U.S. Cyclo-Cross Racers Rely on Dutch Base & Donations too Compete in Europe
FLAMANVILLE, France – A contingent of 18 American cyclo-cross riders are currently competing in Europe, supported by a unique arrangement: a USA Cycling-funded house in Watersley, Netherlands, and a crowdfunding initiative called “Mudfund,” as they pursue racing opportunities without team salaries. The athletes are based at the Sports and Talent Park in Sittard, Limburg, allowing them to extend their European racing season despite the financial challenges of living abroad.
The reliance on these resources highlights the difficulties faced by American cyclo-cross riders seeking to compete at the highest level. Unlike many European counterparts, American racers currently receive no salaries from teams and depend on individual sponsorships and public donations to cover travel and living expenses. this situation is especially acute as cyclo-cross is not currently an Olympic sport, limiting access to higher-level funding. The majority of the American team will return home after races in flamanville to prepare for the national championships, but some, like Andrew Strohmeyer, are attempting to secure contracts with European teams based on their performance.
“Fortunately, we can live in a USA Cycling house in Watersley during the season. That has been happening for a number of years, and it is indeed already starting to feel a bit like home,” said Strohmeyer, currently ranked twelfth in Tábor. “Especially now that the juniors are still hear. Soon it will feel less nice all by itself.”
The “mudfund” initiative has proven crucial, enabling the American team to continue racing despite limited financial backing. “It used to be almost unfeasible for an American to stay here longer. If you have to pay rent and all those travel costs, you know it will be difficult,” Strohmeyer explained. “But thanks to those donors, we can still race at the highest level with a group of Americans and stay here.”
Strohmeyer confirmed that no American cyclo-cross riders currently receive a salary, relying instead on individual sponsors for limited financial support. His primary goal for the current season is to achieve results that will attract the attention of a European team.
A full interview with Strohmeyer, detailing his experiences as an American racing in Europe, his thoughts on the World Cup, and his pursuit of a team contract, will be published on this website on Thursday.
