Swenson Signs with Specialized to Create Off-Road Super Team

Keegan Swenson just signed a blockbuster three-year deal with Specialized that could transform gravel and mountain bike racing.

Swenson will join a roster at Specialized Off-Road that already includes Sofía Gómez Villafane, Matt Beers, and Annika Langvad.

If that’s not off-road’s first “super team,” nothing is.

Two more riders are also reported to be joining the burgeoning mega-squad. Traka 200 champion Mads Würtz Schmidt is heavily linked to the U.S. outfit.

Swenson’s move to Specialized Off-Road was confirmed Tuesday, but it’s news we all saw coming.

The 31-year-old’s long-time Santa Cruz htSQD team shuttered earlier this month, and he has strong ties with Specialized athletes. This year, he married “gravel queen” Villafane and raced Cape Epic with Beers.

Gravel’s super team era begins

Swenson’s streak of victories at the Life Time Grand Prix came to an end in 2025 when he was deposed by Cam Jones.

But Utah’s all-terrain star remained one of, if not the, most successful male off-road racer of the era.

His huge palmarès is topped by three Life Time Grand Prix series titles, five victories and the course record at the Leadville Trail 100, a win at Unbound Gravel, and the UCI XC marathon world title.

Specialized Off-Road will have the ultimate tag-team in 2026 when he plays-off with the South African slayer Beers.

“Keegan Swenson is one of the most respected competitors in not only elite gravel racing, but also marathon MTB. His experience, professionalism, and approach to racing make him an excellent fit for Specialized. Together, we hope to achieve big goals at the highest level,” said Specialized marketing chief Fiona Swartz.

“With this strategic team, innovative product from Specialized and all of our team partners – I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2026,” Swartz said.

Swenson X Specialized makes for the perfect partnership.

The athlete brings the superstar marketability, and the Californian brand brings the resources, tech, and finances to match his potential.

Off-road’s super team era begins in 2026.