Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 39: Alexey Vermeulen Returns

Overview:

In this reflective season finale, Trevor and Sheldon welcome back pro cyclist Alexey Vermeulen, following up on his 2019 Iceman victory. The trio dive into how COVID-19 reshaped Vermeulen’s 2020 racing season, his relocation to Colorado, creative community engagement projects, and evolving sponsor relationships. Alexey also recounts his podium finish at the Belgian Waffle Ride in Cedar City and discusses the broader significance of gravel racing.

Alexey Vermeulen’s 2020 was far from the race-heavy calendar he envisioned. Yet, amid event cancellations and global upheaval, he found renewed purpose: championing inclusivity, creating content that inspires, and finding joy in community-centered cycling. His humorous candor and adaptability underscore a shift in the cycling world from performance to participation, while his continued commitment to Michigan roots remains strong.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:04:30] Alexey recounts a disastrous flat-filled ride, metaphor for 2020
[00:09:00] Plans for 2020 pre-pandemic and early-season races
[00:14:00] Moving to Colorado and adapting to new terrain
[00:18:00] Thoughts on maintaining ties to Michigan’s racing scene
[00:21:00] Sponsors' response to COVID and shifting to storytelling
[00:27:00] Scavenger hunts and engaging new riders creatively
[00:34:00] Riding with his dog Willie and hilarious training anecdotes
[00:38:00] Thoughts on gravel as a gateway for new cyclists
[00:41:30] Reflections on not attempting Everesting or FKTs
[00:46:00] Belgian Waffle Ride: race recap and third-place finish
[00:53:00] Equipment setup and tire choices for BWR
[01:00:00] Ongoing debate about drop bars at Iceman
[01:06:00] 2021 goals: building a documentary series on new riders
[01:10:00] Reflections on cycling's lost social element and optimism for 2021