We are excited to welcome Thomas De Gendt to its gravel team for 2025. As part of Classified's professional factory team, De Gendt, a stage winner at all three Grand Tours, is set to continue his remarkable cycling career in an exciting new direction. The Classified X Ridley Factory Team fuelled by Foodmaker, founded in 2023, was the first factory-backed team to compete in the popular gravel circuit.
The Breakaway King Embraces Gravel Racing
Known as a breakaway specialist, Thomas is synonymous with aggressive racing and bold, adventurous rides. His legendary victory on the Stelvio during the 2012 Giro d’Italia is etched in cycling history. Now, he aims to bring his signature feats to the gravel scene with the Classified Gravel Team.
The factory team achieved impressive results this past year in the UCI Gravel World Series and prestigious gravel races such as Unbound and Lords of Tierra de Campos. By signing De Gendt, the team underscores its ambitions to achieve new milestones and elevate gravel racing to a broader audience.
"Thomas De Gendt brings immense experience to our team," says Mathias Plouvier, CEO of Classified. "He possesses unparalleled perseverance and a passion for challenging races, which aligns perfectly with gravel racing. Above all, his pioneering spirit makes him the perfect addition to our Classified Factory Team and an excellent ambassador for our innovative technology."
A New Challenge for Thomas De Gendt
Joining the Classified Factory Team marks a significant transition for De Gendt as he ventures into the rapidly growing world of gravel racing.
"Switching to gravel racing is a new challenge that I’m really excited about," says Thomas De Gendt. "What I love about gravel is the combination of endurance and technique. With Classified’s Powershift hub system, I can tackle any terrain with confidence and without compromise. I’m eager to see what we can achieve together and look forward to a successful season with the team. The roads may change, but the hunger remains."
Classified’s innovative Powershift hub, designed and manufactured in Antwerp, sets new standards in cycling technology. Featuring lightning-fast shifting under load, zero power loss, and exceptional efficiency, the system delivers groundbreaking performance while offering a wider gear range than any other system on the market.
A Landmark Year
Earlier this year, Classified made its debut at the highest level of professional cycling. The Ineos Grenadiers team used the Powershift Hub during time trials in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, achieving impressive results.
The Classified Gravel Team delivered standout performances this season, including:
- Toby Perry: Silver at the European Championships and victory at the UCI World Gravel Series in Halmstad, Sweden.
- Annabel Fisher: Winner of the British Gravel Championships.
- Piotr Havik: Fourth place in the prestigious Unbound Gravel Race and victory at Lords of Tierra de Campos.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Team Manager Nick Sannen expressed his enthusiasm for De Gendt’s arrival: “Thomas brings a wealth of Pro Tour experience that will be a tremendous asset to the team. He’ll share his knowledge with his teammates, while we provide him with the support to excel in gravel racing.”
