'If I have too big a gap from road, I lose a bit' – Tiffany Cromwell keeping the gravel balance going in 2026, with eyes on Australian title defence and home World Championships

Tiffany Cromwell, the seasoned Australian road professional, has articulated her strategic balance between road and gravel racing for the 2026 season. While her focus remains squarely on the Classics during the early part of the year, Cromwell confirmed that key off-road objectives will take precedence later in the calendar. This dual-discipline approach is particularly geared towards defending her Australian gravel title and targeting the home World Championships, underscoring her commitment to both terrains.

This calculated approach highlights a growing trend among experienced road professionals who are increasingly integrating gravel into their competitive schedules. Cromwell, with her long history of dabbling in off-road disciplines, isn't merely chasing prize money; she’s leveraging her road fitness for gravel success while maintaining a presence in the Women's WorldTour. Her comments about losing 'a bit' if the gap from the road is too large underscore the delicate balance required, a challenge many multi-discipline riders now face in an ever-specializing sport.

Cromwell's pragmatic scheduling confirms that for many, gravel isn't just an off-season lark anymore; it's a legitimate, high-priority target, deftly woven into a professional road career.