Video - Race Director - Francesco Gozio
Francesco Gozio

Francesco
Gozio

Guide / Adventure

I was born in a small town deep in the northern Italian countryside, but soon, my love for the outdoors brought me to the big mountains. Aosta Valley and Mont Blanc felt like home and pushed me towards adventure and big alpine rides. The mountain bike call was so strong that made me travel to the best riding spots and turned my passion into a job. Founder of MTB Guide XP and Race Director of the Finale Outdoor Region World Cups, you'll catch me leading some riders on the best trails of Finale Ligure, feeding them the best gelato... in a hut around Mont Blanc, hiking my bike, or walking with 7 radios on me when race times come! HA!

Yeti bike of choice - why?
SB140, for sure! Such a perfect combination of great climbing capabilities and, mainly, descending reactiveness, precision and speed. Well, it looks really good as well!
What is your first memory on a bike?
Possibly feeling scared sh**less down a trail in La Thuile when I was 8 y.o. It can't get better than that. Let's say that was the hook and it was all downhill from there. Really.
Best feeling on a bike?
Smoothly flying down a trail on a ridge surrounded by massive alpine peaks or heading towards the sea. Friends riding with me after days adventuring.
What is your biggest source of inspiration outside of mountain biking? Why?
People wanting to make a change. Not talking about big challenges but maybe just putting in the time and effort to work for a community, event, target. They can be an example and inspire to be and do better.
A word of advice to the groms
People are everything. Surround yourself with the right ones and be empathic. That and putting in the hard work will make you grow as a rider and a person.
Speed or Style?
Style, consistency and smoothness. Always.
Top 3 riding destinations?
Aosta Valley, Finale Outdoor Region, and Colorado.

Accolades:

  • Race Director and course designer of the legendary Finale Outdoor Region World Cups

Argentina Badlands
Francesco Gozio riding thing single track with Mt. Blanc in the background.
Francesco Gozio riding a ridge in Finale
Francesco Gozio riding single track near Mt. Blanc
Argentina Badlands
Francesco Gozio with his SB130
Francesco Gozio and Nate Hills riding single track near Mt. Blanc
Francesco Gozio on track at EWS Finale

Francesco’s Kit

Francesco Gozio SB130
Francesco Gozio SB130
Francesco Gozio SB130
Francesco Gozio SB130
Francesco Gozio SB130

Kit Details

Oh boy, best bike I’ve ever had! It tackles long / steep / tecky climbs same way it tackles long / steep / tecky descents! Helps me on those long days guiding and pushes me on fast solo rides.

  • Frame: SB130 / LARGE
  • Shock: FOX FACTORY DPX2
  • Fork: FOX FACTORY FIT 4 36/150mm
  • Crankset: SHIMANO XT 34T 170mm
  • Cassette: SHIMANO XT 10-51
  • Shifter: SHIMANO XT
  • Chain: SHIMANO XT
  • Derailleur: SHIMANO XT
  • Brakes: SHIMANO XT 4 PISTON + 203mm ROTORS
  • Wheels:  DT SWISS M1700 30mm
  • Tires: ONZA PORCUPINE 29x2.40
  • Headset: CANE CREEK 40 INTEGRATED
  • Stem: RACE FACE TURBINE 35X50mm
  • Bar: YETI CARBON 35X780MM
  • Grips: DMR DEATHGRIP FLANGELESS
  • Seatpost: FOX TRANSFER 31.6 / 175mm
  • Saddle: SPECIALIZED S-WORKS POWER
  • Pedals: TIME SPECIALE 8