Alexey Vermeulen decided to leave the highest level of professional cycling in Europe to compete in gravel, road and mountain bike races back in the United States. In 2022 he won one of the biggest gravel races in America, the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego as well as the Iceman Cometh mountain bike race and took part in the Lifetime Grand Prix series. Avery Stumm is a videographer, photographer and creator who came up in the BMX scene. On their YouTube channel, Alexey and Avery, they tell the story of Alexey’s experiences as a pro cyclist and break the fourth wall to tell the story of their relationship as a content creation team and everything that goes into what they make. That includes Willie, the dachshund that Alexey sometimes carries in a backpack on rides who has become dog famous. Avery is part of the story and it paints a picture of life behind the pro athlete highlight reel that’s a new and different kind of viewing experience. This episode is about much more than pro cycling. We talk about logistics, teamwork, the creative process, how doing hard things with friends makes success more fun and much more. Find Alexey on social @alexeyvermeulen, find Avery @avery_stumm and find the Alexey and Avery show on YouTube. You can find those links in the show notes.

Alexey Vermeulen Instagram

Avery Stumm Instagram Alexey and Avery YouTube Channel

Watch on YouTube.

Andrew Vontz LinkedIn

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Choose The Hard Way is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Pro Cyclist Alexey Vermeulen & Photographer Avery Stumm on YouTube, the Creative Process, Collaboration & Storytelling