World Champion. Cape Epic legend. Doctor of Dentistry. Annika Langvad has never fit the mold —because she’s spent her entire career breaking it.

Born in Silkeborg, Denmark, Annika discovered mountain biking during her university years while studying to become a dentist. It didn’t take long before she was dominating the European XC scene, winning her first Marathon World Championship in 2011. Over the next decade, she would go on to win five World Championships, five Cape Epic titles, and become one of the most decorated and respected riders in off-road history.

Annika joined the Specialized Factory Racing team in 2014, becoming a cornerstone of both the brand and the sport. After stepping away from full-time racing in 2020 to focus on her dental career and life at home in Denmark, Annika made a celebrated return in 2024—this time, turning her precision, power, and race IQ to the gravel world. Her comeback has been nothing short of extraordinary, including a dominant win at the 2025 Cape Epic alongside Sofía Gómez Villafañe and a triumphant ride at Traka 200.

Now racing with the Specialized Off-Road team, Annika brings unmatched experience and poise to the squad, continuing to push boundaries in a new discipline while inspiring the next generation of racers.

DOB: March 22, 1984 | Nationality: Denmark | Team: Specialized Off‑Road | Follow: @annika.langvad

Achievements:

• 6X UCI MTB World Champion (XCM & XCO)

• ⁠6X Cape Epic Winner (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2025)

• 2015 Leadville Champion and still Record Holder

• ⁠2016 Rio Olympian – 11th Place (XCO)

• ⁠2017: UCI XCO World Cup Overall Runner-Up

• 2019: Strade Bianche - 2nd place

• 2019: Fleche Wallone - 3rd place

• ⁠2020: Retired from World Cup XC Racing

• ⁠2023: Return to competition in gravel racing

• 2025: Traka 200k 3rd place