Mateo Paez stands for a stripped back and uncompromising approach to ultra-distance bikepacking. His journey began in 2014 with a first solo tour down the California coast. On a single speed, with no real experience, but with a willingness to embrace the unknown. After that ride, it became clear to him that this kind of travel and self-supported riding would stay with him.

From that starting point, his path evolved steadily toward longer and more remote routes. As his confidence grew, so did the scale of the challenges he chose to take on. Today, Mateo is most at home where endurance, simplicity, and self-reliance come together. Events such as the Tour Divide, Atlas Mountain Race, Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route, Tour te Waipounamu, and Stagecoach 400 reflect his approach to the sport. Go far, stay minimal, and rely on yourself.

His mindset is shaped by efficiency. Mateo is not looking for unnecessary complexity, but for a setup that works and never slows him down over long distances. Especially on remote routes, where every detail matters, reliability becomes essential. Not only in preparation, but in every moment on the bike.

Cyclite fits Mateo because of its simplicity, materials, and effective design. When every ounce counts, he relies on equipment that is minimal, functional, and efficient. For him, the goal is to keep everything as clear and streamlined as possible, so the focus stays entirely on the route and on moving forward.

Mindset: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.