Cyclocross in the United States is facing a crisis that many might find surprising given the country's wealth and sporting history. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite hosting world-class events just a few years ago, the sport's future in America is now uncertain, largely overshadowed by the rising popularity of gravel riding. The national champion, Andrew Strohmeyer, recently revealed a startling truth: he does not receive a salary from the sport of cyclocross. This revelation might shock many, especially considering the United States is the wealthiest nation globally and has previously hosted the prestigious cyclocross World Championships.
Strohmeyer explained to Wielerflits that the sport is currently struggling. He attributes this decline mainly to the surge in gravel racing, which has diverted both athletes and bike brands away from traditional cyclocross competitions. “The gravel boom has taken the spotlight,” he said, “and we've seen a sharp drop in participation and spectators at our cyclocross events.” This shift has created a critical problem: many talented American riders quit cyclocross at a young age because they realize they can't realistically build a professional career in it. Prize money, which remains minimal in cyclocross in the U.S., is now mostly concentrated in gravel events. Unlike other sports, cyclocross isn’t an Olympic discipline, so the financial incentives are limited, and the new trend is undeniably attractive to emerging riders seeking career sustainability.
Andrew Strohmeyer is passionate about remaining dedicated to cyclocross, despite considering switching to gravel. He recognizes the potential for growth and has a lot of untapped talent, especially at just 23 years old, with plenty of room for development. However, the harsh reality of financial instability might influence his choices in the future.
Financial struggles are a common theme among American cyclocross athletes. Strohmeyer admits, “I don't get a salary, and unfortunately, no other American rider does either.” He relies on some individual sponsorships, but these are not enough to sustain him through the season. His primary objective now is to secure a spot on a European team by performing well, as this could transform his career prospects. His dedication is evident in his willingness to skip the American championships and stay abroad during winter, focusing on boosting his international resume.
Most of the responsibility for the sport’s decline in the U.S. seems to rest with the national federation, which has evidently prioritized gravel racing over cyclocross. The federation has made it clear that prize money at major American events is non-existent for cyclocross, whereas gravel races are now offering substantial cash prizes—more than $12,000 for some events—an enticing prospect that naturally pulls riders away. Furthermore, traditional flagship events like the World Cups in Waterloo and Fayetteville have been canceled or reduced. Their scheduling has tightened, and logistical and financial hurdles have limited international participation, further weakening the sport’s presence.
For Strohmeyer, this situation is far from ideal. “The World Cup should be a highlight, but it only happens once or twice a year,” he reflects. While racing close to home was beneficial, he questions whether the current format truly supports the development of American riders or the sport's growth. He believes that international success—especially strong performances by Americans in European World Cups—would be instrumental in elevating American cycling.
His own experiences in Europe underline this point. He recalls having some top-5 and top-10 finishes in youth categories but admits that transitioning into elite competitions remains challenging. A significant issue he highlights is that American riders often reach their competitive prime too late in the season, making it difficult to perform at their best during the crucial World Cup races. The American cyclocross calendar, focused intensively in September through November, leaves limited time for peak conditioning.
To combat this, Strohmeyer has made the tough choice to compete in American races during October while maintaining intensive training. His strategy is to arrive at the international circuit well-prepared for the world championships in December. Despite the sacrifices, he has achieved results, winning the Trek Cup series and the Pan-American Championships, even defeating notable riders such as Eric Brunner.
Currently, Strohmeyer holds the title of United States national champion. His European debut saw him finish 21st at Hamme Flandriencross, followed by a commendable 12th place at the Tabor World Cup, placing him ahead of some well-established riders like Pim Ronhaar and Felipe Orts. His ultimate goal is to secure an agreement with a European team, which would provide financial stability and allow him to fully dedicate himself without concern for economic hardships.
He’s learning from European mentors, having trained once with Sven Nys in the woods—an experience he hopes to repeat regularly. He dreams of a future where more international riders are competing at the highest levels, believing that increasing global diversity in the sport can only help it grow.
But here’s the question most people miss—does the current structure of American cyclocross truly support its talent development or is it time for a radical rethink? Are financial and organizational changes necessary to sustain and grow the sport in the U.S., or is the shift to gravel an unavoidable evolution? Share your thoughts below—do you agree that American cyclocross needs a fresh approach, or do you believe the sport is simply being left behind in favor of newer trends?
