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I spent a decade on WorldTour teams and two years before that on a Continental level. When I began my career as a gravel professional, I was excited but also scared and overwhelmed at times with how to manage all of the relationships, partnerships, and business elements that are taken care of by a team. I had stumbling blocks, and I'm sure I've crossed a few people from certain companies the wrong way, without any intention, but generally, I've loved learning how to essentially manage my own business and forge ahead as a privateer.

Two and half years ago when I began this journey, this was really the only option but in a matter of years, now the norm is as much to be on a gravel team as it is to be a privateer. I had an offer last year to join a team, and I declined it. For me, although there are certainly racing advantages to being part of a team, I'm just too darn happy making my own program.



After the road career, I'd be hard-pressed to be convinced by any number to go to a 10-day training camp, be beholden to supplier contracts or forced to work with brands that were not to my liking. Still, for many others, the team choice is the way to go. Some because, at this point, most of us privateers have locked away top-tier contracts with the biggest bike companies (making it more financially viable to be on a team) and others because it simply creates some benefits such as mechanical assistance, travel scheduling and, of course, in-race support.

Now, on the start lines of almos.

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