The World XCM Champion signs with Specialized

Specialized has just secured one of the most significant signings for gravel and long-distance mountain biking, the American Keegan Swenson will compete starting in the 2026 season with the Specialized Off-Road Team, ending his time with Santa Cruz.

Keegan Swenson joins Specialized Off-Road and leaves Santa Cruz ahead of 2026

The American is, as of today, one of the most complete and respected riders in the international off-road scene. A dominant force in competitive gravel and an absolute reference in MTB marathon, Swenson arrives at Specialized as the reigning world champion of XCM and after having won the Leadville 100 for five consecutive editions, a record that speaks for itself regarding his consistency and capability in the most demanding events on the calendar.

From Specialized, they emphasize that his signing perfectly aligns with the philosophy of the off-road program. Fiona Swartz, the global head of sports marketing for the brand, highlights that Swenson's experience and competitive focus are key to the team's objectives: his professionalism and approach to racing make him a strategic asset in continuing to aim for the highest achievements in both gravel and MTB marathon.

For his part, Swenson himself has emphasized the technical component of the project. The rider particularly values Specialized's ability to maximize what are known as “marginal gains,” those details in materials and innovation that, in top-level competition, can make the difference between winning or falling short. A message that hints at the importance that product development will have in this new phase.

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The Specialized Off-Road Team was already one of the most solid structures in the off-road scene, and the arrival of Keegan Swenson raises the bar even higher for a team that includes Sofia Gomez Villafane, who is entering her sixth season with Specialized as a three-time consecutive champion of the Life Time Grand Prix, winner of The Traka 200 in 2025, and double winner of the Cape Epic; Annika Langvad, who returned to the brand after a long hiatus, bringing her status as an MTB icon with six victories in the Cape Epic and multiple world titles; and Matt Beers, another champion of the South African event and one of the top specialists in endurance both in gravel and MTB marathon.

The announcement also confirms that this move will not be the only one. Specialized has already indicated that more additions to the Off-Road team will be announced in the coming months, pointing to an ambitious project for 2026.

With this signing, Specialized secures one of the great references of modern off-road, while Keegan Swenson embarks on a new phase of his career backed by one of the most powerful structures and brands in the industry.