Alexey Vermeulen, one of the world's best gravel cyclists, breaks down the ten biggest mistakes newcomers make when transitioning from road to gravel. From tire pressure and puncture repair to cornering technique and nutrition strategy, he shares the practical skills and mindset shifts that'll transform your first gravel experiences from frustrating to genuinely enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- Master tubeless tire maintenance: check sealant monthly (it dries out in 2-3 months), know how to plug holes with different plug types, and understand that sealant isn't a 'set and forget' solution.
- Lower tire pressure acts as your suspension on gravel—experiment between 28-35 PSI depending on terrain, body weight, and conditions; a 2 PSI difference dramatically changes how the bike feels.
- Practice plugging a tire at home before your first race; most people who hate their first gravel event flatted and couldn't fix it, leaving them stranded or out of the race.
- Go wider on tire size (40-45mm) rather than skinnier for gravel racing; the extra cushion and grip generally outweigh any speed penalty, especially when you're not racing at elite level.
- Develop bike-handling skills like bunny-hopping and controlled cornering; gravel demands placing your front wheel precisely and accepting some tire slip—you can't just muscle through corners like on tarmac.
- Plan your nutrition and hydration strategy differently than road cycling; gravel races are longer and demand consistent fueling rather than the old-school 'ride hard, refuel at the end' approach.
Expert Quotes
"Most people I see who don't enjoy their first gravel race it's because they flatted and didn't know how to fix it or didn't have the correct stuff to fix it."
"I raced on 15 PSI the whole day because that was the only way I could stay in contact and keep myself in place in the Grand Prix—wasn't what I wanted to do but it's hard to know that without doing it."
"I tried to leave part of that [ego] behind when I left the world tour. When I line up I'll be as ruthless as I can, but the days before and everything after I would rather be involved in someone having a good experience in their first gravel race than I would win it myself."