By Peter Abraham — I’m just back from a fantastic trip to visit the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TDFF) with a bunch of leaders from the global bike industry. We were graciously hosted by Zwift CEO Eric Min, and I’m so glad I made the trip. Our itinerary involved both fun rides from our home base in Aix-les-Bains as well as riding most of the Stage 7 course and the difficult L’Étape event on the complete Stage 8 route, including the infamous (and crazy hard) Col de la Madeleine climb.
Some of the glorious roads through vineyards near Aix-les-Bains, France. Photo by Peter Abraham
Here are the things I learned going to the event and riding in the French Alps:
The ONE THING that we were all talking about for a week after the experience was the huge number of strong women riding in L’Étape. Registration by women was about 2,000–2,500 of the total participation number of 6,000. I have seen this kind diversity at gravel races in the US over the last 6–8 years. But to see it at a road event in Europe is a different thing. I was with a couple dozen bike business executives, and I could see the lightbulbs going on in their heads: “Wow, there’s a huge new market materializing that did not even exist 10 or 12 years ago.” Let’s hope this trend continues onward and upward in different countries around the world. I spent years in the running business, and I watched 5K runs in the United States go from about 30% women to 60% women between the early 90s and 2015 or so. The same thing could happen in cycling.
Riding around Lac du Bourget with Charles and Jarrett. Photo by Peter Abraham
Cycling in the nice parts of Europe (there are many of these) is just better than here in the US. Why? Well two things: 1. The roads are objectively better — fewer cars, smaller, much better bike infrastructure and 2. While you’re riding in Europe you’re immersed in a cultural, historical context that only exists there — ancient villages, churches, another language, regional food. These things make riding in Europe a very special experience. Do not miss the opportunity if you can get over there.
With sisters, friends and great photographers, Dominique and Gretchen Powers at the Stage 7 finish. Photo courtesy Peter Abraham
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is not just “a smaller version of the Tour de France.” The event has quickly taken on a life of its own and has gotten very big, very fast. By “big” I mean huge numbers of spectators, media coverage (over 25 million tv viewers in France alone), sponsorship, and being part of the global sports landscape. One of the things I noticed being on the ground for the race was the number of American content creators and influencers that I met at the race: Dominique Powers, Ayesha McGowan, Gretchen Powers, Marley Blonsky, Dr. Meg Fisher, Danny Awang, Melanie Jarrett, Jeff Clark and others. They’d come to Europe for the women’s Tour and not the men’s. Having been around for the meteoric growth of gravel 2017–2022 or so, I have pattern recognition on this. I can tell when something is hitting the culture hot button and taking off. Put TDFF and women’s bike racing into this category.
Shimano’s Alexa Cunningham on the Col de la Madeleine. Photo courtesy Zwift.
At the same time as the race is taking off, there are some structural problems to fix in pro cycling. First of all, as I’ve written about before, the cycling team sponsorship model is badly broken. The team strategy of “give us a pile of money and we’ll put your logo on our jersey” just does not provide ROI to many sponsors. And I would say the disconnect between current pro cycling sponsors (geopolitical interests, groceries, building materials, banking and oil companies) and the fan base/participants in cycling (educated, affluent, outdoorsy) is less aligned than any other sport. Take a look at sponsors of EPL Soccer, PGA Tour, the New York City Marathon and ATP tennis. Generally there are lots of tech and consumer brand partners with these other sports. While Red Bull does now own/sponsor a men’s team, telecom provider Movistar sponsors a Spanish team and Oatly is a co-sponsor of the EF team, there aren’t many contemporary consumer & technology brands sponsoring cycling. And many teams, even big ones, are struggling to stay afloat. I do believe Zwift’s sponsorship of Tour de France Femmes is a move in the right direction, as I’m a near daily user of that tech-forward consumer brand.
With Zwift co-founder/CEO Eric Min out on a ride with some of our group in France. Photo by Peter Abraham
Prize money for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (Pauline won €50,000 vs Tadej Pogaçar’s €500,000) is currently 90% smaller than the men’s race. While the men’s prize purse, relative to the scale of TdF is already surprisingly small, the women’s purse is downright embarrassing. I can make a case for the women’s purse to be smaller than the men’s (maybe half?), because it’s a shorter event with far fewer sponsors and broadcast deals. But at the current level the skilled female pros in the event look more like indentured servants. Given the undeniable success of the event, let’s hope owner ASO fixes this before next year.
Zwift Director of Women’s Strategy Kate Veronneau. Photo by Peter Abraham
Overall, I give ASO (owner of Tour de France) and CEO Yann Le Moenner and title sponsor Zwift credit for leaning into women’s professional cycling with not only TDFF but also the Paris-Roubaix classic event. I hope they continue to grow these events and build the global fanbase for women’s cycling. As Yann told me one night at dinner, “This event has exceeded all of our expectations.” I could not agree more, and I look forward to going back next year.
At the summit of Col de la Madeleine finishing the really hard L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes event. Photo by Peter AbrahamAt the start of L’Étape event. They look awfully excited to tackle 80 miles and 11,500′ of climbing. Photo courtesy Zwift.eter
by Coach Lora Erickson, BlondeRunner.com — Indoor cycling is a great way to build endurance, power, and efficiency for triathlon cycling. Here are some key training tips to maximize your sessions:
The Blonde Runner Lora Erickson on the indoor trainer. Photo courtesy Lora Erickson
Structure Your Workouts
Endurance Rides (60-120 mins) – Build aerobic base with steady Zone 2 efforts.
Threshold & Tempo (30-60 mins) – Ride at 80-90% FTP to improve sustained power.
VO2 Max Intervals (20-45 mins) – Short, high-intensity intervals (e.g., 5 x 3 mins at 110-120% FTP) to boost power.
Brick Sessions – Follow up a cycling session with a short run (10-20 mins) to simulate race conditions.
Use a Smart Trainer & Apps
Platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Rouvy can keep workouts engaging and race-specific.
ERG mode helps control intensity, while free ride mode improves pacing skills.
Focus on Cadence & Pedaling Efficiency
Aim for 85-95 RPM for optimal efficiency.
Include drills like single-leg pedaling and high-cadence efforts (100+ RPM) to refine technique.
Simulate Race Conditions
Ride in your aero position if you race with aerobars.
Train on hilly routes (virtual) to build strength for undulating courses.
Dial in nutrition (hydration & fueling) as you would in a race.
Incorporate Strength & Mobility Work
Core and leg strength exercises enhance stability and power. Hip mobility and flexibility prevent stiffness from prolonged indoor riding.
