2025 Cyclocross National Championships: Stars, Stripes, and Glory in the Ozarks

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.

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.

1. Christopher Peck (Los Gatos, Calif.; LGBRC p/b Ben Dodge Realtor)
2. David Hildebrand (Ellington, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. 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.

1. Paul Richard (Amesbury, Mass.; CCNS)
2. Victor Sheldon (Vista, Calif.; Specialized/Hammer/Baghouse)
3. 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.

1. Harry Hamilton (Verona, N.J.; PROthirteen Cycling Coaching)
2. Barry Makarewicz (Salt Lake City, Utah; Kuhl Cycling Team)
3. 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

1. David Rustico (Plantsville, Conn.; ERRACE.org/Competitive Edge Racing/Tavros Cycling/Velo Legitimo)
2. David Goodwin (Sunderland, Mass.; Northampton Cycling Club)
3. Frank Jennings (Edgartown, Mass.; Spin Arts Cycling / American Lung Association Cycling Team)

Men’s 75-79

1. Fred Wittwer (Nellysford, Va.; Blue Wheel Off Road Team)
2. George Pawle (Salem, Mass.; Cyclonauts Racers)
3. Arthur Allen (Boulder, Colo.)

Men’s 80-84

1. Whitney Fanning (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix)
2. John Wallace (Montreal, Wis.; Ordinary Cyclists Racing)

Men’s 90-94

1. 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.

Women’s 55-59

1. Colette Sexton (Lambertville, N.J.; PROthirteen Cycling Coaching)
2. Julie Robertson Zivin (Seattle, Wash.; PNW Colavita Factor)
3. Heidi Curtes (Hubertus, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team)

Women’s 60-64

1. Elizabeth Sheldon (Washington, D.C.; CXD Trek Bikes)
2. Denise Watson (Victor, N.Y.; Minuteman|Empire Automation p/b Full Moon Vista)
3. Kim Chance (Dallas; Bikemart / Matrix Cycling Team)

Women’s 65-69

1. Deirdre Garvey (Boulder, Colo.; Old School Industries)
2. Laura Howat (Salt Lake City, Utah; KUHL Cycling Team)
3. Lisa Fitzgerald (Salt Lake City, Utah; KUHL Cycling Team)

Women’s 70-74

1. Kim Bear (Santa Fe, N.M.; Spokettes)
2. Karen Purtill (Narragansett, R.I.; Stedmans Racing)

Women’s 75-79

1. 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.

1. Mai Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; SoCalCross)
2. Michelle Hawkins (Milwaukee, Wis.; Gelbbrucke – Spirit of Sport)

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.

1. Cypress Gorry (Pisgah, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching)
2. Nate Morse (Greenville, S.C.; Lima One Capital)
3. 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.

1. Michael Larson (Bloomington, Ind.; Dash Racing p/b Westfield Cyclesports)
2. Terol Pursell (Lafayette, Colo.; Donovan Racing/PB: AES)
3. 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.

1. Issac Neff (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service)
2. Ryan Popple (Pittsburgh, Penn.; Cycle-Smart)
3. 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

1. Lizzy Gunsalus (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian University)
2. Makena Kellerman (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
3. Nicole Bradbury (Brevard, N.C.; Brevard College)

Club Women

1. Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; Purdue University)
2. Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; University of Maryland College Park)
3. 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

1. Leif Bryan (Boulder, Colo.; UVM Cycling)
2. Calvin Conaway (Indianapolis, Ind.; Indiana University Bloomington)
3. Gavin Lopez (Englewood, Colo.; University of Colorado Boulder)

Varsity Men

1. Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
2. Brody McDonald (Escondido, Calif.; Milligan University)
3. Henry Coote (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)

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.

1. Olive Benitez (Glenwood, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)
2. Raven Kemp-Hudson (Williams Bay, Wis.; Molly Maid-Byron Health and Healing)
3. Naomi Harcum (Parkton, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)

Junior Men 11-12

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.

1. Cooper Wells (Durango, Colo.; Club TWL)
2. Jack O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. 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

1. David Boryczewski (Weatogue, Conn.; CCap Farmington Valley Youth Cycling)
2. Rory Dolbec (Newfield, Maine; Deer Farm CX)
3. Nate Haislip (Ellicott City, Md.; Baltimore Youth Cycling)

Junior 10 & Under Women

1. Shiloh Bower (Cranberry Twp, Penn.; Stinkbug Naturals)
2. Norah Cox (Freeland, Md.; BYC Lil’ Sisters Posse)
3. Celina Barton (Durango, Colo.; DDR)

Non-Championship Mixed Team Relay

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.

