Drivechain specialist Classified, developer of the Powershift hub system, has confirmed the creation of its professional gravel racing team: Classified Factory Team fuelled by Foodmaker.
The launch of the professional gravel team follows Victor Campenaerts’ debut of the Powershift Technology at the 2023 Spring Classics. The newly founded team will be participating at popular gravel races, such as Unbound, the UCI Gravel World Series and the UCI Gravel World Championships.
First to join the new team is Piotr Havik. Born in Gouda in the Netherlands, in 1994, Havik turned professional on the road in 2012, riding for multiple teams including Rabobank’s development squad, Team Katusha Alpecin and BEAT Cycling, before switching focus to gravel racing.
Havik had a successful 2022 season – at that time without a pro team – that included multiple podiums at UCI gravel events. He finished 12th at the inaugural Gravel World Championships in 2022.
“I am very excited to embark on this journey with Classified, which allows me to race at the top level,” said Havik. “I fully believe that Powershift Technology will be a game changer in gravel racing.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Classified to help develop the team using the technology for gravel racing. I am confident that this team has all the right partners and ingredients for success.”
Classified CEO Mathias Plouvier said “We are thrilled to be partnering with Piotr for the launch of this team.
“Piotr is an exceptional athlete, and we are excited to support him to achieve his goals. We’re very proud to show what our technology can do at the highest level of gravel racing.”
The addition of Foodmaker as a main partner allows the team to focus on nutrition, with the Foodmaker app tracking performance and fuelling requirements.
Lieven Vanlommel, founder and CEO of Foodmaker, said “After the successful launch of our app and the guidance of the riders of Alpecin-Deceunink, we focus on the emerging gravel scene. Since the start of Foodmaker, we have been working with numerous top athletes. We look forward to achieving great things with this team.”
Working with existing Classified partners Ridley and DT-Swiss, Piotr Havik will be riding the Kanzo Fast, Ridley’s racing gravel bike, equipped with DT-Swiss wheels.