Use a foam roller regularly, and/or schedule massages.
Track & Analyze Your Data
Monitor heart rate, power, and cadence for progress tracking.
Use FTP tests every 4-6 weeks to adjust training zones.
By Charles Pekow — Roundabouts can be challenging and sometimes hazardous for cyclists. To improve safety, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has proposed measures aimed at encouraging motorists to yield at both entrances and exits.
Cyclist navigating urban roundabout. Photo believed to be in the Public Domain.
Drivers usually yield when entering a roundabout but are far less likely to do so when exiting—possibly because of limited space for vehicles behind them. However, motorists were more likely to slow or stop when cyclists and pedestrians approached from a median island.
MnDOT recommends exploring traffic-calming strategies such as raised crosswalks, narrower lanes, and adjusted road striping. Where traffic volumes allow, reducing multiple lanes to a single lane at crossings may also help. In certain cases, rapid-flashing beacons at exits, as well as added yield or speed limit signs, can improve safety.
The full findings and recommendations are available in Improving Safety for People Walking and Biking at Roundabouts: https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/202527
From the book of ROSSIN, 14:6: “He that regardeth the KOM, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the KOM, to the Lord he doth not regard it.”
A Bicycle Nativity (with apologies to Leonardo da Vinci).
[Editor’s note: With many, many, many apologies to Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)]
Are you willing to forget what you have done for other riders—like that time you pulled for eighteen miles into a headwind while they discussed bottom bracket standards—and to remember what other riders have done for you, which is mostly draft off you and then attack on the final climb?
To ignore what the cycling industry owes you after you’ve purchased four different groupset generations in six years, each one promising “revolutionary shifting” that feels exactly the same, and to think what you owe the cycling industry, which is apparently your firstborn child, your retirement savings, and that carbon wheelset you’ve been eyeing since Black Friday?
To put your Strava KOMs in the background—all three of them, two of which you got because your GPS glitched—and your so-called recovery rides in the middle distance, where you still averaged 19 mph because you have a problem, and your chances to actually help someone fix their bike in the foreground, even though you’ll probably strip their derailleur hanger trying to true their wheel on Christmas morning instead of opening presents?
To see that your fellow cyclists are just as real as you are, including the guy who shows up to the no-drop ride on a time trial bike and promptly drops everyone, and the person at the Christmas party who thinks SPD cleats work with Look pedals, and the frame builder who lectures everyone about “road feel” while you’re all just trying to drink your cortado and eggnog in peace, and try to look behind their Oakleys to their hearts, hungry for joy and KOMs and maybe some holiday goodwill?
To own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of cycling—which is a sore ass, an empty wallet, and the knowledge that teenagers on e-bikes can pass you—but what you are going to give to cycling, which is endless opinions about tire width that nobody asked for, especially not at Christmas dinner when your family just wants to know why you’re wearing bib shorts under your dress pants?
To close your book of complaints against the universe for making you slow, gravity for existing, wind for always being a headwind no matter which direction you ride, and the sadistic route planner who puts the steepest hill at mile 47, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness, like maybe just shutting up about your FTP for five minutes during Christmas brunch?
Are you willing to do these things even for a day—say, December 25th, when the shop is closed and you can’t buy another set of titanium bottle cage bolts? Then you can keep Racing Season.
Are you willing to stoop down and consider the needs and the desires of the new rider on the hybrid with platform pedals who received it as a Christmas gift; to remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old and can no longer hold your wheel on climbs they once dominated, and who now sit at home on Christmas while you’re out doing “just a quick spin”?
To stop asking how much your riding buddies love you—whether they waited at the top, whether they soft-pedaled when you were struggling, whether they got you anything for the gift exchange or just regifted those gross energy chews—and ask yourself whether you love them enough to stop talking about that one time in 2019 when you actually won the town line sprint, which you bring up every Boxing Day ride without fail?
To bear in mind the things that other riders have to bear—like listening to you complain about your new saddle for six weeks straight through the entire holiday season—and to try to understand what those who ride in the same group with you really want, which is probably for you to stop explaining why their bike setup is wrong and yours is correct, despite the fact that you’re slower than all of them, without waiting for them to tell you, because they’ve been hinting since the Secret Santa ride?
To trim your Lezyne so that it will give more light and less of that annoying flash pattern that blinds everyone during the dark winter rides, like some kind of anti-Christmas star, and to carry it angled down so that your shadow of self-righteousness will fall behind you; to make a grave for your ugly thoughts about the guy who bought the same frame as you but in a nicer colorway with his Christmas bonus, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open, so everyone can see you’re definitely not jealous even though you asked Santa for that exact paint scheme?
Are you willing to do these things even for a day—perhaps the day we celebrate peace on earth and goodwill toward men, though apparently not toward the cyclist who bought the last pair of Assos bibs in your size? Then you can keep Racing Season.
Are you willing to believe that post-ride beer is the strongest thing in the world—stronger than pre-ride espresso, stronger than whatever is in those gel packets, stronger than the self-loathing that comes from checking Strava after a bad ride, stronger even than your mother’s disappointment when you skip Christmas dinner to get in “just one more ride before the year ends”?
And that sacrifice is as beautiful as power, which is why you’re definitely doing tempo and not just going easy, and that service is as blessed as suffering, even though suffering is literally the entire point of this stupid sport, and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem two thousand years ago—and in Belgium whenever Eddy Merckx was born, which might as well be a religious holiday—is the image and brightness of the Eternal Ride?
Then you can keep Racing Season.
And if you keep it for a day, why not always? Why not make every ride a celebration of the cycling nativity, when the first rider received the first bike and said “yes, I will suffer for this”?
But you can never keep it alone. Because cycling is a team sport where everyone hates each other but also can’t live without the group ride drama, much like Christmas dinner with your family, except with more Lycra and fewer cardigans.
And even then, you probably won’t, because you just saw someone take your KOM on Christmas Eve and now you have to go do intervals in the freezing rain to get it back, muttering about e-bikes and suspicious power files the entire way, while your family waits for you to help decorate the tree.
But sure, peace on earth, goodwill toward Freds, whatever.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night ride.
Now where’s my bidon? And has anyone seen the wrapping paper? I need to wrap this new cassette.
