Some challenges go beyond cycling—where the road ends, and the mountains take over. Giovanni Mattiello, professional MTB rider, content creator, and mountaineer, is ready to push his limits on an unprecedented expedition in the Andes.

Alongside his adventure companion, Andreas Tonelli, Giovanni will take on some of the highest peaks in South America, climbing and descending summits over 6,000 meters high.

The goal? To take a bike where no one has before—into uncharted terrain, beyond the limits of high-altitude exploration. The adventure is about to begin! You can follow their journey on LeeCougan’s Instagram (@leecouganbicycles) and their official accounts (@wild_mattiello and @andreas_tonelli) from January to March.

Giovanni Mattiello: The Cycle-Alpinist Redefining Limits

An expert mountaineer and one of the most skilled cycle-alpinists today, Giovanni has explored ridges, via ferratas, and technical descents in the Dolomites, pushing the boundaries between cycling and mountaineering.

His achievements reflect a combination of technical skill, extreme preparation, and an insatiable thirst for adventure. Now, this mindset will take him to the world’s highest peaks, where both physical endurance and mental resilience will be tested like never before.

The Equipment for the Challenge: The Crossfire Trail

Taking on such an extreme journey requires a bike that’s up to the challenge. Giovanni will rely on the Crossfire Trail, a mountain bike designed to conquer any terrain. His setup includes:

• Rocker Titan stem.
• Whip Carbon Rise 10° handlebar.
• SWR 150 dropper post.
• Fulcrum Metal Carbon wheels.
• San Marco Ground Carbon FX saddle.

The Crossfire Trail’s white frame is more than just an aesthetic detail—it’s a true symbol of this adventure. Throughout the expedition, the bike will become a living canvas, collecting scratches, dust, and the marks of every challenge faced.

But more importantly, it will carry the emotions of the journey: before setting off, a close friend and tattoo artist engraved a special dedication on the bike in Venetian dialect—a lasting mark on an expedition that will leave its own imprint.