Fort Lewis College Wins Team Omnium Title at the Inaugural USA Cycling Collegiate Gravel National Championships

A 75-rider field lined up for the collegiate men’s race, covering 49.5 miles at Valley of Tears. The pace was high from the start as riders pushed to establish an early break, and by the 12-mile mark, a group of six had gone clear. 

Halfway through the race, Nate Meister (Birdsporo, Penn.; Fort Lewis College) made his move and went off the front solo. He remained away until mile 42, when three of his Fort Lewis College teammates bridged across to join him. The group worked together to the finish, where the national title was decided in a tight three rider sprint. Meister took the win to claim the inaugural national title, while Elliot Thorblade (Missoula, Mont.; Fort Lewis College) finished second, and Oliver Rutberg (Colorado Springs, Colo.; Fort Lewis College) secured bronze. 

“I went off the front by myself at about mile 24 and was solo until mile 42,” said Meister after the race. “Then I was caught by three of my teammates and I couldn’t have been more happy to see them. It was such a fun race and I’m so thankful for everybody who helped me get here.” 

Results: 

1. Nate Meister (Birdsporo, Penn.; Fort Lewis College) 

2. Elliot Thorblade (Missoula, Mont.; Fort Lewis College) 

3. Oliver Rutberg (Colorado Springs, Colo.; Fort Lewis College) 

4. Emmet McManus (Durango, Colo.; Fort Lewis College) 

5. Braeden Sellinger (Phoenix, Ariz.; Northern Arizona University) 

Twenty-one riders lined up for the collegiate women’s race and faced the same 49.5-mile course as the men. Emma Kasza-James (Port Washington, Wis.; Midwestern State University) wasted little time making her move, attacking early and spending most of the race off the front on her own. 

A chase group of four formed behind her and worked hard to close the gap, but Kasza-James remained clear and rode in nearly five minutes ahead to claim the Stars and Stripes jersey. The chase group stayed intact to the line, where Oona Nelson (Lawrence, Kan.; Fort Lewis College) won the four-rider sprint for second, and Kaya Schroeder (St. Charles, Mo.; Milligan University) finished third. 

“What a day it was,” said Kasza-James. “I’m a lover of technical sections and this course was just perfect for me. I’m so proud of how I did and my team’s effort as well.”  

Results: 

1. Emma Kasza-James (Port Washington, Wis.; Midwestern State University) 

2. Oona Nelson (Lawrence, Kan.; Fort Lewis College) 

3. Kaya Schroeder (St. Charles, Mo.; Milligan University) 

4. Sara Shannon (Hawley, Texas; Hardin-Simmons University) 

5. Charlotte Lehmann (Whitefish, Mont.; Fort Lewis College) 

Fort Lewis College’s dominant performance throughout the event earned the team top honors in the collegiate team omnium competition. Midwestern State University finished second, bolstered by Emma Kasza-James’ win in the collegiate women’s race, while Milligan University took third with Kaya Schroeder’s podium finish. 

Results: 

1. Fort Lewis College 

2. Midwestern State University 

3. Milligan University