About the artist: I’m an artist based in North Yorkshire, England. I have a fascination with movement and colour. My themes tend to be focus on people which includes dance, horse racing and cycling. I also love to get out into the countryside and paint landscapes. I have lived in many places and each has an influence on my work. This can be from colours to seasons. Travel is also a big part of my life so exploring new clotures also reflects on how I work. I have painted most stages of the Tour de France for the last 10 years and you will see how my style has developed. I think one of the great things with my work I just put the year and stage and race so you can look up who is in the image and what happened on that day. E.g. TDF 25 stage 21
From Paris with Love. Watercolor and Ink on Paper by Garth Bayley
Title of piece: From Paris With Love
About the piece: Paris is such a stunning backdrop to the Tour de France. This was a new addition after the success of the Olympics with the iconic building of the Sacre Coeur as a fitting back drop to the cyclists. Despite not winning the final stage, Tadej Pogačar secured his fourth Tour de France title overall. A radical departure from tradition: Montmartre climbed three times in the closing laps rendered the final stage far more tactical and competitive than usual —especially in rain-slicked cobbles.
Medium and size: pen ink and watercolour. 24w x 32h cm.
Artist’s statement: My artwork is all-out capturing a moment in time. I love to keep them full of movement and energy. I think by leaving out a lot of details I achieve a feeling rather than total representation.
Where can people find or buy your art: My work is available through my website where I can be contacted for special commissions too.
Two roads diverged in a solstice wood,
And sorry I could not ride them both,
Being one cyclist, long I stood,
Unclipped, astride my steel-framed truth,
Watching my breath rise pale and slow
Against the dusk the sun let go.
The Roads of Winter Solstice (After Robert Frost). Image created by ChatGPT after a very long and deteiled description.
Whose woods these are, I think I know—
His house is warm beyond the hill;
He will not see me lingering so
Where frozen lake and timber spill
Their silence outward, blue and deep,
While longest shadows stretch and keep.
The roads lay empty, hushed, unnamed,
Their crowns of ice caught dying light;
Each looked as fair, each looked the same,
Each promising a longer night.
One bent toward trees and darkened glass,
Where wind combed snow like brittle grass;
The other climbed, just as austere,
Its ruts held fast in silver glaze.
My tires whispered: choose with care,
My cleats replied with small delays.
A cable ticked, a shifting sound,
As if the bike itself weighed ground.
So here I stood, no shelter near,
Between the woods, the lake, the sky,
On solstice dusk, the darkest year
Keeps folded in a single sigh.
The cold laid claim to spoke and frame,
Yet asked no hurry, cast no blame.
I took the road that asked me more—
Not braver, better, only still,
Where fewer tracks had gone before
And patience counted more than will.
The snow lay smooth, unscarred, complete,
No rubber cracked its quiet sheet.
I rode, and felt the miles accrue
Like thoughts one does not rush to end,
Each breath a vow the body knew,
Each turn a lesson time would send.
The woods were lovely, dark, and deep,
And full of things a soul must keep.
Yet wonder is no place to stay
When winter tightens every seam;
The light is brief, the road is long,
And motion is the truest dream.
I pedaled on through falling flake,
The hush no effort needs to make.
Somewhere, ages and ages hence,
I’ll tell this ride with quiet cheer:
How choice arrived without pretense
On one cold night of shortest year;
How going on, not turning back,
Made peace with doubt and left no track.
For roads are made of more than snow,
And miles of more than measured ground;
We ride to learn what hearts can know
By moving through what holds us bound.
And still I ride, through dark and sleep—
I have such winter miles to keep,
And far to go before I sleep,
And far to go before I sleep.
By Charles Pekow — A recent study warns that cyclists face greater danger in low-income neighborhoods than in wealthier ones, calling on planners and policymakers to prioritize safety improvements in poorer communities.
Stock photo. Pubic Domain.
The study, “Examining Bicyclist Safety Inequities across Neighborhoods of Different Income Levels in Florida,”published in the Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research, analyzed six years of Florida data from the 2010s. Researchers found that mixed land use, a high concentration of signalized intersections, and large elderly populations correlated with higher rates of bicycle crashes—particularly crashes resulting in serious injury or death. The authors identified “inequities in transportation planning” as a key factor, noting that low-income neighborhoods typically lack sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crossing infrastructure.
Residents of lower-income communities rely more heavily on bicycles for daily transportation and often ride on busy roads with higher traffic risks. By contrast, wealthier riders more frequently cycle for recreation on off-street paths and trails, away from motor vehicles.
The study suggests that upgrading traffic signals and improving bus stop signage in low-income neighborhoods could reduce crash risk. Researchers also found that stop signs more effectively improved bicyclist safety in higher-income areas, underscoring how the same interventions can produce different outcomes depending on neighborhood context.
By Charles Pekow — Does going to school before sunrise discourage bicycling to class? Apparently not, according to a study from the University of Minnesota. Researchers examined how children traveled to elementary school in February—when Minnesota mornings are not only bitterly cold but also dark due to late sunrises and early start times.
A parent survey revealed that darkness wasn’t a major concern. Instead, factors that more often discouraged biking to school included distance, a lack of bike routes, and the need to cross busy roads.
In fact, when school started earlier, students were actually more likely to bike or walk to class, according to both survey responses and StreetLight data. The study does note, however, that it was conducted during a milder-than-normal winter.
Complete Coverage of the 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (December 10–14, 2025) — Centennial Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas once again served as the proving ground for America’s cyclocross elite as the 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships p/b The Meteor unfolded over five action-packed days. From Wednesday’s opening masters races through Sunday’s marquee elite events, athletes across all age categories battled technical terrain, high winds, and frigid temperatures to claim the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey. The week produced dramatic finishes, breakthrough performances, and the crowning of champions who will carry the red, white, and blue into the coming season.
Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Day One: Wednesday, December 10
The championship week kicked off under challenging conditions as high winds and dry terrain greeted the opening fields. Thirteen national titles were decided on a technical course that quickly separated contenders from pretenders.
Masters Men 55-59
Twenty-nine riders toed the line for the Masters Men 55-59 showdown, and the racing was fast and furious from the gun. By the conclusion of the opening lap, the field had splintered, with a lead group of five emerging from the chaos. Christopher Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; LGBRC p/b Ben Dodge Realtor) and David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing) pushed the pace relentlessly, gradually building a small advantage over the hard-chasing group behind. The duo rode together until the final lap, when Peck found the extra gear needed to create a decisive 13-second gap. Hildebrand secured silver, while Matt Davies (Boulder, Colo.; Donovan Racing) powered through for bronze.
