Alexey Vermeulen x Willie Watts x ENVE

It’s not every day you get to work with an elite athlete who’s as committed to the sport as they are to the next generation. We’re proud to partner with Alexey Vermeulen, a rider who leads with heart and purpose.

With the Life Time Grand Prix introducing a U23 category and ENVE adding two U23 athletes to its roster for 2025, Alexey saw an opportunity to do more. He gave away one of his 2024 MOGs through a custom drawing, raising funds by selling over 650 shirts, stickers, and stem caps — all co-branded with his iconic wiener dog Willie under the Willie Watts x ENVE banner.

His goal? Cover race entry fees for the top five male and female U23 riders — a cost that exceeds $1,000 per athlete for the full series, not including travel and lodging. Most of these young athletes are paying their own way as they fight to break through and make a name for themselves. With the Life Time Grand Prix being the premier off-road racing series in the U.S., featuring events such as Sea Otter Classic, Unbound, Leadville, and Big Sugar, it has become the clearest pathway to professional racing. 

"The creation of the Phase II development project in 2024 with ENVE created ripples and thoughts about how to support the growth of the U23 LTGP athletes. The MOG giveaway created a pathway to support the top 5 male and female athletes in the U23 category. It felt great to surprise the athletes at the end of the year after watching them battle all season, just like the pros." - Alexey Vermeulen

This initiative, part of ENVE’s development project, is about more than gear. It’s about removing barriers and building a stronger future for gravel racing. Alexey is leading that charge on the course and in the community.