Marti
Marc Serra is a healthcare management leader with more than 20 years of experience across hospital administration, entrepreneurship, and the private sector. He brings a comprehensive strategic and operational vision to regional healthcare systems, combining deep sector expertise with strong capabilities in economic management, strategic planning, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
Marc Serra
Vivion is the Director of Varsity Nine, Fractional CEO of MUOV, and Founder of Twenty3. A six-time founder across technology, digital, and sport, he began his career as a technologist in banking before the start-up bug took hold. An accomplished entrepreneur and triathlete, Vivion also operates as a FIFA Licensed and FA Registered Agent through Varsity Nine’s Pro services, blending a passion for sport with deep expertise in business.
Vivion Cox
Oriol is a leading figure in the fields of sport and tourism, with extensive experience directing major international events and managing organizations across hospitality, sports tourism, and event operations. He serves as Executive Director of the World Rowing Masters Regatta and Operations Director of Sea Otter Europe, two of Europe’s premier sports events. He also lectures globally and advises institutions on the intersection of sport, tourism, and economic development.
Oriol Sallent
Laurent Gauthier is a Sports Investment Consultant focused on providing advisory and consultancy services to companies and organizations in sports technology, human performance, and wellbeing. He has spent his entire career in the sports industry, beginning as an elite athlete before moving into sports media and entrepreneurship. Laurent co-founded a sports tech company, has worked with organizations including the Olympic movement
Laurent Gauthier
Victor is an experienced technology leader who served as CTO of one of Girona's fastest growing Fintech companies, where he led the company’s technology vision and product development for the financial industry. With a strong background in software engineering, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity, he has built and led high-performing technical teams that deliver scalable and secure digital solutions for asset and investment management.
Victor Martin Garcia
Nic is a Consultant at Charles Russell Speechlys, where he advises clients across the sports and football sectors on legal, commercial, and investment matters. With over 30 years of experience working across more than 30 sports, he brings a deep understanding of the industry and its key stakeholders. His work spans areas such as IP, sponsorship, media rights, sports technology, data, betting, integrity, and M&A.
Nic Couchman
Rahul Mehta is a Partner at Obsidian Sports Management and Principal of a global family office, where he serves as an advisor and board member across a wide portfolio of ventures. He provides guidance to sports franchises, esports organizations, and hospitality brands, expanding marquee names into new markets, including India. Rahul has also invested in sports teams across the UK, Europe, Africa, and India.
Rahul Mehta
Xavier Aldeguer is the Coordinator of Innovation at Hospital Trueta and Santa Caterina in Girona and serves as Deputy Mayor of Innovation, Talent, Health, and Community for the City of Girona. A gastroenterologist and researcher with over two decades of experience, he earned his PhD in Liver Regeneration at the University of Pennsylvania as a La Caixa Fellow. Xavier leads research on gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel diseases at the University of Girona.
Xavier Aldeguer
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Our event is proudly sponsored by leading companies, who support founders, fitness and technology.
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The Routes - Gravel and Road
Our event will take full advantage of this world-class setting, offering a selection of classic and challenging routes between 50 to 100 kilometers. Riders will experience some of the most iconic and scenic gravel and road rides Girona has to offer — from sweeping coastal views to remote mountain tracks — capturing the true essence of what makes Girona a global gravel cycling paradise.
Riding in Girona, Catalonia is arguably the finest in the world, thanks to a rare blend of stunning terrain, perfect climate, and world-class infrastructure. The region offers an endless network of meticulously maintained roads and gravel tracks that weave through rolling hills, ancient villages, lush forests, and along the Mediterranean coast — all within easy reach of the city. What sets Girona apart isn’t just the sheer variety of routes, but the quality: smooth gravel, minimal traffic, and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Supporting this is a thriving cycling ecosystem: bike-friendly cafes, high-end rental shops, experienced guides, and an active local riding community. Girona’s airport, proximity to Barcelona, and deep cycling culture (fueled by its reputation as a base for many professional riders) create an unparalleled hub for gravel and road enthusiasts who want both adventure and comfort.
Where You’ll Be Staying and Dining in Girona
Your experience in Girona will be shaped not only by the city’s rich history and stunning architecture, but also by its exceptional hospitality and world-class culinary scene.
We’re delighted to be hosting our guests in some of the region’s most thoughtfully designed hotels, each offering a unique perspective on Girona’s charm. Among them:
Hotel Esperit Roca, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate located in the Empordà countryside, just outside Girona. The property blends heritage architecture with contemporary design and sits at the intersection of relaxation, art, and gastronomy. More here: hotelesperitroca.com
Hotel Palau Fugit, located in the heart of Girona’s old town, is a luxurious, design-forward space housed within a restored palace. It offers calm, minimalist rooms and serene courtyards just steps away from the city’s historic landmarks. Learn more: palaufugit.com
Beyond the beautiful accommodations, we’ll also be experiencing some of Girona’s most celebrated dining. One of the highlights will be:
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