Simon Pellaud’s journey is a captivating tale of a cycling nomad finding his niche. From the WorldTour to the gravel scene, his story challenges the traditional career path of a professional rider.
Imagine this: Pellaud, a seasoned road cyclist, lands in the US with no prior gravel racing experience, no set expectations, and no concrete plan. Yet, he emerges as a consistent force to be reckoned with, leaving everyone wondering, ‘Who is this guy?’
The Swiss rider, Pellaud, has been a pro for 12 years, riding for renowned teams like Trek-Segafredo. But his career path is far from conventional. While many pros base themselves in cycling hotspots like Girona or Nice, Pellaud divides his time between Switzerland and Colombia, a unique setup that offers him a refreshing change from the typical European racing scene.
And here’s where it gets intriguing: Pellaud isn’t one to sit still during the off-season. When most riders are relaxing, he’s sprinting through airports, jetting off to East Asia for late-season road races. His season is a non-stop adventure.
Pellaud’s role in the Chinese ProTeam, Li Ning Star, is a far cry from the domestique duties he might have in Europe. Here, he’s a road captain, a leader, making strategic decisions and shouldering responsibility. It’s a role he relishes, and the environment provides a welcome respite from the social media-driven world of European racing.
But it’s his foray into gravel racing that has everyone talking. His second-place finish in the Life Time Grand Prix wasn’t just a fluke. It was a calculated move, a late entry that became the cornerstone of his 2025 campaign. And this is the part most people miss—Pellaud’s ability to seamlessly transition from road to gravel, from Europe to the US, and from team player to leader.
His success raises questions: Is this the future of cycling, where riders embrace diverse disciplines and global opportunities? Or is Pellaud’s story an anomaly, a unique blend of talent and circumstance? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss the evolving landscape of professional cycling.