Scott expands gravel team: Racing team on gravel - 5 new pros coming in 2026

Swiss bike manufacturer Scott Sports is strengthening its gravel racing team for the upcoming 2026 season with five new athletes. As the company from Givisiez in Switzerland announced, Alexis Skarda (USA), Matthew Wilson (New Zealand), Olivia Hottinger (Switzerland), Sophie Vitzthum (USA) and Nils Correvon (Switzerland) will be competing for the Scott Gravel Team in future. In doing so, the manufacturer aims to expand its presence at the most important gravel races worldwide.

>> Commentary on gravel biking: Fashionable sport on the wrong track. What's wrong with you people?

>> Gravel bike ranking: The best gravel bikes from 2025

>> Simplon Array: New gravel bike for everyday use and adventure with drop or flat bar

The signing of Alexis Skarda is a special coup for Scott. The 36-year-old American has established herself as a top rider in the gravel and mountain bike sector in recent years. With her overall victory at the Swiss Epic 2025, second place at the Cape Epic 2025 and other top placings in prestigious races, she brings valuable experience to the team. Skarda has been particularly impressive in the Life Time Grand Prix, one of the most important racing series in the gravel sector, with consistent top five finishes in recent years.

New Zealand talent with professional ambitions

Matthew Wilson is another international talent joining the team. The 25-year-old New Zealander was able to take part in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix with a wildcard and proved his potential with 13th place and a seventh place at the Sea Otter Gravel. As New Zealand's 2023 cross country champion, Wilson also brings experience from the mountain bike sector. The New Zealander is known for his aggressive riding style.

Young talents and experienced long-distance specialists

Olivia Hottinger and Sophie Vitzthum, two promising riders who have already made a name for themselves on the gravel scene in recent years, are joining the team. The Swiss rider Hottinger is set to compete in the Traka 200, one of the most important gravel events on the calendar, in 2026. Despite her relatively short career in cycling, the US-American Vitzthum has already achieved impressive results, including third place at the UCI Gravel Suisse 2025.

The new Scott Gravel racing team is completed by Swiss rider Nils Correvon, who has more than 20 years of cycling experience, including successful participation in long-distance races and bikepacking adventures.

Focus on international gravel races

With the signing of the five new athletes, Scott is emphasising its ambitions in the growing gravel segment, in addition to its commitment as a supplier to the NSN Cycling World Tour team in road cycling. The riders will represent the company at the most important races of the 2026 season, including the Life Time Grand Prix, the Swiss Epic, the Cape Epic and various UCI gravel events.

Alexis Skarda is regarded as a prominent figurehead and will use her experience to guide and support her younger team colleagues. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together and really enjoying the process," explains Skarda about her move.