'You Signed Up for This': A Privateer's Journey into the Unknown
Updated: February 18, 2026, 3:21 PM
Imagine opening your garage door and being greeted by a chaotic symphony of sports equipment - a true 'Hoarders' episode in the making! From crampons to bike computers, ski boots to charging cables, it's a wonderland of gear. But here's the catch: managing all this equipment for five different sports is no easy feat, especially when you're exhausted from a grueling day of training. It's a far cry from the organized life of a World Tour (WT) rider.
Having embraced the life of a 'privateer,' Mike Woods is quickly learning that the transition from WT to gravel racing is not as smooth as he initially thought. While both disciplines demand similar physical attributes, the support system behind a WT rider is immense. Mike trained tirelessly for decades, with his life revolving solely around cycling. Every detail, from travel plans to training schedules, was meticulously managed. He even had a soigneur, Jon Adams, living with him and preparing his bottles. But now, as a privateer, he's realizing the true extent of the challenges he's facing.
The responsibilities of managing sponsor obligations and dealing with customs and shipping companies have become a full-time job in itself. These tasks, once handled by a dedicated team, are now his sole burden. Mike had underestimated the impact of these challenges, as his previous team excelled at managing them seamlessly. It's a stark reminder of the support system that WT riders enjoy.
But here's where it gets controversial: with his extreme training regimen, Mike wonders if a privateer can ever match the physical capabilities of a WT pro. He attended the NSN Development Team Camp in Spain to gauge his cycling prowess. As one of the top continental teams, NSN has consistently produced WT riders. The young talent at the camp was impressive, and Mike couldn't help but feel like he was back on a WT team. The organization, from staff to equipment, was top-notch. But when it came to the uphill test on Coll de Rates, a legendary climb in road cycling, Mike realized he was no match for the young guns.
He gave it his all, but his time of 14:05, averaging 420 watts, was a far cry from Tadej Pogačar's record. Three riders at the camp bested his time, leaving him with a clear picture of his standing in the pro cycling echelon. As a 39-year-old, he knows a WT contract is out of reach, and even if he were in the WT, his chances of getting race starts would be slim. Mike estimates he's comfortably in the bottom 5% of the WT and the top 20% of the continental level.
And this is the part most people miss: Mike occupies a space where many neo-pros and older riders find themselves - just 10 months away from unemployment. It's a harsh reality check.
Then, fate intervened. While registering for the Santa Vall race, Mike ran into Romain Bardet, a classy rider with a palmarès to envy. Romain's skill and talent, even without intense training, could get him across finish lines. Mike knew he was in for a tough battle.
As he lined up in box two, 50-80 positions behind Romain and other top riders, he realized the sport had evolved. Gravel racing had attracted strong riders seeking an alternative to the WT. The skill level and peloton skills of these riders were impressive, thanks to the accessibility of information through YouTube, Strava, and Eurosport. But what YouTube couldn't teach was the pain of crashing, and bodies were everywhere from the start.
Mike managed to fight his way to the front, but a crash on a descent reminded him of why he retired. The freedom of living in a non-litigious society meant Santa Vall could create a course that would be a lawsuit magnet elsewhere. No license, no official route revealed until 24 hours before the start, and roads open to traffic - it was a wild ride.
For the next 30 km, Mike battled through a chaotic course, reminiscent of Woodstock '69. The rain had turned the course into a muddy mess, and by the time he reached the second group, the race was over. The leaders had disappeared, and he was left to fight with the broken men. Santa Vall was a brutal reminder of his first road racing days - a massive shock to the system.
And so, Mike learned a valuable lesson: in the world of gravel racing, you truly sign up for an unpredictable journey. It's a harsh, yet exhilarating, reality.