Christopher Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; LGBRC p/b Ben Dodge Realtor)
David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
Matt Davies (Boulder, Colo.; Donovan Racing)
Masters Men 60-64
The largest field of the day assembled for the Men’s 60-64 contest. Paul Richard (Amesbury, Mass.; CCNS) proved the class of the field, securing a commanding victory 35 seconds ahead of Victor Sheldon (Vista, Calif.; Specialized/Hammer/Baghouse). Ralf Warmuth (Piscataway, N.J.) completed the podium with a solid third-place ride.
Paul Richard (Amesbury, Mass.; CCNS)
Victor Sheldon (Vista, Calif.; Specialized/Hammer/Baghouse)
Ralf Warmuth (Piscataway, N.J.)
Masters Men 65-69
Harry Hamilton (Madison, N.J.; PROthirteen Cycling Coaching) successfully defended his national title in the Men’s 65-69 race. Barry Makarewicz (Salt Lake City, Utah; Kuhl Cycling Team) finished 26 seconds back to claim the silver medal, while Curtis Southern (Frederick, Md.; National Capital Velo Club) matched his performance from the previous year to secure bronze.
Harry Hamilton (Verona, N.J.; PROthirteen Cycling Coaching)
Barry Makarewicz (Salt Lake City, Utah; Kuhl Cycling Team)
Curtis Southern (Columbia, S.C.; National Capital Velo Club)
Masters Men 70+
Thirty-nine athletes competed across the Masters Men 70+ categories, with one of the oldest competitors being an inspiring 92 years old. David Rustico (Plantsville, Conn.; ERRACE.org/Competitive Edge Racing/Tavros Cycling/Velo Legitimo), racing in a new age category after aging up this year, delivered an impressive performance to win the Men’s 70-74 title. Fred Wittwer (Nellysford, Va.; Blue Wheel Off Road Team) claimed the Men’s 75-79 crown, Whitney Fanning (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix) took the Men’s 80-84 championship, and Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix) added another Stars and Stripes jersey to his growing collection with victory in the Men’s 90-94 category.
Men’s 70-74
David Rustico (Plantsville, Conn.; ERRACE.org/Competitive Edge Racing/Tavros Cycling/Velo Legitimo)
David Goodwin (Sunderland, Mass.; Northampton Cycling Club)
Frank Jennings (Edgartown, Mass.; Spin Arts Cycling / American Lung Association Cycling Team)
Men’s 75-79
Fred Wittwer (Nellysford, Va.; Blue Wheel Off Road Team)
George Pawle (Salem, Mass.; Cyclonauts Racers)
Arthur Allen (Boulder, Colo.)
Men’s 80-84
Whitney Fanning (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix)
John Wallace (Montreal, Wis.; Ordinary Cyclists Racing)
Men’s 90-94
Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix)
Masters Women 55+
Five separate categories started in the Masters Women 55+ wave. Colette Sexton (Lambertville, N.J.; PROthirteen Cycling Coaching) established the pace early in the 55-59 race and never relinquished control, eventually winning by 28 seconds over Julie Robertson Zivin (Seattle, Wash.; PNW Colavita Factor). Heidi Curtes (Hubertus, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team) completed the lead lap to take third. Elizabeth Sheldon (Washington, D.C.; CXD Trek Bikes) claimed the 60-64 title after completing five laps. Deirdre Garvey (Boulder, Colo.; Old School Industries) secured the 65-69 championship, Kim Bear (Santa Fe, N.M.; Spokettes) won the Women’s 70-74 title, and Martha Iverson (Durango, Colo.; DNA Cycling Masters), the oldest racer in the women’s categories, rode to victory in the 75-79 class.
Martha Iverson (Durango, Colo.; DNA Cycling Masters)
Non-Binary
The non-binary race began one minute after the final wave of the Women’s 55+ event. Mai Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; SoCalCross) secured the victory with a finishing time of 47:01. Michelle Hawkins (Milwaukee, Wis.; Gelbbrucke – Spirit of Sport) earned second place.
Mai Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; SoCalCross)
Michelle Hawkins (Milwaukee, Wis.; Gelbbrucke – Spirit of Sport)
Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Day Two: Thursday, December 11
Thursday’s racing featured the remaining masters men categories and the individual collegiate events. The wind had settled, though temperatures remained low. After a full day of competition, the course was ridden in and ready for a new wave of talent.
Masters Men 30-34
The opening race of day two featured 41 minutes of intense competition in the Masters Men 30-34 category. After a hard-fought battle, Cypress Gorry (Pisgah, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching) emerged victorious to earn the first title of the day. Nate Morse (Greenville, S.C.; Lima One Capital) finished 19 seconds back in second, with Vance Fletcher (Des Moines, Iowa; Eastown Racing) completing the podium.
Cypress Gorry (Pisgah, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching)
Nate Morse (Greenville, S.C.; Lima One Capital)
Vance Fletcher (Des Moines, Iowa; Eastown Racing)
Masters Men 35-39
Twenty athletes lined up ready to battle for the Stars and Stripes in the Masters Men 35-39. Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports) and Terol Pursell (Lafayette, Colo.; Donovan Racing/PB: AES) raced wheel-to-wheel for the entire contest until drama struck on the final lap when Pursell became entangled in course tape. Larson crossed the finish line solo to successfully defend his national title. Garrick Valverde (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation) rounded out the podium in third.
Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports)
Garrick Valverde (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)
Masters Men 40-44
The final masters race of the day saw twenty athletes competing for the national title. The pace was blistering, with some sub-seven-minute laps recorded. Issac Neff (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service) ultimately claimed victory with a winning time of 41:29. Ryan Popple (Pittsburgh, Penn.; Cycle-Smart) earned silver, while Luke Principe (Rochester, N.Y.; Minuteman|Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista) secured bronze.
Issac Neff (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service)
Ryan Popple (Pittsburgh, Penn.; Cycle-Smart)
Luke Principe (Rochester, N.Y.; Minuteman|Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista)
Collegiate Women
One of the largest fields of the day assembled for the collegiate women’s races, with over 50 athletes across varsity and club categories. In the varsity race, Lizzy Gunsalus (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University) delivered a fantastic ride in the final race of her collegiate career, securing gold by a mere eight seconds. Makena Kellerman (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University) earned silver, and Nicole Bradbury (Brevard, N.C.; Brevard College) rounded out the podium. On the club side, sisters Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; Purdue University) and Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; University of Maryland College Park) rode off the front and never looked back. In a two-up sprint, Alyssa crossed the line first to take the win, with Katherine claiming second. Elsa Westenfelder (Missoula, Mont.; University of Denver) completed the podium with a strong third-place performance.
