The USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships are returning to Charleston, West Virginia, beginning tomorrow and running throughout the week. This prestigious event includes competitions across elite, U23, junior, and para-cycling categories, bringing top talent to the capital city.
Charleston made its debut as the championship venue in 2024 and has quickly become a staple, with USA Cycling confirming it will return for several more years.
Elite competition begins Wednesday, May 21, with the time trial races, continues Friday, May 23, with criterium events, and concludes Monday, May 26, with the much-anticipated road races.
The time trial will be held on Kanawha Boulevard, a 10.4-mile flat course alongside the Kanawha River. Featuring just 95 feet of elevation gain and two sharp U-turns, the route is designed for pure speed and technical focus.
The criterium takes place on a six-corner, flat circuit that begins and ends at Haddad Riverfront Park, promising fast-paced, tactical racing.
The road race course features a 13.1-mile circuit with two distinct climbs and 1,126 feet of elevation gain per lap. The elite men will complete 10 laps, totaling 131 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing, while the elite women will race six laps for 79 miles and 6,756 feet of climbing.
After starting on one side of the river, riders cross over for the first ascent on Bridge Road, descend, and then climb again up Wertz Avenue. The loop finishes with an eight-turn sequence that leads back to the start/finish line.
In the elite women’s time trial, reigning national champion Taylor Knibb (Hoka-Trek) will return to defend her title. She’ll face stiff competition from Kristen Faulkner (EF-Oatly-Cannondale), last year’s runner-up and Olympic gold medalist. Alia Shafi (Fount Cycling), who claimed victory in the Redlands Bicycle Classic time trial stage, is also expected to contend.
On the men’s side, Tyler Stites (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA), who finished second in 2024, will be a strong favorite. Jugo Scala Junior (Project Echelon Racing) and Eric Brunner (Competitive Edge Racing), both of whom performed well in the Redlands and Tour of the Gila time trials, are also ones to watch.
In last year’s men’s criterium, Project Echelon Racing swept the podium with Stephen Bassett, Brendan Rhim, and Scott McGill. All three riders return in 2025, aiming for another dominant display. Lucas Bourgoyne (Team Cadence Cyclery PB Encore Wire) and Michael Garrison (MGR p/b +SpeedStudio) have also made waves on the USA Crits circuit and will be joined by powerful lineups from L39ion of Los Angeles and Team Winston Salem.
With Coryn Labecki now retired, the women’s criterium title is up for grabs. Runner-up Elizabeth Dixon (Fount Cycling Guild) and third-place Kendall Ryan (L39ion of Los Angeles) are set to compete, alongside Alexis Magner (Cynisca) and Holly Breck (L39ion). Teams like LA Sweat and United Cycling will also be bringing strong squads to the start line.
In the elite women’s road race, Kristen Faulkner will attempt to defend her 2024 crown. She’ll face seasoned contenders such as Lauren Stephens (Aegis Cycling Foundation), a former national champion. Alia Shafi and Ellexi Snover of Fount Cycling come off consistent showings at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, while Galen Bollard (Competitive Edge Racing) is another name to watch after winning stage 4 at Gila.
The elite men’s road race sees a new lineup, with none of the 2024 podium finishers returning. Instead, WorldTour pros like Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) and Riley Sheehan (Israel Premier Tech) headline the field. Colby Simmons (EF Education Easypost) joins his brother in the competition, while Andrew August and Artem Schmidt will represent Ineos Grenadiers. Other notable names include Scott McGill (Project Echelon Racing), Quinn Felton (CycleSport), and Owen Cole (Team Winston Salem – Flow).
Fans can follow the entire championship week through USA Cycling’s official broadcast and social media platforms, which will provide live coverage and updates for all major events.
With elite athletes and rising stars ready to battle for the stars-and-stripes jerseys, the USA Cycling Road Nationals 2025 in Charleston promises a thrilling showcase of speed, strength, and strategy.
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