American CX pro Strohmeyer describes struggles back home – 'The gravel boom has taken over'
Andrew Strohmeyer is one of North America's very best cyclocross racers, and shortly after winning the Pan-American title in early November, the 23-year-old travelled over to Europe to make his debut in the CX heartland. Since his brilliant ride at Tábor last weekend, he's talked about the trials his discipline is facing back home.
"Unfortunately, we're struggling a bit right now," Strohmeyer told Wielerflits. "The gravel boom has taken over from cyclocross. Many riders and bike brands have made the switch. It's the next big thing – as a result, we've seen a sharp decline in participants and spectators at our cyclocross events."
It's been two years since the UCI World Cup last kicked off with a round in the United States, and three since there was more than one, typically Waterloo, Wisconsin, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, the latter hosting the World Championships in 2022.
"It's gotten to the point where so many talented Americans quit cyclocross at a young age because they hate that they can't make a career out of it. All the prize money is also on gravel ... I don't get a salary, unfortunately. No American rider does, for that matter. I do have some individual sponsors who give me a little money, but that's it. That's why my biggest goal this season is to get good results here so I can be picked up by a European team. That changes everything. I'll even skip the American championships to stay here all winter."
Strohmeyer also pointed to the struggles American pros face when arriving in Europe having started the domestic season way back in mid-September, which makes it harder to make an impact.