Varsity Women
Lizzy Gunsalus (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University)
Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; Purdue University)
Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; University of Maryland College Park)
Elsa Westenfelder (Missoula, Mont.; University of Denver)
Collegiate Men
The final two races of day two featured the Collegiate Varsity and Club Men, who delivered extremely fast lap times. In the club race, Leif Bryan (Boulder, Colo.; University of Vermont) set the pace early, posting multiple sub-seven-minute laps. After completing eight laps, he rode in to claim the national title. Calvin Conaway (Indianapolis, Ind.; Indiana University Bloomington) secured silver, with Gavin Lopez (Englewood, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder) taking bronze. The varsity race saw 61 riders line up for their 50-minute contest at Centennial Park. Spectators witnessed some of the fastest lap times of the day, with sub-six-and-a-half-minute circuits. Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University), Brody McDonald (Escondido, Calif.; Milligan University), and Henry Coote (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University) opened an early gap, matching each other’s attacks lap after lap. With four laps remaining, Coote overcooked a turn and lost contact with the leaders. On the following lap, Sippy gained a significant advantage and rode in solo to claim the national title. McDonald hung on for second, with Coote recovering to round out the podium.
Club Men
Leif Bryan (Boulder, Colo.; UVM Cycling)
Calvin Conaway (Indianapolis, Ind.; Indiana University Bloomington)
Gavin Lopez (Englewood, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder)
Varsity Men
Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
Henry Coote (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Day Three: Friday, December 12
Racing continued on Friday with the wind dying down significantly, creating optimal conditions for the junior, singlespeed, and collegiate team events.
Junior Women 11-12
The Junior Women 11-12 lined up to kick off day three with their 30-minute race. The action was fast from the start, with two riders gaining an early lead and staying together for the entirety of the contest. Olive Benitez (Glenwood, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling) and Raven Kemp-Hudson (Williams Bay, Wis.; Molly Maid-Byron Health and Healing) built over a minute’s advantage on the field. In a thrilling two-up sprint to the line, both riders were neck and neck, but Benitez crossed first to earn the Stars and Stripes.
Thirty-two riders lined up for the Junior Men’s 11-12 race, including defending champion Cooper Wells (Durango, Colo.; Club TWL). The junior men were flying, posting multiple sub-six-minute laps. Wells and Jack O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing) stayed together for most of the race until the closing stages, when Wells rode away to establish an advantage of over 40 seconds. Owen Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Durango Devo) rounded out the podium.
Cooper Wells (Durango, Colo.; Club TWL)
Jack O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing)
Owen Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Durango Devo)
Junior 10 & Under Championship Race
With the return of the championship designation for the 10-and-under riders, athletes were eager to battle for the chance to win a national title. The men and women raced in separate waves. On the men’s side, David Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn.; CCap Farmington Valley Youth Cycling) secured gold with a time of 18:09. On the women’s side, Shiloh Bower (Cranberry Twp, Penn.; Stinkbug Naturals) set the standard to win the national title.
Junior 10 & Under Men
David Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn.; CCap Farmington Valley Youth Cycling)
Rory Dolbec (Newfield, Maine; Deer Farm CX)
Nate Haislip (Ellicott City, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)
Nineteen teams lined up for the Non-Championship Mixed Team Relay. Booger Boyz beat out the competition, earning gold by a margin of one minute. Texas Devo\SACX secured silver, and Colorado Crushers rounded out the podium.
Booger Boyz
Texas Devo\SACX
Colorado Crushers
Collegiate Team Relay
Following Thursday’s individual races, collegiate riders returned focused and ready to compete in the team relay. In one of the most exciting events of the weekend, the top schools in the country battled for the Collegiate Overall Team Omnium. Entering the Varsity Team Relay, Colorado Mesa University led the standings after winning the team rankings in both the men’s and women’s individual races. The racing was action-packed, and after an all-out battle, the team of Gunsalus, Aspholm, Mattern, and Scott delivered the victory for Marian University. Colorado Mesa University took silver, with Brevard College capturing bronze. In the club category, the University of Colorado Boulder entered the event with the lead, but the University of Vermont still had the title within reach. The team relay would decide it all. The team of Gares, Sandoval, Coleman, and Cusack proved to be the strongest, riding the University of Vermont to victory. Purdue University rode a smooth race to finish second, and the University of Colorado Boulder took third.
Varsity Team Relay
Marian University
Colorado Mesa University
Brevard College
Club Team Relay
University of Vermont Cycling
Purdue University
University of Colorado Boulder
Varsity Team Omnium
Colorado Mesa University
Marian University
Brevard College
Club Team Omnium
University of Vermont Cycling
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
Singlespeed Women
Eight women lined up for 40 minutes of singlespeed racing. Taking an early lead, Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster/Easton) and Jen Malik (Carroll, Ohio; Team Winston Salem) settled at the front to set the pace. They eventually rode away to take the battle to the line. Dezendorf crossed first, with Malik finishing seconds behind in second. Brittany Cowan (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College) finished third.
Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster/Easton)
Jen Malik (Carroll, Ohio; Team Winston Salem)
Brittany Cowan (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)
Singlespeed Men
The 48-rider men’s field assembled to close out the day’s schedule. Defending champion Kerry (aka Kenny) Werner (Vinton, Va.; Velo Mafia Racing p/b Bikeflights) was the race favorite as the group lined up for their 40 minutes on course. Early in the race, Werner, Miles Mattern (Rochester, N.Y.; CXD Trek Bikes), Cypress Gorry (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching), and Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports) established the lead group. Midway through, Werner attacked hard, putting Gorry and Larson into difficulty, with Mattern the only rider able to follow. With two laps to go, the leaders eased just enough for Gorry to bridge back. On the final lap, Werner made his decisive move on the stairs and rode in solo to claim another singlespeed national title. Mattern secured silver, with Gorry earning bronze.
Kerry Werner (Vinton, Va.; Velo Mafia Racing p/b Bikeflights)
The penultimate day of competition featured the Masters Women 30-54, Junior Women 17-18, and the Men’s and Women’s Under-23 events. Riders faced a chilly start to the morning, with temperatures increasing for the afternoon races.
