14 things you didn’t know about Mads Würtz Schmidt, currently the best gravel racer in the World

Mads Würtz Schmidt has established himself as the preeminent gravel racer in the world during the 2026 season, boasting an almost flawless record. The Danish rider, who is the reigning European Champion, has triumphed in every race he has entered except for the Castellon Gravel Race, where he finished a close second. His dominance has been particularly evident in the sport’s marquee events, including commanding victories at the Traka 360 and Unbound 200, cementing his status at the pinnacle of gravel racing. Born and raised in Randers, Denmark, Würtz Schmidt’s background is steeped in cycling culture, influenced heavily by his family and his father’s semi-professional mountain biking career. Despite his German-sounding surname, which reportedly traces back to German potato farmers in Midtjylland, he has no direct connection to Germany. His Danish roots are reflected in his culinary preferences, favouring traditional dishes such as smørrebrød with fried white fish and remoulade, and his personal life is anchored in Girona, Spain, where he has lived since 2016 with his family. Würtz Schmidt’s personality shines through in his distinctive hairstyles, natural blond hair, and quirky superstitions, such as his insistence on even numbers and specific rituals around salt at the dining table. His favourite races reveal a fondness for challenging terrain, with Paris-Roubaix standing out on the road and the Traka race in Girona as his preferred gravel event. His linguistic skills include conversational Spanish and fluent English, complementing his Danish mother tongue. Among his career highlights, the 2021 Danish National Road Championship holds a special place for Würtz Schmidt, surpassing even the prestige of a Paris-Roubaix win in his estimation. His dedication to precision and routine extends to his nutrition and training habits, exemplified by an incident during a power outage when he refused to eat due to an inability to log his food intake accurately. This blend of discipline and character offers insight into the mindset behind his gravel racing success. Beyond his athletic achievements, Würtz Schmidt’s story is peppered with intriguing personal details, such as his love for Lego’s Batmobile set and the amusing coincidence that his hometown also produced Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest, whom he has never met. These facets contribute to a fuller picture of the man who currently dominates the gravel racing scene, combining talent, dedication, and a distinctive personality.