National Gravel Champ, Brennan Wertz, Joins SCOTT
The 2024 Elite Gravel National Champion, Brennan Wertz, will proudly fly the Stars and Stripes aboard SCOTT bikes in 2025! Known for setting the pace at the front of the biggest gravel races, Brennan has no plans to slow down this season.
We caught up with him as he logged early-season miles on the familiar roads of his hometown, Mill Valley, California. In our conversation, Brennan shared insights on his early success aboard the Addict Gravel, his goals for the 2025 season, and his first impressions of the bike.
SCOTT: Rumor has it you already have one win under your belt on the Addict Gravel RC. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Brennan: Yes, indeed! Just last week, I had my very first race outing on my freshly built Addict Gravel RC at the Huffmaster Hopper. I managed to attack the front group in a large mud pit about 7 km from the finish and soloed in for the win. It’s one of my favorite courses to race each year and always the perfect kickoff to the early season.
SCOTT: That sounds like an incredible way to kick off the season! You seem to be meshing well with the Addict Gravel. What are your first impressions of your new race rig?
Brennan: In short, I’m hooked. I’m always a little wary when I get on a new bike—nervous that I won’t like it, it won’t fit, or something just won’t feel quite right. But from the very first ride on the new Addict Gravel, it felt like an extension of myself, like it was meant to be.
SCOTT: You’ve been a dedicated gravel racer for several years now. What makes gravel racing unique to you compared to other types of racing?
Brennan: I love how multi-dimensional gravel racing is. To be successful, you need a diverse skill set and a high level of attention to detail. Of course, fitness is crucial, but you also need to know how to repair your equipment mid-race and manage an entire season of privateer logistics. It’s complex, it’s fascinating, and I love it.
SCOTT: What drew you to SCOTT as a sponsor?
Brennan:I’ve long admired SCOTT bikes from afar but never had the chance to ride one until recently. Before I became a competitive bike racer, I was a huge XCO fan and loved watching Nino Schurter, Jenny Rissveds, and Kate Courtney dominate the XCO scene over the last decade. That was my first real introduction to pro cycling as a serious fan, and I loved following their stories and successes.
SCOTT: Does being the Gravel National Champion change your approach to racing or the events you choose to enter this year?
Brennan: Over the past two seasons, I’ve spent more time racing in Europe and competing in the UCI Gravel World Series than I will this year. As the U.S. National Gravel Champion, I want to take the opportunity to both figuratively and literally ‘fly the flag’ at the biggest U.S. gravel races. Because of that, I’m focusing on a more domestically centered race program this season.
SCOTT: Your next big race is The Mid South. What about this race appeals to you?
Brennan: Everything. The Mid South is one of my favorite races each year—it's such a fun and eclectic event. For those who aren’t familiar, imagine a music festival, a pro bike race, and a giant family reunion all rolled into one. Then, sprinkle in some glorious Oklahoma red dirt roads, and you have The Mid South. The racing is always fast and tactical, and the course never fails to deliver unique challenges. It’s truly one of a kind.
SCOTT: Any goals for the 2025 season you’d like to share with us?
Brennan: As far as racing goes, my two biggest goals are to win Unbound in the Stars & Stripes jersey and to defend my U.S. National Gravel Champion title.
SCOTT: Any non-racing adventures or goals you have your eye on in 2025?
Brennan: Last summer, I did an insane bikepacking trip across the Swiss Alps—spending about a week logging massive days and riding some of the world's most beautiful alpine road passes. I’d love to go back, raise the stakes a bit, and create an even more epic route. I’ve been scouring maps of ancient gravel roads in the Alps and have some exciting ideas in the works.
SCOTT: Do you have a favorite current or former SCOTT athlete?
Brennan: Definitely Nino Schurter. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been a big fan of his since long before I was actively training or racing on a bike in any meaningful way. He is truly a legend in the sport of cycling and has been a huge inspiration to me. I’m crossing my fingers that maybe now I’ll have the chance to go for a spin with Nino in Switzerland and learn a thing or two about mountain biking from him.
SCOTT: Other than the Addict Gravel, is there a SCOTT bike you’re looking forward to riding?
Brennan: It’s been a few years since I last rode a proper aero road bike, so the SCOTT Foil is one I’m especially eager to get on. I love speed, and my favorite training days are long endurance rides on the road where I can maintain a high average speed for hours. Plus, the Foil I’m getting is purple, and I’m sure it’ll look amazing ripping along my home training roads in NorCal.
SCOTT: Mill Valley, CA, is your home base, correct? What about that area keeps you living and training there?
Brennan: I grew up in Mill Valley, CA, and am fortunate enough to call it home base now as well. The terrain in Northern California is so varied and beautiful that I never get bored of riding here. For me, living somewhere that inspires and motivates me to spend as much time outside training as possible is a huge asset. Living here makes me a better cyclist every day, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
SCOTT: You have a unique setup on your bike. Do you have a shop or mechanic at home who keeps you dialed in?
Brennan: I’ve been working closely with the folks at Above Category in Sausalito, California, for many years now. They’ve been by my side throughout my entire cycling career and have played a massive role in my growth in the sport. I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined from their team and continue to do so every day. I’m also fortunate to have them building and maintaining my fleet of bikes—their attention to detail is truly unparalleled, and the passion inside that shop is second to none.
If you’re ever in Northern California, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Be sure to tell them I sent you!
