Alexey Vermeulen

What inspired you to pursue the sport initially, and how did you stay motivated through challenges?

Travel! I often get asked by the parents of young riders when I knew I was going to have a career in cycling. My typical response is that I didn't know for a long time. I grew up playing way too many sports and was always more focused on the present moment than I was on career goals. As I found success in cycling, I was driven to work hard by the experiences I would get going to races. Instead of driving 90 minutes to an XC meet or a hockey game, I was getting to go to Vermont and Europe!

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I want to win an LTGP race and help the next generation grow into the gravel space. When I was growing up on the road, there was a pathway that you could see and trace your way to the pros. Today, that path is harder to see.

What's your favorite race and why?

Iceman Cometh! I grew up about four hours south of Traverse City, MI, where Iceman takes place. The first time I ever heard of the event was before I was racing; our neighbors used to drive up to take part, and they would come back with such amazing stories. As a Michigan kid, winning Iceman became a special goal that I finally accomplished for the first time in 2019. To this day, it is the largest MTB race in the US, and it encompasses everything I love about bike racing. From the competition, to the atmosphere, to the 50 lb trophy made of ice that you get to party with as it melts, you truly can't beat it.

How did your upbringing shape who you are today?

I've often told people that I was raised as much by my two younger brothers as by my parents. I don't by any means say that to suggest that my parents were absent, but rather that they did such a good job raising us that moments with Rem and Vincent helped shape the person I am today. I think the healthy competition between us allowed us all to understand there is always someone stronger, and that someone will always have our back.

How has your training and nutrition evolved over your career?

A lot of my training has been quite consistent over the years, which I owe to having a coach that understands me as a person and an athlete. Nutrition, on the other hand, has been a constant learning experience. In 2013, when I first signed with BMC Devo, we used to do super-low-carb rides to 'teach' our body how to be efficient. We would wake up, have an omelet with cheese and ham, and go ride 2.5 hours or so before coming back, having a protein shake, and riding again later. During my first year with Jumbo in 2016, I remember being made fun of for eating a gel in the first hour of a training ride, whereas by 2021 it felt like every ride became an eating competition, with guys slamming 90-150g every hour. Now, I feel like I have found my happy place. I typically train with 30-40g an hour and only focus on the super-high-carb fueling for races.

How do you stay motivated during long, grueling training sessions or races?

It may sound like a cliché, but taking things one step at a time really helps me through rough moments. Outside of that, finding motivation can be as easy as a new route, a new podcast, or, if I am really not into it, going back to watch the old 'Versus' commercials. I'll put one below for the kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBLV6RG4TwY

What has being an endurance athlete taught you about life outside of sport?

That you never know when a breakthrough moment is going to change everything. I think that in life, we can get bogged down in the monotony of our day-to-day, but those moments are the building blocks to succeeding in your goals — consistency is everything!

What advice would you give to someone who's just getting started?

Have fun, find balance, and believe in yourself. No one's belief will ever be more valuable than your own. Once you find your WHY, everything else will fall into place.

What is one habit or routine you believe has contributed most to your success?

Balance: it might seem simple, but most athletes really struggle with the concept of balance because there is a belief in sport that if you aren't working harder than the day before, you are going backward. I truly believe that my greatest asset is being able to take a bird's-eye view, as opposed to narrowly focusing on the short-term. Balance has sculpted the athlete and person I am today, and it is something I constantly try to make sure I make time and space for beyond the bike.

Do you listen to music or podcasts when you train? If so, what is your go-to playlist or podcast? Does it change on intervals vs. easy endurance?

I'm a huge podcast guy. I occasionally listen to music during workouts, but mostly I'm pounding through seasons of history or true crime podcasts. It's easy to jump back in if you miss something, and almost feels like you have a friend on some rides.