My American Bet: The 2025 Race Calendar
All in for year three; it's kinda make or break.
Why America? It’s a question I’ve been asked a lot lately. With almost four months spent in the US and Canada racing in 2025, my race calendar is undeniably ambitious.
My name is Joe Laverick. I’m a 24-year-old bike racer from Grimsby, England and have spent the last four years living in Girona, Spain. I’m a roadie at heart, but I’m currently racing both road and gravel in the ‘privateer’ model - effectively finding my partners and choosing my race calendar. Whether I’m better known for my racing or writing that’s for you to decide.
I’m in year three of privateering, and if I’m being honest, this is the year it has to work. Results must come, both on and off the bike.
The Calendar
There are fewer race days, fewer travel days, and more time at home. Those three things are all valuable lessons that I’ve learned in the last two years. Less is more. Don’t overstretch yourself.
I’ve intentionally left large gaps in my schedule. I originally planned a three-week US block in August, but after reviewing my budget and the mental strain of preparing for another stint, I decided to recalibrate.
Every race day I do is deliberate. They’re split into four categories: races I want to win, races I enjoy, races a sponsor has asked me to go to, or races that a big result could change my life.
If at least one of those factors wasn’t hit, I scrapped it from my calendar. Why go to a race if you don’t 100% want to be there and have no major upside?
I’m most excited for Redlands. I’m still a roadie at heart, and I love California. Equally, the challenge of altitude at Crusher in the Tushar excites me. I’m most disappointed that I’m not racing GasTown GP, a crit in Downtown Vancouver.
There are two challenges planned. Both are slightly audacious, and I’m not sure if they’ll ever see the light of day.
The Bet
It is both financial and, in a way, psychological. I’m in year three of privateering, and it’s the year that it has to work out. If the results aren’t coming, either on or off the bike, then it’s time to recalibrate.
Racing a US calendar doesn’t come cheap. I’ve budgeted $12.5k alone just for travel and accommodation despite having seven weeks of free host housing out in the US. It’s a huge financial gamble, but the rewards could be worth it. If I stayed in Europe or raced less, I’d make more by spending less.
Then there are days away. I’ll spend about 110 days between the US and Canada during the race season (Feb-October). That’s a lot of time away from home.
But the US is where it’s at when it comes to opportunity in the privateer model. It’s bigger events, bigger budgets, and a greater understanding of the whole sports marketing arena.
My bet is that by performing in races over here and also writing about the stories (maybe some video too), I can turn privateering into a viable career choice.
Make sense?
I’m Not a Gravel Pro
I’m not a gravel pro, it’s funny when people call me that. Yes, a majority of my racing is on dirt this year, but let’s be honest: I’m a roadie who races gravel. Also, my bank account disagrees that I’m pro.
My dream calendar? An even split between stage racing, time-trialling and gravel. If I could race each of those as an independent and still make the same ‘impact’, then I would. Equally, both logistically and physiologically, doing all three is a big ask.
The thing is - speaking honestly - European gravel doesn’t excite me. I’ve done the Euro road thing to a high enough level that my pulse doesn’t race at the thought of the European UCI races. If I race in Europe, I want to race in the big league races, and the big leagues there are on the road.
I recently interviewed Payson McElveen, and he put into words what I’d been thinking but hadn’t been able to articulate:
“If gravel is going to reach its full potential, then it needs to differentiate from what already exists in cycling. If it’s trying to be a different version of the road, then it will just be a second division road racing.”
That was my ‘aha’ moment; he’d inadvertently put my feelings into words.
So, why America?
The racing suits me better over in the States, the adventure is bigger, and well - there are more interesting stories for me to tell as well. I have a feeling that if I was to stay in Europe, then I’d just be another ex-roadie. At least I’m an ex-roadie with an accent out in the States!
All In.
Risk is inherently tied to uncertainty and potential reward. It lives in the middle ground between what you can and cannot control. On one hand, it could lead to bigger opportunities, financial rewards, and a unique position in the sport. On the other hand, it might not work out. Maybe I’ll have to recalibrate—not just my calendar or sponsorship model but also how I approach my career in the sport.
This bet isn’t just about racing. It’s about taking control of my path, learning to adapt, and finding out what’s possible when I throw myself fully into the unknown. The privateer model is risky, but that’s the point.
I’m chasing something bigger than just results. Whether this year works out or not, I know one thing for sure: it’s going to be one hell of a ride. And that’s exactly what I signed up for.
While you’re here…
I’ve added a paid subscription and a ‘Buy Me A Coffee’ link to this post. As the year progresses, I’m planning on building this blog and putting out articles which I’ve always wanted to write but for whatever reason, haven’t wanted to pitch. Your contributions allow me to do that.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/joelaverick
The following brands are racing partners of mine which allow me to do cool stuff.
Best article yet Joe, wishing you sweet breakthrough year vibes
Exciting!