Specialized Builds Gravel Dominance with New-Look Off-Road squad
The cycling world is buzzing about the newly formed Specialized Off-Road team,poised to become a major force in the burgeoning gravel adn off-road racing scene. For Geerike Schreurs, the decision to join this team, leaving behind the powerhouse SD Worx-ProTime, was surprisingly straightforward: “the easiest decision ever.” This move signals a important investment by Specialized in the sport and a commitment to building a team capable of challenging for top honors.
A Superteam takes Shape
The Specialized Off-road squad already boasted an impressive roster, including three-time Life Time Grand prix champion Sofia Gomez Villafañe and six-time mountain bike world champion Annika Langvad [[1]]. The addition of Dutch powerhouse Geerike Schreurs, a rapidly rising star in gravel racing, solidifies this team as one of the frist true “superteams” in the women’s off-road circuit.
But the strength doesn’t stop with the women. The team also features a formidable men’s lineup,comprised of three-time Cape Epic champion Matt Beers,five-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB winner Keegan Swenson,and European gravel champion Mads Würtz Schmit.This depth of talent across both genders positions Specialized as a dominant force in the sport.
Schreurs’ Transition and Team Dynamics
Schreurs’ arrival isn’t just about individual talent; it’s about the synergy she brings to the team. She expressed her excitement about joining forces with such accomplished athletes, stating, “Everyone on the team has already accomplished so much and is so well known, and I’m really looking forward to spending time with them, learning from them, and being around that level.” [[1]]
Interestingly, the team members already had existing connections. Schreurs’ former teammate at SD Worx, Anna van der Breggen, shared a history with Langvad through their time together in the Cape Epic. Furthermore, Langvad and Schreurs fostered a friendship during a team camp last year, laying the groundwork for a strong working relationship.
“She has a lot of experience and a very strong mindset, wich are definitely things I can learn from,” Schreurs said of Langvad. “I’ve really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together, not just talking about cycling and racing, but also about more personal, non-cycling topics.”
A Proven Track Record and Future Ambitions
Schreurs arrives at Specialized with a stellar resume, having quickly established herself as a force in gravel racing. In her debut season, she secured second place overall at the Traka 360 and Unbound Gravel 200 [[1]], and a third-place finish at The Rift. Her impressive performance continued with multiple podium finishes throughout the year,including victories at Falling Leaves Lahti and UCI Gravel World Series races in Belgium and Austria.
Despite a challenging 2025 season marked by a broken elbow, Schreurs persevered, achieving a significant win at Wörthersee gravel, a UCI race, which she considers a personal highlight. “My favourite accomplishment, I’d say, is my UCI win in Austria. It wasn’t a huge race, but I had a tough period leading up to it. Being able to come back from such a low point and let go of something negative made it a big personal achievement for me.”
Strategic Advantages and Team Support
One of the key factors driving Schreurs’ decision was the comprehensive support system offered by Specialized. Having previously operated as a largely autonomous rider, managing mechanics, training, and logistics herself, she recognizes the value of a dedicated team. “For me personally,being part of a team with full support makes a huge difference,” she explained. “Specialized is really stepping things up this year. We have a whole team behind us, with mechanics, soigneurs, performance coaches, plus people handling media, logistics, and travel. It allows me to fully focus on racing and training.”
The team will benefit from consistent equipment, with Schreurs continuing to ride Specialized bikes, a brand she’s been familiar with since 2024. She also expressed enthusiasm about working with SRAM and exploring the capabilities of RockShox components.
Looking ahead: The 2026 Season
the team is already preparing for the 2026 season,with a training camp scheduled for Spain next month. Their season opener will be at santa Vall [[1]], where Langvad dominated in the previous year.Schreurs is also targeting key races in the US, including The Mid South in Oklahoma, CORE4, and, of course, Unbound Gravel, where she hopes to return with a fully healthy preparation.
“Of course,Unbound,that’s the race I’m looking forward to the most this year,” schreurs stated. “I’m definitely excited to return to Kansas, and hopefully this time with a healthy lead-up, no broken elbows or other injuries like I had in 2025.”
The formation of this Specialized Off-Road superteam marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of gravel and off-road racing. With a blend of established champions and rising stars, backed by a dedicated support system, this team is poised to redefine the competitive landscape and inspire a new generation of riders.
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