In a groundbreaking move that reflects the evolving landscape of off-road cycling, Shimano has partnered with Canyon and DT Swiss to launch the Canyon × DT Swiss All-Terrain Racing (ATR) team, affectionately known as “The Wildcards.” This innovative squad comprises 13 riders from five nations, each bringing a wealth of experience from disciplines such as gravel racing, ultra-endurance events, cyclocross, and marathon mountain biking. (endurance.biz)
The ATR team’s philosophy is rooted in versatility, embracing a “discipline-free” approach to racing. Rather than specializing in a single category, the team focuses on adaptability, competing across various terrains and distances. This strategy mirrors the modern trend in cycling, where athletes like Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse have demonstrated the benefits of a multi-discipline calendar. (media-centre.canyon.com)
The team is managed by Vincent Durand, formerly of the BULLS Racing Team, and features notable riders such as Carolin Schiff, the 2024 Unbound Gravel winner; Alex McCormack, the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race winner; and Bradyn Lange, the US Gravel National Champion. The roster also includes Mathijs Loman, the 2025 UCI Gravel World Series overall winner, and Juri Hollmann, a former WorldTour professional returning from a long-term injury. (endurance.biz)
For equipment, the team relies on Canyon Factory Racing bikes, including the Grail CFR for gravel events and the Exceed CFR and Lux World Cup CFR for mountain bike races. These bikes are equipped with Shimano’s premium components, ranging from DURA-ACE and XTR to the gravel-specific GRX groupset, all featuring Di2 electronic shifting. (media-centre.canyon.com)
The ATR team debuted at the Santa Vall event in Girona, securing two top-10 finishes in the Women’s General Classification. Looking ahead, the team is set to compete in major gravel events like The Traka and Unbound Gravel, as well as ultra-endurance races such as the Unbound XL, Traka 560, and the Tour Divide. (endurance.biz)
This collaboration between Shimano, Canyon, and DT Swiss signifies a commitment to innovation and adaptability in the rapidly evolving off-road cycling scene. By supporting a team that embraces versatility and cross-discipline competition, these brands are setting a new standard for the future of the sport.