Cyclocross in the United States is on the brink of fading into obscurity, and the situation is so dire that even the national champion, Andrew Strohmeyer, admits he doesn’t earn a salary. Yes, you read that right—the face of American cyclocross isn’t paid to race. This startling revelation from the sport’s top athlete in the U.S. underscores a deeper crisis: cyclocross is losing ground to gravel racing, which has captured the attention of riders, sponsors, and fans alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this shift a natural evolution of cycling trends, or a failure of the American cycling federation to prioritize and support a discipline with a rich history? Let’s dive in.
Cyclocross, once a staple of the winter racing calendar, is struggling to survive in the U.S. The decline is evident in the disappearance of traditional World Cup rounds, the migration of funding to gravel events, and the exodus of top riders to other disciplines. Strohmeyer, in an interview with Wielerflits, paints a grim picture: “The gravel boom has taken over. Many riders and brands have shifted their focus, leading to a sharp drop in participants and spectators at cyclocross events.” This is particularly shocking in a country that hosted the cyclocross world championships just a few years ago—a nation known for its wealth and sporting prowess.
But why is this happening? Gravel racing, though not an Olympic sport, has become the “next big thing,” offering lucrative prize money and a fresh appeal. Cyclocross, on the other hand, struggles to attract funding, with even national championships offering no prize money—a stark contrast to the $12,000-plus purses now available in gravel races. Strohmeyer bluntly states, “That will definitely drive people away from cyclocross.” And this is the part most people miss: the lack of financial incentives is forcing young, talented riders to abandon cyclocross before they even reach their prime.
Strohmeyer himself has considered making the switch to gravel, but his passion for cyclocross keeps him committed—for now. At 23, he’s still evolving as an athlete, but the financial strain is undeniable. “I don’t get a salary,” he admits. “I rely on individual sponsors for small amounts of money. My biggest goal this season is to perform well in Europe so I can secure a spot on a European team. That would change everything.” To achieve this, he’s even skipping the American championships to stay in Europe all winter—a sacrifice few riders are willing to make.
The American cycling federation bears much of the blame, according to Strohmeyer. By consciously prioritizing gravel, they’ve relegated cyclocross to the sidelines. The disappearance of classic World Cup races in Waterloo and Fayetteville, coupled with a condensed calendar and limited international opportunities, has further marginalized the sport. Strohmeyer argues, “What would really help is success by an American in the European World Cups. If we can compete at the front, it would make a difference.”
Yet, even this is an uphill battle. The American cyclocross calendar is heavily concentrated in September, October, and November, leaving riders like Strohmeyer exhausted by the time they reach the World Cup. “I’ve raced the Trek Cup, Pan-American Championships, and more before even heading to Europe,” he explains. “It’s a sacrifice few are willing to make.” Despite this, his talent shines through—he won the Trek Cup and Pan-Americans, beating rivals like Eric Brunner.
In Europe, Strohmeyer has shown glimpses of his potential, finishing 12th at the Tabor World Cup and outperforming riders like Pim Ronhaar and Toon Vandebosch. He’s now based in Europe, hoping to secure a team contract that would allow him to pursue cyclocross full-time without financial worries. “Training with legends like Sven Nys shows how much progress you can make in the right environment,” he says. “Riders from multiple nationalities at the top can only help the sport grow. The more international, the better.”
But here’s the burning question: Can cyclocross survive in the U.S., or is it destined to become a niche sport overshadowed by gravel? Is the federation’s focus on gravel a strategic move, or a missed opportunity to support a discipline with global appeal? And what can be done to retain young talent and revive interest in cyclocross? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to happen.
