Gravel Is Going Pro: Mads Würtz Schmidt on the Sport’s New Reality

Dec 23, 2025

Mads Würtz Schmidt, a professional Danish cyclist and former European champion, shares insights on the evolving landscape of gravel racing after joining the Specialized Gravel Racing Team. He discusses the shift from a free-spirited sport to a professional environment, contrasting US and European race styles. Mads delves into equipment innovations and the impact on rider accessibility, while emphasizing camaraderie among athletes. With gravel's future promising clearer hierarchies and mass participation, he reflects on the balance between professional security and grassroots spirit.

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INSIGHT

Europe Gravel Is More Technical

European gravel differs heavily from US-style events with technical, rough terrain.
Riders expecting flat prairie-style gravel find European courses more like mountain biking.

INSIGHT

Tire Width Versus Suspension Trade-Off

Equipment choices (tire width, suspension forks) trade off aero, weight and puncture risk.
Wider tyres reduce flats but cost aero; suspension can allow narrower tyres but adds weight.

INSIGHT

Gravel Is Turning Into A Pro Sport

Gravel is rapidly professionalising as teams and stable contracts arrive.
That shift will change incentives, resources and how races are raced.

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Gravel cycling is changing fast — and the era of fully professional teams has arrived. In this episode, Anthony sits down with European Champion and TRAKA winner Mads Würtz Schmidt, fresh from signing with the Specialized Gravel Racing Team, to unpack what this shift really means. Once seen as cycling’s most free-spirited discipline, gravel is now evolving into a highly competitive, professional sport. Mads lifts the curtain on the new realities of racing at the top level, from team structures and performance expectations to how the culture of gravel is being reshaped. This is a candid look at where gravel racing is headed — straight from one of the riders helping define its future.

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