Valais native Simon Pellaud had a busy winter: now operating as a “privateer,” he manages his career from A to Z — sponsors, race calendar, bike development — all while keeping his ambitions as high as ever on the Gravel circuit. Caught between two flights, he took the time to answer our questions and explain how he plans to keep juggling disciplines without ever losing sight of his goals. He also confirmed that he will be on the start line of the Raid Evolénard on June 21st for his first participation in the Swiss MTB Marathon Championship, with the ambition of making life difficult for the top riders on the long climbs that will prove decisive in the battle for the white cross jersey…
After three seasons with the Tudor Pro Cycling team, you have just announced the end of that adventure, even though you had just completed one of your best seasons. How was that decision made?
The decision came naturally. I received interest from a major cycling brand that had always appealed to me, and they offered me the chance to manage my own project and create my own company. I didn’t hesitate.
Following this announcement, you revealed your plan to continue competing within your own structure, with the support of prestigious partners such as Cervelo and Assos. Can you tell us more about this new setup?
I am now a privateer — I manage everything from A to Z: my brands, my image, my race calendar, my preparation… there is a lot to do, but it has always been one of my career dreams. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass. On top of that, I am involved in the development of new bikes — I have a hand in everything!
What are the main advantages this independence offers you? And does this change mean the end of your road racing career, or will we see you in that discipline again in 2026?
It doesn’t fundamentally change much. My calendar will remain more or less the same, with the LifeTime Grand Prix as my main season objective… while still remaining a “road rider” and using some road races to arrive at peak form for Gravel.
In 2025, you finished second in the Lifetime Grand Prix, the most competitive off-road biking series in the United States, while also winning numerous gravel races around the world. What are your ambitions for the coming season?
I have big ambitions — I will once again target the same events as last year while making minimal changes to my calendar to discover some new events. The level in Gravel keeps rising year after year, so I need to hurry up and grab 1 or 2 big wins before it’s too late!
You started with mountain biking before moving to road racing, then to gravel. At the Lifetime Grand Prix, you proved you are just as comfortable in gravel as in MTB. How do you experience this versatility across disciplines? And when facing a champion like Keegan Swenson, whom you regularly compete alongside, what are your strengths and where do you still have room to improve?
I love switching from one discipline to another — it’s great and it allows me to break the routine! Keegan is an exceptional champion. I don’t feel I am at his level yet, but I work hard to get there, and he is certainly a tough example to match head-to-head. I hope to keep improving technically to close the gap with the best.
The last time a former road champion took part in the Swiss MTB Marathon Championship at the Raid Evolénard, he left with the title… Is the Raid Evolénard, with its long climbs and relatively technical descents, a race that could suit you? What are your goals for June 21st in Evolène?
I can see who you’re referring to! I don’t know exactly what to expect from this race, but being able to race at home is in any case a huge advantage.