PEARL iZUMi and ENVE Announce the MOG Squad, Supporting the Next-Generation of Gravel Athletes

March 5, 2026

The new 2026 team provides emerging riders with equipment, mentorship, and race support at a pivotal stage in their careers.

Boulder, Colorado (March 5, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – PEARL iZUMi and ENVE Composites today announced a new team of next-generation gravel athletes for the 2026 season. The MOG Squad, named after ENVE’s high-performance carbon gravel bike, was developed to provide emerging gravel riders with top-tier equipment, professional race support, and mentorship from seasoned gravel racers at a pivotal point in their careers. This marks the brands’ first team built around athlete development.

“Gravel has matured quickly, but the talent pipeline hasn’t,” said Gabe Rivera, Sports Marketing Manager at PEARL iZUMi. “There’s a real gap between showing potential and having the structure to race at the highest level. Partnering with ENVE on the MOG Squad is how we help close it — with gear built to disappear under pressure and support that lets athletes focus on performance.”

While the sport of gravel racing is growing, the path to transitioning into a full-time elite rider remains challenging. As participation has surged, a meaningful gap has emerged between grassroots racing and fully supported elite competition. With fewer pathways available to help high-potential athletes transition into elite racers, PEARL iZUMi and ENVE built a program designed to make that transition more attainable.

“Gravel racing has exploded in popularity and become the new proving ground for off road racing. Young riders are moving over from road and mountain biking to the gravel community,” said Matt Shriver, ENVE Sports Marketing Manager. “Every rider I have spoken with mentions the need for support and teammates. It’s a big lift to go to a race on your own and try to compete. We are focused on all the details behind the scenes leading up to the races and creating a performance atmosphere that’s also fun. Together with Pearl iZUMi we have leveled up the support, and I can’t wait to see the riders out on the racecourses.”

2026 MOG Squad Athletes

The MOG Squad is composed of high-performing athletes from across the U.S. and Europe who are dedicated to growing gravel racing and engaging in the cycling community. Each rider brings a unique skill-set and background to the team. The roster includes:

Kash Steele (US)
Wiley Close (US)
Jason Freihofner (US)
Alex Charles (US)
Sofia Waite (US)
Alison Edgar (US)
Alex Roche (EU)
Minke Bakker (EU)

Through the 2026 season, the team will compete in premier gravel events across North America, focusing on performance, progression, and community engagement. The season will kick off at Valley of Tears in Turkey, TX.

By delivering professional level support, the team of emerging gravel athletes will be empowered to focus fully on the race ahead while building meaningful connections in the cycling community.

“Being on this team is such an amazing opportunity. All of the people who came together to build it are doing such an amazing thing for this sport,” said MOG Squad athlete Alex Charles. ‘Without it, it would be so much harder to stay with it. I’m so excited to be a part of inspiring new teams and future generations of cyclists.”

Additional partners include First Endurance, Orange Seal, Shimano, Smith, Stages Cycling and Wolf Tooth.

Contact:

Purple Orange Brand Communications

madison@purpleorangepr.com

About PEARL iZUMi

PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 75 years ago in Japan, when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live today shapes how future generations ride, and is committed to using its business practices, products and community advocacy to create a positive impact through cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in Boulder CO, where it embraces strong influence from the Colorado Front Range.

For more information, visit https://www.pearlizumi.com/

About ENVE

Located in Ogden, Utah, ENVE Composites is a manufacturer of handmade carbon fiber bicycle frames, rims, and components. Partnering with the world’s best athletes, ENVE combines leading composite technologies with real world athlete feedback to provide our customers with the ultimate in performance, durability, and quality.

For more information, visit https://enve.com/

Media Contact

Madison McMicken

Purple Orange Communications

madison@purpleorangepr.com

707.580.9580