Specialized is really stepping things up this year, as evidenced by the formation of their off-road super team. Former Unbound Gravel adversaries Geerike Schreurs, Sofia Gomez Villafañe, and Annika Langvad have joined forces, marking a significant development in women's off-road racing. The decision to switch teams as a professional cyclist can be complex, but for Geerike Schreurs, the move from SD Worx-ProTime to the Specialized Off-road team was a straightforward choice.
The Specialized Off-road squad already boasted a strong lineup with Villafañe and Langvad, and the addition of Schreurs, a Dutch powerhouse, created one of the first superteams for women in off-road racing. The team's men's side is equally impressive, featuring three-time Cape Epic champion Matt Beers, five-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB winner Keegan Swenson, and European gravel champion Mads Würtz Schmit. Schreurs is eager to train and race with such accomplished teammates.
While Schreurs' favorite accomplishment is her UCI win in Austria, she also highlights the personal achievement of overcoming a challenging period leading up to it. Schreurs and Langvad have a history of friendly competition, having raced against each other in the US and at Unbound Gravel 200. Despite their rivalry, they have developed a strong friendship, sharing experiences and personal topics beyond cycling.
The new team dynamic presents an exciting challenge, as Schreurs notes that they are still in a pilot phase. With a full support team, including mechanics, soigneurs, performance coaches, and media handlers, Schreurs can now focus solely on racing and training. This level of support is a significant upgrade from her previous solo adventures in international races.
Specialized's commitment to innovation and rider feedback is another appealing factor for Schreurs, allowing her to continue using familiar equipment. As the team prepares for upcoming races, Schreurs is looking forward to competing at The Mid South in Oklahoma and Unbound, where she hopes to build on her previous successes.
