In Unpaved Chronicles, we delve into the world of gravel racing. This rapidly growing discipline combines the adventure of off-road riding with the intensity of racing. No smooth asphalt, but gravel roads, steep climbs, and unpredictable terrain. More and more riders are drawn to this mix of endurance, technique, and tactics. Every race features fierce competition for podium finishes and qualification for the World Gravel Championships.
After three years riding for the Giant Benelux Offroad Team, Kevin Panhuyzen is embarking on a new path. No longer within the team structure, but as a privateer—with all the freedom and responsibility that entails. We spoke with him about his new approach, his collaboration with Airoman, and his ambitions for the coming year.
A first season as a privateer
"Actually, not much will change," he says matter-of-factly. "I already had a lot of freedom with the Giant Benelux Offroad Team. I could largely plan my own schedule, so in that respect, it doesn't feel completely new." Still, this year's offseason brought a lot of extra work. "As a privateer, you have to find your own sponsors and make all the contacts. That takes time and energy. But the big advantage is that you can completely choose who you work with. I really value that freedom."
The connection with Airoman was immediate
"Last season, I bought a few Airoman products and was immediately very satisfied with the quality," he explains. Based on these positive experiences, his preference was already clear. "After doing some research, I saw that Airoman is a Dutch company. That appealed to me, so I simply got in touch." That step turned out to be a bull's-eye. "We had an almost immediate match. It didn't take long for the similarities in vision to become clear, and a wonderful collaboration resulted. That makes it extra rewarding: you consciously choose a brand you personally support."
Santa Vall as the first European test
Last weekend, Kevin also started the European gravel season opener. "Santa Vall was mainly a preparation for the Cape Epic for me," he emphasizes. "So the result was a little less important. I was mainly looking for a good feeling to build on in the coming weeks." The conditions were anything but ideal; due to the heavy rain, some sections were wet and the rivers were full of water. "I rode the race while still sleeping in the altitude tent and was coming off a pretty tough week of training. But despite that, I felt very good. I felt the power in my legs and, above all, that the recovery between the two races went very smoothly." That good feeling immediately translated into a good result. "In the second stage, I finished twelfth. That confirmed for me that I'm on the right track."
A trip on the MTB before the real gravel season starts
First, there's a side trip to mountain biking. "The Cape Epic is the first big goal," he says without hesitation. "Last year I finished thirteenth. This year I'm dreaming of a top 10 finish." After that, the focus shifts to gravel races. "I'm working towards The Traka. There I want to prove that longer races suit me as well." One of his favorite races is also back on the program. "A week later, I'll ride the Marly Grav in Valkenburg. That's truly one of my favorite races. I hope to equal my podium finish from last year there." Later in the season, he's aiming for the European Championships in Houffalize. But he dares to dream even bigger: "In between, I'd love to win a World Series race. That would be fantastic."
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