GRAVEL / CRIT
Favorite Tailwind Product: Dauwaltermelon with Lime Endurance Fuel
IG Handle: @maurice_ballerstedt
Maurice is a decorated cyclist with a background in professional road racing in Europe. After years competing at the highest level and fulfilling his dream of becoming a pro cyclist, he realized the rigid domestique role wasn’t for him. Seeking a fresh challenge and a new adventure, Maurice made the bold decision to leave the European road circuit and move to the U.S., where he will aim to make his mark in the fast-growing gravel and crit racing scene.
Originally from Germany, Maurice moved to Seattle with his fiance, where he’s embracing the energy and opportunities of American racing. His 2025 season is packed with ambitious goals, including Tulsa Tough, Unbound, and both the European and World Championships in gravel. Known for his explosive power and tactical race sense, he’s looking to make an immediate impact in crits while navigating the endurance demands of gravel racing.Beyond racing, Maurice is a coffee aficionado with a hidden talent as a barista—his go-to drink is a flat white, though he also enjoys an affogato on warm days. He’s also never far from his biggest (and smallest) supporter, Wilbur, his beloved dachshund. With his passion for competition and love for the sport reignited, Maurice is ready to push his limits with Team Tailwind.
Can you give us a bit of history into your cycling career and what inspired you to leave the European road cycling circuit, move to the US and set your sights on gravel and crit racing?
I spent my whole life chasing the dream of becoming a professional cyclist in Europe. After achieving that goal, I realized it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had imagined—it actually felt pretty monotonous. I found myself stuck in a domestique role (support rider), which was never what I wanted.
So, I decided not to take another contract in Europe and instead made the switch to racing in the U.S. My fiancée is originally from the States, which also played a role in my decision. While cycling isn’t as big in the U.S. as it is in Europe, the gravel and crit scene is growing rapidly, creating huge opportunities for solo athletes. With that, my main objectives are winning races and having fun in the process.
What has been the easiest and toughest part about moving to the states?
It’s pretty hard to say, haha. Seattle is actually quite similar to Berlin, where I lived before. Honestly, the toughest part has been getting the equipment I need for racing. My bike sponsor is based in Germany, and it’s been a real challenge to get everything shipped to the States.
Other than that, the transition has been pretty smooth. I love the people, the country itself, and the food.
What are your top goals for 2025?
My main goals are Tulsa Tough, Unbound, and the European and World Championships in gravel. Balancing crits and gravel will be challenging since the race formats are so different—gravel races are really long, while crits are much shorter. Gravel will be a learning experience, but in crits, I want to start winning immediately.
Why Team Tailwind? What excites most about joining the team?
I love the products and the people. I'm super excited to join such an ambitious team and push myself to the limit this season.
You mentioned to us before that you have a hidden talent as a barista, what is your favorite drink to make?
I like all kinds of coffee. My daily go-to is a flat white, and in the summer, I really enjoy affogatos.
Speaking of drinks, we have to talk about your favorite Tailwind flavors:
I like all flavors across the board, so it's hard to pick a favorite. For daily training, I usually prefer the Neutral (naked) Endurance Fuel. I didn’t expect it, but it tastes great!
We have to know, how did you and Wilbur find each other?
When my 2024 season started, my girlfriend and I decided we wanted a dog. My parents knew some people who breed dachshunds and had just gotten puppies. They brought him over the same day.