Alexey Vermeulen's Grand Prix Season - Bike Setup From Every Race
Photos: Avery Stumm / Collin Crane / Joshua W Strong
Alexey Vermeulen had some amazing performances throughout this year's Life Time Grand Prix series where he finished 2nd overall with two individual wins. Spanning from April through October, the Grand Prix consisted of both mountain bike and gravel events, requiring different bikes and a wide range of setups. Courses varied from fast rolling terrain of Kansas to the steep, high-altitude climbs of Utah and Colorado, which made the preparation and equipment choices critical in staying in contention for the series title. Here's a look at the setup Alexey chose for each race and the reasons behind his decisions.
Often times, our season is defined by equipment failures…what does it take to mitigate mistakes/bad luck and ride the line of risking it to win and finding yourself on the side of the road?
SEA OTTER: 27th Place
Bike: Factor Lando HT (Willie Edition)
Wheels: ENVE M525
Tires: Kenda Rush 2.4
Gearing: Shimano XTR 36 – 10/51
Special notes: Make sure your bottles don’t pop out…
What would I change and why? I should have been on a full suspension. The changes to the course made it quite rough on a HT and I used a lot of energy just holding onto the bike.
"After finishing 2nd overall in the Lifetime Grand Prix in 2022, I was hoping to make an impact on the first race of the series this year. Unfortunately, sometimes it is not your day. From the gun I felt complacent and lacked the legs needed to factor into the race. The season is long, but sometimes getting over a bad race can be really tough. That was the focus after Sea Otter this year; learn and move forward."
UNBOUND: 12th place
Bike: ENVE MOG (Blue Print Edition)
Wheels: ENVE SES 4.5
Tires: Kenda Prototype 40mm
Gearing: Shimano GRX 50/34 – 11/34
Special notes: Always check for mud...
What would I change and why? Should have run more pressure. Chose to put a bit less knowing the warming temperature would make it optimal by the end of the day but should have leaned on the safer and rougher ride.
"Unbound was mediocre. I had very little to complain about, but never quite felt like I was in control either. With a race as long as Unbound sometimes finishing is a success…Although I went in wanted much much more, in some ways 12th was a reminder to just keep pushing."
CRUSHER IN THE TUSHAR: 9th Place
Bike: ENVE MOG (Blue Print Edition)
Wheels: ENVE G23
Tires: Kenda Prototype 40mm
Gearing: Shimano GRX 50/34 – 11/34
Special notes: Suffered.
What would I change and why? Look at running dropper.
"Crusher in the Tushar continues to elude me. This race on paper seems like it would fit me very well, but somehow, I am never truly feeling myself at the beginning of July. The LTGP can be quite a balancing act and for the past two years we have always decided to take a break before Tushar to be as ready as possible for the end of the season. Maybe 2024 is my year?"
LEADVILLE: 2nd Place
Bike: Factor Lando HT
Wheels: ENVE M5
Tires: Kenda Rush 2.4 TR
Gearing: Shimano XTR 36 – 10/51
Special notes: First Race with Silca Ti derallieur hanger – WOW.
What would I change and why? Not much. Chose to race without a power meter and I was happy with the bike!
"Well, that was unexpected. 2nd place at Leadville and back in the fight for the overall. As we entered the bottom of Columbine, (the longest climb of the day that goes up to 12,500 ft)...I went with Keegan to convince myself I was good enough, and that I was ready to fight all the way home. From the beginning I felt a bit off, but focused on eating, drinking and riding my bike well. As we got closer and closer to the finish line and I realized I was going to be racing for a podium spot!"
CHEQUAMEGON 40: 1st Place
Bike: Factor Lando HT
Wheels: ENVE M5
Tires: Kenda Rush 2.4 TR
Gearing: Shimano XTR 36T – 10/45
Special notes: Don’t get boxed in
What would I change and why? Nothing
"Officially back in the fight for the overall LTGP podium! At the beginning of the year I said I wanted to win a LTGP race, I hoped, like everyone to win Unbound or Leadville...but Chequamegon feels fitting, it feels like home! As we started Chequamegon, I made a goal to never be out of position, even if that meant I was spending a bit extra energy at times. As we came into the final 3 miles this tactic had paid off as I found myself in prime position as we started the sprint. With 150m to go I launched my sprint off of Alex Howes’s wheel and managed to get my tire across the line first!"
THE RAD: 1st Place
Bike: ENVE MOG (Blue Print Edition)
Wheels: ENVE SES 4.5
Tires: Kenda 4Titude 42mm
Gearing: Shimano GRX 50/34 – 11/34
Special notes: Set bike up for the final 5 miles of asphalt – made a difference in the sprint.
What would I change and why? I would look at running an ENVE Dropper next year
"Going into the race, my motto was, race the race today, not for the grand prix overall. It is so easy to get caught up in the numbers and catch yourself doing math about who is behind and who is ahead during the event. Everything went right and I had luck on my side as I managed to win my second LTGP event of 2023."
BIG SUGAR: 3rd Place
Bike: ENVE MOG (Blue Print Edition)
Wheels: ENVE G23
Tires: Kenda Prototype 40mm
Gearing: Shimano GRX 50/34 – 11/34
Special notes: The race isn’t over until its over. Should have started the sprint later.
What would I change and why? I would look at running tires with more volume.
"Big Sugar once again set the stage for the final LTGP showdown. I came into the race with a lot of fitness and momentum but felt like I lost everything with 50 miles to go when I flatted quite badly. After some help from Orange Seal and 3 plugs I managed to get on my way again and rode angry. The chase back to the front could arguably be my best ride ever as I managed to get back into contention with less than 5 miles to go and finished 3rd on the day."
