Courtney and Simmons Secure National Road Titles in US Pro Cycling Championships
In a thrilling conclusion to the USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships held in Charleston, West Virginia, two prominent athletes emerged victorious: mountain biker Kate Courtney of She Sends Racing and Lidl-Trek's Quinn Simmons. Both competitors secured the elite road race championships, earning the coveted stars-and-stripes jerseys for the upcoming year. Courtney's triumph was particularly notable, signifying her inaugural elite road national title, a testament to her successful transition into road racing. Simmons, already a celebrated figure, added a third elite road race title to his impressive career.
The championship races unfolded on a demanding course characterized by significant elevation changes, with each 13-mile lap featuring 1,126 feet of climbing. The women's peloton navigated six laps, covering a total distance of 113.8 kilometers (70 miles), while the men's race extended over 10 laps, totaling 198.6 kilometers (123.4 miles). These rigorous conditions tested the endurance and strategic prowess of all participants, setting the stage for an intense competition among the nation's top cyclists.
Kate Courtney's journey to her first elite road national title was a highlight of the championships. The former XCO world champion and current mountain bike marathon world champion demonstrated her adaptability and strength in her breakthrough road campaign of 2026, which included a stage win at the Tour de Féminin in May. In Charleston, Courtney’s decisive sprint secured her victory ahead of national gravel champion Lauren Stephens. This win was a significant milestone for the 30-year-old Californian, who expressed immense satisfaction with her achievement and her decision to venture beyond her traditional discipline. Her She Sends Racing program, launched this season, served as a platform for her to explore new challenges without the burden of pre-existing expectations.
The women's race saw dynamic action from the start, with gravel professional Paige Onweller initiating an early attack on the second lap, establishing a substantial lead. However, a determined chase group, including Courtney, Stephens, Ashley Frye, Grace Arlandson, and Kira Payer, gradually reeled her in on the challenging circuit. The final lap proved critical, as Stephens launched an acceleration on Bridge Road, with only Courtney able to maintain pace. A subsequent attack by Stephens on Wertz Avenue left Onweller behind, setting up a head-to-head battle between Courtney and Stephens in downtown Charleston. Courtney’s powerful sprint from the final corner propelled her to a five-second lead, cementing her victory, with Arlandson claiming third place.
In the elite men's category, Quinn Simmons, affectionately known as 'Captain America' on the WorldTour, dominated the race with a late, powerful attack. After nearly 200 kilometers of relentless racing, a reduced lead group had formed. Simmons made his winning move on the penultimate lap, attacking on the Wertz Avenue climb and swiftly creating a significant gap. Kevin Vermaerke from UAE Team Emirates XRG responded with a strong pursuit, outpacing Ashlin Barry and Lawrence Warbasse, but Simmons was uncatchable. He crossed the finish line solo, enjoying a comfortable two-minute lead. Vermaerke secured second place in a sprint, with Warbasse completing the podium. This victory marked Simmons' third elite men's road race national title, a testament to his consistent dominance in the sport. He emphasized the importance of this jersey to him, highlighting his strategy of conserving energy to deliver a decisive attack when his competitors were fatigued.
The US Pro Road National Championships concluded with thrilling performances from both Kate Courtney and Quinn Simmons, who demonstrated exceptional skill and strategic acumen to claim their respective titles. Courtney's first national road title signifies a remarkable expansion of her racing career, while Simmons' third underscores his continued mastery in the sport. Both athletes' victories were hard-earned on a challenging course, providing a memorable close to the championships and setting the stage for their future endeavors.