Mads Würtz Schmidt might be a newcomer to gravel, but he’s already established himself as one of the best in the world. The 31-year-old Danish rider went all in on the sport last year with little financial support and ended up winning the Traka, becoming the European Gravel Champion, and snagging fourth at Unbound. This year, he’ll be racing alongside Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers as part of the new Specialized off-road team.

Mads joined Payson in Girona to talk about his reluctant departure from the WorldTour, how becoming a dad has changed everything, and why he prefers doing heat training to altitude training. They also talk about his dominance as a junior and U23 rider, the low point in 2022 when he thought about quitting cycling altogether, and how he thinks the introduction of teams into gravel (including Specialized Off-road) will change the sport.

Thank you to TrainingPeaks for sponsoring this episode. Go to TrainingPeaks.com/withpace and use code DREAM20 for 20% off TrainingPeaks Premium.

Thanks also to Osprey.com for sponsoring this episode. Head to their website to shop last year’s collection for up to 40% off.

Instagram: @withpacepodcast
YouTube: Payson McElveen

Email: howdy@withpace.cc

Mads Würtz Schmidt on his transition from WorldTour to gravel