Under-23 Men
The largest field of the day saw 63 starters focus their energy on the 50-minute race. A chaotic opening lap and a crash at the back of the group split the field early, with the high pace doing further damage. Ryan Drummond (Moore, Okla.; Competitive Edge Racing), Jack Spranger (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University), and defending champion Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; TRINITY Racing) opened an early gap, with Aidan Vollmuth (Mendham, N.J.; Donovan Racing) bridging across moments later. On lap two, Coote launched a hard attack and Spranger followed. Coote maintained the pressure and rode away from the rest of the leaders, looking smooth and in complete control. He established a sizeable gap and, even after a few mistakes, still crossed the line first to successfully defend his national title. “The race went really well,” Coote said afterward. “I was able to make my way through the group and really focus on being steady throughout the whole race. I made a bit of a mistake, but I was able to come back and take the win today, which is super exciting.” Spranger held on for silver, while Drummond secured bronze.
Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; TRINITY Racing)
Jack Spranger (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
Ryan Drummond (Moore, Okla.; Competitive Edge Racing)
Makena Kellerman wins the U23 Women’s USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship. Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Under-23 Women
One of the most exciting races of the day saw 25 Under-23 Women line up ready for battle. Kaya Musgrave (Littleton, Colo.; Pure Energy Drink / Haro Bikes by Corego) went straight to the front to set the pace. About halfway through the opening lap, an elite group of seven began to take shape, but Musgrave wanted more separation and attacked after the stair section. Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing) responded immediately, with current Pan-American Champion Mia Aseltine (Littleton, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing) on her wheel. The pair shut down the gap by the start of lap two, forming a lead trio. Kellerman took control at the front and drove the pace but couldn’t shake Musgrave or Aseltine. With two laps to go, attacks started flying. A late mistake by Aseltine on an off-camber turn opened the door for a two-rider sprint between Musgrave and Kellerman. Kellerman surged on the finishing straight to claim the Women’s Under-23 national title. “I’m pretty excited,” Kellerman said. “This is my first cyclocross national jersey and I’m honestly just so thankful and grateful I have this opportunity to be here racing against these other super-fast U23 cyclocross girls. This is my first year with Steve Tilford Foundation and I couldn’t be more thankful for the team that Raylynn [Nuss] has given me and the environment to do this in.” Aseltine rolled in to round out the podium.
Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing)
Kaya Musgrave (Littleton, Colo.; Pure Energy Drink / Haro Bikes by Corego)
Mia Aseltine (Littleton, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing)
Junior Women 17-18
Twenty-seven riders toed the line for a shot at the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey. Ada Watson (Carrboro, N.C.; CXD Trek Bikes) took the holeshot and set the pace from the start, putting Kira Mullins (Littleton, Colo.; Bear National Team), Nicole Clamann (Chapel Hill, N.C.; Blue Ridge Cross), and Tessa Beebe (Boise, Idaho; BYRDS Cycling) on the defensive. By lap two, Watson had opened a 10-second gap on the chase group. Clamann lost contact, leaving Mullins and Beebe to work together to close the gap. Watson settled into a steady rhythm, conserving energy through the toughest sections, but the early effort began to catch up with her. The pair made the catch heading into the final lap, then pushed on and dropped Watson. Mullins went clear and rode solo to the win and the national title. “It was a super fun race, and super hard,” said Mullins. “I stuck with Tessa for the first three laps and then noticed I was gaining on Ada [Watson]. I kind of just sent it past her and hammered home from there and managed to win it all.” Beebe secured second, and an exhausted Watson fought to the line for third.
Kira Mullins (Littleton, Colo.; Bear National Team)
Tessa Beebe (Boise, Idaho; BYRDS Cycling)
Ada Watson (Carrboro, N.C.; CXD Trek Bikes)
Junior Women 15-16
The field was stacked for the Junior Women’s 15-16 race. After the first lap, the big hitters—Lilliana O’Donnell (Comp Edge Racing), Abby Cole (East Granby, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing), Elena Svenstrup (Tiverton, R.I.; AP-CCB Junior development), and sisters Leah Morozowich and Anna Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Blue Ridge Cross)—set the pace at the front. O’Donnell, who was looking to improve on last year’s second-place finish, had an unfortunate fumble and lost contact with the lead group along with Leah. At the finish, Anna outsprinted Cole for the national title. Svenstrup rolled in seven seconds back to round out the podium.
Anna Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Blue Ridge Cross)
Elena Svenstrup (Tiverton, R.I.; AP-CCB Junior development)
Junior Women 13-14
Twenty-five Junior Women 13-14 lined up for their 30-minute race, and the field stretched out quickly as riders powered off the line. On lap two, Lillian Hanna (Rexford, N.Y.; Grey Ghost S.T.A.R.S.) made her move from a group of four, opened a gap, and held it to the line to claim the national title. Behind her, Ellie Minner (Lebanon, Ohio; Lionhearts Junior Racing) and Hannah Dinolfo (Troy, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing) battled for the remaining podium spots. Dinolfo won the sprint for second by less than a wheel.
Lillian Hanna (Rexford, N.Y.; Grey Ghost S.T.A.R.S.)
Three separate masters categories started in the Masters Women 30-44 wave. In the Women’s 35-39, Women’s Singlespeed National Champion Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster / Easton) and Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; Cardinal Bicycle) led the opening lap. Williams proved stronger on the day, gaining time on Dezendorf each lap to win the Stars and Stripes. Dezendorf earned silver, while Brittany Cowan (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College) added a second bronze medal to her collection this week. In the Women’s 40-44, Erin Feldhausen (Madison, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team), Christin Reuter (Niwot, Colo.; BikeReg | Share Coffee), and Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; Next Step p/b Aegis) marked each other throughout the race. On lap three, Stephens attacked and split the lead group before riding solo to the national title. Feldhausen held on for second, with Reuter taking third. Returning National Champion Katherine Shields (Salt Lake City, Utah; Peak Fasteners) rode well to claim the Women’s 30-34 National Title.
Women’s 30-34
Katherine Shields (Salt Lake City; Peak Fasteners)
Mei Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; SoCalCross)
Women’s 35-39
Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; Cardinal Bicycle)
Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster / Easton)
Brittany Cowan (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)
Hannah Tell (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation) took the early lead in the Women’s 45-49 race and never looked back. She rode solo for the entirety of the race, earning the Stars and Stripes jersey. Sarah Kaufmann (Salt Lake City; K Cycling Coaching) put up a strong fight to keep Tell in eyeshot but could not complete the catch, finishing second. Holly Kruchoski (New Berlin, Wis.; Unsponsored Rider, LLC) came in for third, only two seconds behind Kaufman. In the Women’s 50-54, returning champion Kristin Weber (Longmont, Colo.; Lockton Mike’s Bikes) and Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas; Impact Racing Team P/b VeloRepublic) were locked together from the start, marking every attack. The battle came down to the final moments when Weber gained a slight advantage and held it to the finish, retaining the national title. Evie Edwards (Asheville, N.C.; B.B. Barns Femmes) rode consistently to secure third.
