This past winter was no time to hibernate for Simon Pellaud, as he put in motion a new privateer programme and preparations for a return in the Life Time Grand Prix, where he finished second overall in his debut last year. He called the 2026 renovation "building an engine for the American Dream".
The Swiss rider, who has lived in Colombia for the past 10 years, has just one full gravel season under his belt after 13 years on the road. His focus was on the six-race Grand Prix, and he proved he could compete on any surface, going second at Unbound Gravel 200, third at Leadville Trail 100 MTB and eighth at Big Sugar.
