“They mocked it as a criterium on bike paths — and then stayed home” - Zonneveld disagrees with absent U.S. riders

Dutch journalist and former pro Thijs Zonneveld has shared his thoughts on the World Gravel Championships, where Florian Vermeersch claimed the men’s title and Lorena Wiebes won the women’s race. Speaking on his podcast In de Waaier, Zonneveld didn’t mince words about the reaction from American riders, who criticized the Limburg course as being too tame compared to the rougher, longer gravel events in the United States.

"A criterium on bike paths," was how American rider Lauren De Crescenzo described it before the race. Many U.S. racers expressed frustration that the European version of gravel seemed far removed from the wide-open, endurance-heavy terrain of Unbound that often creates puncture and crash filled races.

Zonneveld, however, believes that’s missing the point. "Gravel and road cycling have a lot in common. Especially in Europe, because in America it's still a different sport," he said. "I don't necessarily think it's a shame, no. I enjoy seeing all the big names from road cycling participating. And that's just how it is in Europe. You don't have roads like they do in Kansas. Thirty-kilometer roads, without any curves."

He emphasised the fundamental difference in racing style between continents. "In Europe, it's more of a twist and turn. In Kansas, you can pick a hundred courses, all of which are pretty much the same. There are more gravel roads than paved ones. I think it's stupid that those Americans didn't show up en masse. That's because they're simply being driven away in Europe, because it's so different here."

The contrast, he explained, isn’t just about the surface but about rhythm and intensity. "There, you just ride a lot in the gray zone. Not much sprinting, not much resting of the legs. For me, that was between 4 and 5 watts per kilogram. In European races, it's the other way around. Then it's sprinting to a corner and then resting of the legs. And then on to the next corner. So I kind of understand that."

Even so, Zonneveld believes the Americans should have embraced the challenge. "If you suddenly have to fight for every corner in Europe and ride with your elbows out... It's understandable, but it's a shame. Those are just guys who don't come to Europe for a 30th place finish. Keegan Swenson has the physical capabilities, but he's not here. I think that's a shame. You can be the big man in America, but if there's a World Cup, I think you should come too."