Women’s 45-49
Hannah Tell (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)
Sarah Kaufmann (Salt Lake City, Utah; K Cycling Coaching)
Holly Kruchoski (New Berlin, Wis.; Unsponsored Rider, LLC)
Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas; Impact Racing Team P/b VeloRepublic)
Evie Edwards (Asheville, N.C.; B.B. Barns Femmes)
Day Five: Sunday, December 14
The 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships concluded on Sunday with the final junior and masters races in the morning and the marquee elite events in the afternoon. Temperatures dropped overnight into the single digits, freezing the ground and adding yet another dimension to the technical challenge.
Eric Brunner wins the Elite Men’s USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship. Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Elite Men
With defending champion Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes) opting to stay in Europe, the elite race was wide open. The 28-rider field featured top names including former National Champion Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing), Men’s Collegiate Varsity winner Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University), three-time National Champion Todd Wells (Durango, Colo.; TWL), and Kerry Werner (Vinton, Va.; Velo Mafia Racing p/b Bikeflights), who announced this would be his final race. Racing was aggressive from the green light, with Dylan Zakrajsek (Grand Junction, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing) taking the holeshot. Race favorite Brunner had a rough start but quickly found the front halfway through the opening lap and attacked. Sippy and Brody McDonald (Escondido, Calif.; Milligan University) kept Brunner within eyeshot for a couple of laps, with Werner a few seconds behind the chasing collegiate duo. Brunner was untouchable, however, and rode solo to the finish to reclaim the national title. “It felt great on the course today,” Brunner said afterward. “My goal was to go out fast and was able to get up to the front quickly. I just wanted to scare everybody from the beginning, and I was able to do it!” Sippy and McDonald traded moves in the fight for second before Sippy attacked heading into the final lap and held on for silver. McDonald rounded out the podium.
Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing)
Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
Lizzy Gunsalus wins the Elite Women’s USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship. Photo by SnowyMountain Photography
Elite Women
After taking a win at Pan Ams earlier in the year and in the Collegiate Varsity race on Thursday, Lizzy Gunsalus (Ashland, Mass.; CCB p/b Levine Law Group) was one of the favorites going into the elite race. From the start, Gunsalus set the pace with Lauren Zoerner (Chapel Hill, N.C.; Competitive Edge Racing) following close behind. Zoerner, Cassidy Hickey (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University), and Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes) tested Gunsalus with several early attacks. Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes) bridged up to form a lead group of five. The lead changed hands several times over the first half of the race as every rider in the group was hungry for the win. The repeated attacks proved too much for Zoerner, who dropped from the lead group with three laps to go. As the laps ticked down, the four leaders remained glued together, and the race was still wide open. Gunsalus put the pressure on going into the final lap and opened a sizeable gap. The Sarkisov sisters worked hard to bring Gunsalus back, but they ran out of room. Gunsalus held on to claim her first elite Stars and Stripes Jersey. “It’s unreal, I did three races this week and won three national titles,” said Gunsalus. “It is my first elite national title, and I couldn’t be happier!” Katherine Sarkisov claimed silver, only a bike length behind, with her sister Alyssa riding in for third.
Lizzy Gunsalus (Ashland, Mass.; CCB p/b Levine Law Group)
Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
Junior Men 17-18
A competitive group of 46 riders toed the line ready to put the power down for 40 minutes. Ethan Brown (Fishers, Ind.; Midwest NXT) was aggressive from the start, attacking on the stairs during the opening lap and splitting the group. Pan American Champion Noah Scholnick (Williamsport, Penn.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team), Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team), and Jacob Hines (Cantonsville, Md.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team) matched the pace. Scholnick responded to another surge from Brown and countered quickly to open a gap. Crabbe and Hines both had fumbles that cost them ground. During lap three, Scholnick had a slow run transition on an uphill, which allowed Brown to move back into the lead. Another mistake by Scholnick at the barriers gave Brown the advantage he needed to establish a comfortable gap and ride solo to the finish to win the national title. Crabbe rode a consistent race and caught and passed his teammate Scholnick to secure second. Scholnick held on for third.
Ethan Brown (Fishers, Ind.; Midwest NXT)
Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
Thirty riders lined up in frigid temperatures for 45 minutes of racing. Daniel Miller (Saint Louis, Mo.; Pastaria Big Shark Racing) powered to the front on the first lap and quickly opened a 10-second advantage. Reigning champion Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service) drove the chase, but Miller rode a nearly flawless race and continued to build his gap each lap. Miller rode in to claim the first national title of the day. Stelljes limited his losses and finished 36 seconds back in second. Nick Van Winkle (Atlanta, Ga.; The Paceline Project p/b LC Food) fought to the line to round out the podium.
Daniel Miller (Saint Louis, Mo.; Pastaria Big Shark Racing)
Nick Van Winkle (Atlanta, Ga.; The Paceline Project p/b LC Food)
Masters Men 50-54
Forty-six riders lined up for one of the most competitive masters classes of the weekend. A lead group of eight formed quickly. By the third lap, five riders were still pushing at the front: Eneas Freyre (Redding, Conn.; TTEndurance), Adam Myerson (Boston, Mass.; Cycle-Smart/ShiftGear), Tim Strelecki (Geneva, Ill.; PSIMET Racing), Justin Robinson (Santa Cruz, Calif.; Santa Cruz Free Agent), and Steven Stefko (Fort Collins, Colo.; Miiflo Cycling Team). By the final lap, the group was still holding strong, ready to battle at the line. Stefko was able to escape from the group and hit the pavement with the advantage, winning by seven seconds. The sprint decided the remaining medals. Reigning national champion Myerson crossed the line to score silver, with Freyre taking bronze.
Steven Stefko (Fort Collins, Colo.; Miiflo Cycling Team)
Adam Myerson (Boston, Mass.; Cycle-Smart/ShiftGear)
Eneas Freyre (Redding, Conn.; TTEndurance)
Junior Men 13-14
With 53 riders on the start line, the junior men’s field got underway for 30 minutes of racing. Chase O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing) went straight to the front and never looked back, claiming the national title by 39 seconds. Behind him, the battle turned to the remaining podium spots. Quincy Grotenhuis (Lakeville, Minn.; MNJRC) and William Lawler (Glenview, Ill.; The Pony Shop) raced for second, with Grotenhuis edging ahead to secure silver. Lawler stayed steady to claim bronze.
