“They mocked it as a criterium on bike paths — and then stayed home” - Zonneveld disagrees with absent U.S. riders
Cycling
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."
Read also
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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