Connor Swift couldn’t believe his experience at Gravel World Championships: "Nobody gives a damn about anyone else"

The Gravel World Championships in Belgium saw an unstoppable Mathieu van der Poel race to the rainbow jersey. But it was a race full of stories, given the immense number of participants. For Connor Swift, who finished sixth, it was certainly a memorable day. Reflecting on the event with INEOS teammates Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas on the Watts Occuring podcast, the Englishman shared his surprise — particularly about the Belgians...

Swift wasn’t sure what to expect from the Gravel World Championships, but one thing quickly became clear. "After the first selection, there were about 25 to 28 riders, and 16 of them were Belgian," laughed the 28-year-old. "I looked around and thought, ‘Jesus Christ.’ That jersey really stands out, so it was like a blue peloton. Bloody hell…" The championship didn’t resemble other gravel races he’d participated in. "It’s a shame because in other races I’ve ridden, there’s no team strategy. This felt just like a road race, for fuck’s sake."

Besides the number of Belgian riders, Swift was mainly struck by their tactics. He noticed Jasper Stuyven and Florian Vermeersch riding with completely different goals than their Alpecin-Deceuninck countrymen, who ultimately helped Van der Poel secure victory. "It was really weird. I don’t understand why they (Stuyven and Vermeersch, ed.) didn’t give their compatriots a hard time. I didn’t even hear them barking at each other during the race. I was genuinely wondering what was going on. But that’s just how it goes, apparently."

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"It’s really just a dogfight," Swift says, amazed by the Gravel World Championships

"It’s honestly the craziest thing ever," Swift reflected on what was his second participation in the Gravel World Championships. "There’s nothing else in the world like the start of a gravel world championship. It’s like a dogfight. Nobody gives a damn about anyone else. I’ve never had to hold my elbows out so wide." During the start in Leuven, Swift witnessed something remarkable. "In the first kilometer, there was Tim Merlier on the grass, with another Belgian to his left. They were headbutting each other. And they’re from the same country!" laughed Swift, recommending his podcast mates Rowe and Thomas give it a try. "You really have to experience it. It’s absolutely mad."