One of the largest fields of the week—68 riders—lined up with their eyes on gold. When the light turned green, Paxton Summers (Baltimore, Md.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team) snagged the holeshot, leading it out for his team. Severin McCarter (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation) took an early lead, but Luke Johnson (Waukesha, Wis.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team) was on the chase, working to close the gap, with Summers not far behind. McCarter proved too strong and soloed in for the win. Teammates Johnson and Summers followed 16 and 30 seconds back, respectively, to take silver and bronze.
Severin McCarter (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)
Luke Johnson (Waukesha, Wis.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
The 2025 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships p/b The Meteor delivered five days of spectacular racing, dramatic finishes, and memorable performances across all age categories. From the inspiring 92-year-old competitor in the Masters Men 70+ to the dominant triple victory by Lizzy Gunsalus, the event showcased the depth and passion of American cyclocross. Fayetteville will once again host Cyclocross Nationals in 2026, promising another chapter of Stars, Stripes, and glory in the Ozarks.
BOISE, Idaho (December 14, 2025) — Mark your calendars: May 30–31, 2026, the Treasure Valley Omnium hits the roads for a two-day, three-stage racing spectacle. Time Trial, Criterium, and Road Race—each stage counts toward the overall Omnium GC, and Idaho State Champion titles will be awarded in each race. Only riders who qualify as Idaho residents are eligible for the state championships, though all competitors can race for the overall Omnium honors.
The weekend opens Saturday at Swan Falls with a windswept time trial that rewards raw power and precision. Later, the criterium at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian offers a fast, punchy course perfect for spectators and sprint finishes. Sunday’s road race near Emmett takes riders along rolling orchard roads where tactics and endurance come to the forefront.
Expect strong fields from across the Pacific Northwest—Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, and beyond—but the spotlight will shine brightest on Idaho’s own, racing for state titles. With Omnium GC points on the line, there’s plenty to keep the action intense from start to finish.
Event Details
Dates: May 30–31, 2026
Stages:
Time Trial: Swan Falls Road (Saturday)
Criterium: Rocky Mountain High School, Meridian (Saturday)
Road Race: Gem Orchards, Emmett (Sunday)
Championships: Idaho State Champion titles awarded in each stage to top-placing Idaho riders
Omnium GC: Combined points across all stages; open to all participants
With scenic courses, challenging terrain, and a weekend full of competitive racing, the Treasure Valley Omnium is quickly becoming a must-ride event for cyclists across the region. Full details, schedules, and volunteer information can be found at treasurevalleyomnium.com.
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2026 Trek-branded Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 and Checkpoint+ SL 7 electric bicycles. The bicycles come in various colors and sizes. The word “TREK” is located on the downtube of the frame on the bicycle, and the model’s name is printed on the top tube.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact an authorized Trek dealer to schedule a free repair at the dealer location. The dealer will tighten the chainring bolts to the correct specification. Trek will provide consumers who participate in the recall with a $20 in-store credit toward Trek, Electra, or Bontrager merchandise. The credit is valid through December 31, 2026.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of the bicycle chainring coming loose on the recalled bikes. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Independent bicycle retailers and Trek authorized retailers nationwide and online from July 2025 through September 2025 for between $5,000 and $8,000.
Importer(s): Trek Bicycle Corporation, of Waterloo, Wisconsin
In October, Alvin Escajeda of Team CNCPT tackled the grueling Trans Pyrénees Race, an ultra-distance challenge that pushes riders to their physical and mental limits. The route spans the Pyrénees paved and unpaved sectors, forcing competitors to navigate some of the most demanding terrain in Europe.
The new film Afuera follows Escajeda as he battles through the highs and lows of the event, capturing the emotional and physical extremes of ultra-distance racing.
Escajeda spent 7 days, 22 hours and 42 minutes traversing the Pyrénees, confronting both literal and metaphorical peaks and valleys. The Trans Pyrénees Race sends riders from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean and back again in a fully self-supported format, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers and roughly 40,000 meters of climbing.
He raced the fifth edition aboard a Cervélo Áspero-5 equipped with a custom dynamo-powered set of Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels, Goodyear Vector R XPLR 40 mm tires, and a Red XPLR AXS & Eagle XX SL Transmission drivetrain.
Afuera documents Escajeda’s full journey through the mountains—an unflinching look at what it takes to endure one of cycling’s toughest ultra-distance events.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 9, 2025) — Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) awarded $398,000 in grants through its 2025 Trail Grants program, supporting 40 community organizations and public agencies working to close gaps and expand connectivity across the nation’s growing trail networks.
RTC has distributed more than $3.7 million in trail grants since 2008, helping communities address missing links in their systems and accelerate projects that often fall outside traditional funding streams. This year’s awards back initiatives in rural, suburban and urban areas, focusing on expanding access, improving mobility, boosting local economies and introducing more young people and families to outdoor recreation.
“RTC’s Trail Grants remind us of the visceral impact that trails deliver in communities of all sizes,” said Liz Thorstensen, RTC’s vice president of trail development. She said this year’s projects underscore how trail infrastructure strengthens both physical and social connections at a time when many communities feel increasingly disconnected.
Thorstensen noted that more than 150 trail networks are currently in development nationwide. While the need for funding remains vast, she said RTC’s grants often serve as catalytic investments, helping groups secure additional public and private support and speeding progress on the ground.
This year’s grant recipients include:
Laramie County, Wyoming, which will advance the Clear Creek Pathway, a key link in the Greater Cheyenne region’s emerging trail network.
Harrison County, Ohio, where funding will support planning and design for the Bowerston–Dennison Rail Trail, a future connector between communities in Harrison and Tuscarawas counties.
Riviana Trails Foundation Trailblazers in Virginia, which will use its grant for youth workforce development and deferred maintenance on local parks and trails.
Groundworks Jacksonville, which will expand community engagement around the Emerald Trail, a network expected to connect more than 14 neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida.
Special Olympics programs nationwide, which will receive support for on-trail programming that promotes physical activity and community independence.
“Every mile of trail, every new program, every story of a family discovering the outdoors adds up,” Thorstensen said. “That’s what we’re celebrating today.”
RTC’s Trail Grants program has provided more than 450 grants to over 280 organizations since 2008, investing in community-driven projects that expand access to trails and strengthen the nation’s outdoor infrastructure.
