France-based wheel and helmet specialist Mavic has announced a new partnership with the Belgian Powerplus Gravel Team. The team is launched and managed by Thomas De Gendt, who is joined by rider Arnaud Van Den Broeck.
Mavic will support the team for the next two years. According to the accessories specialist, the partnership is built around ‘performance, reliability, and race-proven engineering.’
The collaboration is intended to drive continuous development and real-world testing. Team riders will compete using Mavic Allroad SL Carbon wheels, along with Comete SL Mips and Comete Ultimate II Mips helmets.
Through direct race feedback, the Powerplus Gravel Team will contribute to the refinement of Mavic’s gravel-based technology. This aims to ensure that equipment meets the demands of modern gravel racing.
Thomas De Gendt will also join the Mavic ambassador squad. In this role, he will represent the brand, test new products such as road wheels and helmets, and create content.
Thomas De Gendt, Team Manager and rider at Powerplus Gravel Team said “As Team manager and rider my goal is to have a very competitive bike in the most challenging gravel races.
“The choice for Mavic is based upon performance, professionalism and the possibility to help develop the most competitive gravel wheels. Our ambitions for 2026 are the gravel earth series overall victory, UNBOUND, Traka 360 and some of the UCI world series events.
With Arno Van Den Broeck we have a rider capable of winning events and getting a top 10 in Traka 360 and Unbound. I will be in a supporting role for most of the races and aim to get some top 10 results but most of all have fun, create memories and content for ourselves and sponsors involved.
“Creating a team from zero is not easy and was never possible without the trust and support of sponsors that believe in our project and vision.”
The team’s goals for the 2026 season include an overall victory in the Gravel Earth Series, alongside participation in the Traka 360 and UNBOUND. The squad also plans to compete in several UCI World Series events during the year.