1. Booger Boyz
2. Texas Devo\SACX
3. 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

1. Marian University
2. Colorado Mesa University
3. Brevard College

Club Team Relay

1. University of Vermont Cycling
2. Purdue University
3. University of Colorado Boulder

Varsity Team Omnium

1. Colorado Mesa University
2. Marian University
3. Brevard College

Club Team Omnium

1. University of Vermont Cycling
2. University of Colorado Boulder
3. 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.

1. Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster/Easton)
2. Jen Malik (Carroll, Ohio; Team Winston Salem)
3. 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.

1. Kerry Werner (Vinton, Va.; Velo Mafia Racing p/b Bikeflights)
2. Miles Mattern (Rochester, N.Y.; CXD Trek Bikes)
3. Cypress Gorry (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Rouleur Coaching)

Day Four: Saturday, December 13

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.

1. Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; TRINITY Racing)
2. Jack Spranger (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
3. Ryan Drummond (Moore, Okla.; Competitive Edge Racing)

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.

1. Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing)
2. Kaya Musgrave (Littleton, Colo.; Pure Energy Drink / Haro Bikes by Corego)
3. 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.

1. Kira Mullins (Littleton, Colo.; Bear National Team)
2. Tessa Beebe (Boise, Idaho; BYRDS Cycling)
3. 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.

1. Anna Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Blue Ridge Cross)
2. Abby Cole (East Granby, Conn.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. 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.

1. Lillian Hanna (Rexford, N.Y.; Grey Ghost S.T.A.R.S.)
2. Hannah Dinolfo (Troy, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing)
3. Ellie Minner (Lebanon, Ohio; Lionhearts Junior Racing)

Masters Women 30-44

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

1. Katherine Shields (Salt Lake City; Peak Fasteners)
2. Mei Zhao (Azusa, Calif.; SoCalCross)

Women’s 35-39

1. Carla Williams (Roanoke, Va.; Cardinal Bicycle)
2. Caroline Dezendorf (Truckee, Calif.; Rock Lobster / Easton)
3. Brittany Cowan (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College)

Women’s 40-44

1. Lauren Stephens (Dallas; Next Step p/b Aegis)
2. Erin Feldhausen (Madison, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team)
3. Christin Reuter (Niwot, Colo.; BikeReg | Share Coffee)

Masters Women 45-54

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

1. Hannah Tell (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)
2. Sarah Kaufmann (Salt Lake City, Utah; K Cycling Coaching)
3. Holly Kruchoski (New Berlin, Wis.; Unsponsored Rider, LLC)

Women’s 50-54

1. Kristin Weber (Longmont, Colo.; Lockton Mike’s Bikes)
2. Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas; Impact Racing Team P/b VeloRepublic)
3. 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.

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.

1. Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Competitive Edge Racing)
2. Ivan Sippy (Grand Junction, Colo.; Colorado Mesa University)
3. Brody McDonald (Escondido, Calif.; Milligan University)

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.

1. Lizzy Gunsalus (Ashland, Mass.; CCB p/b Levine Law Group)
2. Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD Trek Bikes)
3. 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.

1. Ethan Brown (Fishers, Ind.; Midwest NXT)
2. Matthew Crabbe (Buford, Ga.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
3. Noah Scholnick (Williamsport, Penn.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)

Masters Men 45-49

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.

1. Daniel Miller (Saint Louis, Mo.; Pastaria Big Shark Racing)
2. Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service)
3. 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.

1. Steven Stefko (Fort Collins, Colo.; Miiflo Cycling Team)
2. Adam Myerson (Boston, Mass.; Cycle-Smart/ShiftGear)
3. 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.

1. Chase O’Donnell (Delmar, N.Y.; Competitive Edge Racing)
2. Quincy Grotenhuis (Lakeville, Minn.; MNJRC)
3. William Lawler (Glenview, Ill.; The Pony Shop)

Junior Men 15-16

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.

1. Severin McCarter (Lawrence, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)
2. Luke Johnson (Waukesha, Wis.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)
3. Paxton Summers (Baltimore, Md.; Finkraft Junior Cycling Team)

Looking Ahead

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.