The Roadman Cycling Podcast Gravel Is Going Pro: Mads Würtz Schmidt on the Sport’s New Reality
Jan 1, 2026
Mads Würtz Schmidt, a professional Danish cyclist and European champion, shares insights into the rapidly evolving world of gravel cycling after joining the Specialized Gravel Racing Team. He discusses the shift from a free-spirited pastime to a highly competitive sport, highlighting differences between European and US gravel races. Mads explains the benefits of professional contracts, the pressures of competition, and the advantages of teamwork. They also touch on the balance of community spirit versus professionalism in the sport's future.
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Crash In The Middle Of Nowhere
- During a group gravel ride Mads crashed without a phone and a fellow rider stopped to help.
- That sportsmanship highlighted the grassroots care he hopes survives pro growth.
Team Roles Need Clear Planning
- Team dynamics in gravel will require explicit calendar and role planning to avoid conflicts.
- Mads expects honest conversations to allocate peaks and race targets among teammates.
Races Often Lack Team Cohesion
- Many gravel races still operate as collections of individuals rather than cohesive teams.
- That fractured setup limited effective race control at events like Unbound this year.