Bytager the publication "Thomas De Gendt joins the Classified Gravel team for 2025"
Classified welcomes thomas degendt to its gravel team for 2025. As a member of Classified’s professional factory team, De Gendt, a stage winner at all three Grand Tours, is set to continue his remarkable cycling career in an exciting new direction. The Classified X Ridley Factory Team, powered by Foodmaker, founded in 2023, was the first factory-backed team to compete on the popular gravel circuit.
Source: CP – Photos: © Photo News/ © Classified
Known as a breakaway specialist, Thomas De Gendt is synonymous with aggressive racing and bold, adventurous rides. His legendary victory on the Stelvio at the 2012 Giro d’Italia is etched in cycling history. He now aims to take his exploits to the gravel scene with the Classified Gravel team.
The factory team achieved impressive results last year in the UCI Gravel World Series and in prestigious gravel races such as Unbound and Lords of Tierra de Campos. By recruiting De Gendt, the team underlines its ambitions to reach new milestones and bring gravel racing to a wider audience.
“Thomas De Gendt brings immense experience to our team, says Mathias Plouvier, CEO of Classified. He has an unparalleled perseverance and passion for tough racing, which is a perfect fit for gravel racing. Above all, his pioneering spirit makes him the perfect addition to our Classified factory team and a great ambassador for our innovative technology.”
A new challenge for Thomas De Gendt
Joining the Classified Factory team marks a significant transition for De Gendt as he ventures into the growing world of gravel racing.
“Moving to gravel is a new challenge that I’m really excited about, says Thomas De Gendt. What I love about gravel is the combination of endurance and technique. With Classified’s Powershift hub system, I can tackle any terrain with confidence and without compromise. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together and look forward to a successful season with the team. routes may change, but the thirst remains intact.
Classified’s innovative Powershift hub, designed and manufactured in Antwerp, sets new standards in cycling technology. Featuring lightning-fast shifting under load, zero power loss and exceptional efficiency, the system delivers revolutionary performance while offering a wider gear range than any other system on the market.
A historic year for Classified
Earlier this year, Classified made its debut at the highest level of professional cycling. Team Ineos Grenadiers used the Powershift hub in time trials at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, achieving impressive results.
The Classified Gravel team also had some exceptional performances this season, including:
- Toby Perry: Silver at the European Championships and victory at the UCI World Gravel Series in Halmstad, Sweden.
- Annabel Fisher: Winner of the British Gravel Championships.
- Piotr Havik: Fourth place in the prestigious Unbound Gravel Race and victory at Lords of Tierra de Campos.
Team principal Nick Sannen expressed his enthusiasm for De Gendt's arrival: " Thomas brings a wealth of Pro Tour experience that will be a tremendous asset to the team. Hetagwill build his knowledge with his teammates, while we will provide him with the support needed to excel in gravel racing.”
