The 2026 season is drawing to a close for Arne Janssens, and the 26-year-old has plenty of reasons to be satisfied. With consistently strong performances, he has established himself as a recognised competitor on the European gravel racing scene. At the same time, he has continued to develop and professionalise his independent racing project, both on and off the bike.
This was one of his main ambitions for the season. Rather than making a name for himself through the odd standout result, Janssens wants to be recognised as a rider to watch at Europe’s major gravel races.“My goal wasn’t simply to be part of the field. I wanted to become one of the names that come to mind when people talk about gravel racing in Europe.”
Consistency as the foundation for progress
Janssens entered the season with a clear objective: to deliver consistently strong results and gradually close the gap to the very best. Throughout the year, he competed consistently at the front of the field, proving on several occasions that he can hold his own against Europe’s leading gravel riders.However, results in gravel racing are never entirely predictable. High speeds on loose surfaces, crashes, mechanical failures and punctures can change the outcome of a race in an instant. As an independent rider, Janssens competes without the infrastructure and support of a larger professional team. The experience he gained throughout the season is therefore all the more valuable as he prepares for future races.
With around 25 race days and only a handful of races cut short by technical issues, he can look back on the season with satisfaction. Above all, the consistency of his performances confirms that he is moving in the right direction.
A clear sporting focus on gravel
An important choice made in recent years was further consolidated in 2026: Janssens has now fully committed to gravel racing. Although mountain biking remains part of his training and leisure activities, he no longer experiences the competitive pressure that once defined his involvement in the discipline.Bernd Hugo, Managing Director of KARL HUGO, offered some advice that helped reinforce Janssens' decision to concentrate his efforts: “If you want to achieve something, you have to make a choice and commit to it wholeheartedly.”
For Janssens, that focus has paid off. He now sees a much stronger connection between the effort he puts into training and preparation, and his results in competition. He also approaches races with greater confidence, knowing his strengths and understanding exactly where he can improve.
Professional sport as an independent business
Janssens’ progress over the past season extends well beyond his sporting results. As an independent rider, he is responsible for much of the organisation behind his racing career. This includes training schedules, race planning, travel, equipment, sponsor relationships, communication and social media, all of which are part of his daily responsibilities alongside training and competition.The 26-year-old is determined to take these aspects of his career to the next level. This includes building a consistent personal brand and producing high-quality photos and videos. Looking ahead to next season, he intends to approach content creation more deliberately.
For Janssens, these activities have become an integral part of professional sport. After all, successful long-term partnerships depend on more than sporting achievements alone. Trust, reliability, and shared values are also crucial, especially when the goal is to establish long-lasting relationships.
A partnership that grows over time
KARL HUGO has supported Arne Janssens since 2022. During that time, he has undergone significant changes in his sporting career, moving from professional mountain biking to setting up his own independent racing project, and ultimately specialising in gravel racing.Our partnership has evolved alongside him. There are clear parallels between the professional athlete and our mechanical engineering company, which is based in eastern Belgium. Taking responsibility, continuously striving to improve, and pursuing long-term goals with determination are principles that matter in business just as much as in competitive sport.
For Janssens, it is this shared mindset that makes the partnership particularly valuable: “KARL HUGO doesn’t just support me when I succeed. They’ve been there throughout the entire journey. To me, that’s what a true partnership is all about.”
Taking the next step in 2027
Following a successful season, Janssens is already looking ahead to 2027. One of his main priorities will be to further professionalise the organisation and structures supporting his racing career.His next sporting ambition is equally clear. After a season of consistent results and podium finishes, there is still one achievement he is determined to pursue: “I’m still missing that one big win!”
In 2027, he intends to put everything in place to take that next step: a clear focus on gravel racing, an increasingly professional setup and strong, long-term partnerships.
KARL HUGO will continue to support him on that journey.
