Blurring the Lines - Team Tactics in Gravel Racing.

Words James Ion - Photography provided by Unsplash

Racing by in a blur, the peloton speeds ahead. At the forefront, the Domestiques work tirelessly, sacrificing themselves for their team leader. Victory is not their focus; they only think about the next kilometers, pushing themselves to the limit. Their task complete, it is now up to the star rider to cross the finish line.

Even if you casually follow road racing, you understand the role of a domestique – the dedicated rider who selflessly gives their all for the team.

Those who go so deep, they almost come to a standstill once their job is completed, secure in the knowledge that they have positioned their leader for success. This scenario unfolds in every road race, regardless of the terrain or prize. Some riders have built their careers on this selfless act, sacrificing personal glory for the collective success of the team effort.

The question arises: does this strategy apply to gravel racing? Can it carve out a place in the gravel peloton, ushering in the era of Super Teams?

"Absolutely, its significance is growing, it's becoming more prevalent," Nick Sannen from Team Classified x Rose confirms.

“Without freedom to use tactics we can organize gravel time trials”

Gravel Racing is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, highlighted by events like the Life Time Grand Prix in the United States and the UCI Gravel World Series. Not to mention other major circuits such as Gravel Earth, making the competition fierce. When you consider the challenging life of a Privateer and the increasing level of professionalism, it's only a matter of time before a major brand forms a super team and the blurring of the lines between traditional gravel racing and team tactics occur.

Despite the growing prominence of gravel racing, tactics in the sport have faced criticism. Felt UN1TED rider Adam Roberge faced backlash at the Gravel Locos 150 in 2023 for allegedly using road-like tactics to gain an edge. Roberge defended his actions by stating, "Without the freedom to use tactics, we would only have gravel time trials."

Criticism of tactics in gravel racing may seem unreasonable. However, like any sport or game, tactics play a crucial role in achieving victory. What sets gravel apart from other sports is a question worth exploring.

The Spirit of Gravel

What is the “Spirit” of gravel? What does it mean to you? You can imagine it means the freedom to ride where you want, adventure, or equality and acceptance. It could mean all of these things, which is a good and a bad thing, it is subjective and fluid.

Now this might be controversial, but I would say that some riders use the “Spirit” to subvert other riders' narratives and overtly promote their own. It can be used as a way to show themselves in a better light rather than actually embracing what it really means.

Winning and Racing are not mutually exclusive from the “Spirit” of gravel. Competition and performance don't mean the sport becomes just road racing on dirt. If anything, it elevates it as a sport. I have heard from many racers, including Piotr Havik featured in this issue, telling me that after the ride, you can share stories, from the course and relive together the events no longer as competitors but as friends.

European Traditions blurring the lines - team tactics in gravel racing.

Traditionally, bike racing has been a European sport, so it's reasonable to expect that tactics from European road racing will impact the European gravel scene. This influence is evident as numerous emerging "teams," many of which are Europe-based like PAS Normal, Team Classified x Rose, and Enough Cycling, are sending complete squads to major races to collaborate. However, the concept of team tactics remains predominantly Eurocentric. Despite factory teams at the Life Time Grand Prix, the races adopt an every-rider-for-themselves approach, with no sight of four domestiques leading the pack.

The emphasis on team tactics and the concern of losing the essence of gravel seems unfounded. So, why hasn't anyone yet taken the leap?

Money.

Currently, finances play a significant role in the absence of super teams. To have dedicated domestiques capable of leading the peloton, substantial financial resources are required, which are not readily available. Is it even justifiable? Can Team Tactics truly impact the outcome, especially in races where the terrain is too demanding for a team to influence? Perhaps in events like Unbound with wide, straight roads, but even then, the risks of crashes or mechanical issues could render such strategies ineffective.

Unique Selling Point

In gravel racing, a key strength lies in its use of the "marathon" model. This approach allows for mass participation, where anyone can join and ride on the same course as professional racers. This close interaction maintains interest, enabling riders to exchange stories about their experiences on the same routes as the winners. It's a unique selling point that should always be preserved. This aspect also emphasizes why strategies and competition should flourish rather than be restricted. People seek to be part of the narrative and share in the journey of exceptional athletes who harness not only their physical strength but also their mental prowess.

Team strategy, including tactics specific to our sport, plays a crucial role in its development and success. Competition, rivalries, and storytelling are essential elements for growth. However, it's equally important not to overlook the shared camaraderie among fellow professionals and the public on the same journey. While competition can be fierce on the track, it's vital to unite as a community post-race, whether over a beer or a coffee, to foster a sense of togetherness.

By maintaining this balance between the racing experience and the communal aspect, our sport will remain distinctive, welcoming, delightfully chaotic, and fiercely competitive.

What are your thoughts on team tactics in gravel racing? Do they have a place? Are the lines being blurred?