Trek Checkmate vs Checkpoint for racing with Cécile Lejeune + tire talk

Cécile Lejeune just took second in the dirt crit and fourth in the gravel race at Valley of Tears in Texas. On the day before racing started, she walked me through her gear-selection process - and when to say touch a monkey... -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney -- The Ride is supported in 2026 by: BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'RIDEWITHBEN') Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') Lezyne radar & lights: https://tinyurl.com/4z5e3e9u The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep