Ismael Sánchez - Cycling Ceramic

From the Spanish region of Murcia to the top of the XCO Masters World Championship, Ismael Sánchez has built a remarkable athletic career. Born in Corvera, a small village in southern Spain, cycling has always been his sport of choice. At 18, he began racing competitively, and in 2012 he won his first Spanish Championship in the senior category. That victory marked a turning point—Ismael dedicated himself fully to the sport, competing in multiple disciplines. In 2018, at age 30, he became XCO Masters World Champion.

Alongside his success on the bike, Ismael has built a career in the cycling industry. In 2017, after years of experience working in bike shops, he co-founded 33Bikes.es with a friend. The goal was to create a shop that reflects the same commitment and precision he applies in racing.

“With our shop, we aim to be as passionate and focused as we are in competition. We want every client to feel that attention to detail and dedication.”

As part of his drive to offer high-quality, performance-focused components, Ismael added CyclingCeramic products to his store lineup.

“I discovered CyclingCeramic on social media. The quality immediately caught my attention—it was on par with top brands like CeramicSpeed, but at a more accessible price point. That made it a very appealing option for me personally, and for my customers.”

After testing the products himself, he was convinced of their performance and decided to introduce them to his clients. The response, he says, has been overwhelmingly positive—not only for the product quality, but also for the brand’s excellent after-sales service.

One of the latest products he tested is the Road Cage Pro, which has become a standout in his personal setup.

“The design is aggressive and appealing, but what really stood out was the smoothness of the bearings. The bearing integration is simpler and better engineered, which improves rotation. It’s stiffer than the previous version, and that adds stability without compromising drivetrain fluidity.”

He adds that while the Road Cage Pro is slightly heavier than some lighter alternatives—around 65 grams more than a Dura-Ace cage—the benefits in terms of drivetrain stability and smoothness far outweigh the weight difference for most riders.

In addition to the Road Cage Pro, the most popular CyclingCeramic products in his shop are bottom brackets and wheel bearings. According to Ismael, customers are often surprised by how little maintenance is required and how well the components perform over time.

“What people value most is, first, the price. Then low friction, aesthetics, and finally durability. Riders want performance they can feel—and trust that what they’re buying is a long-term upgrade.”

For Ismael, performance is not just about numbers on a screen. It’s about how the bike feels, how it responds, and the confidence it gives the rider. That’s why he believes in CyclingCeramic: components that deliver real-world gains and lasting quality.

This story is part of Nafent Magazine volume 14. Read the full story in our digital or paper magazine. Go to our webshop to get yours.