The Apple Capital of Minnesota, La Crescent, along with the entire La Crosse, Wisconsin region, is set to become a premier cycling destination, as it will proudly host the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships for the next two years, starting with the first event slated for the third weekend of September 2025, which coincides with their annual Apple Festival.
“We are excited to bring our Gravel National Championships to La Crescent/La Crosse for 2025-2026. The region’s diverse landscape offers multiple options for developing unique courses with challenging climbs, creating a new and different experience for riders out on the course. Combining our event with their renowned annual Apple Festival offers another unique experience that our riders and their families can enjoy off the course,” said Kyle Knott, USA Cycling’s Director of National Events.
Athletes will compete for gold on the challenging terrain and unique topography of La Crescent/La Crosse and surrounding areas, providing an unparalleled racing experience through coulees and river valleys while showcasing the picturesque beauty of the region.
“To say we are excited to host the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships is an understatement. If you have not visited us in the past, get ready for something truly inspiring, as there’s something special about the place where Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa meet. We call it the Driftless Region, where the Ice Age glaciers failed to grind down a corrugated, primal landscape. This untouched playground of bluffs, ridges, coulees, and valleys on both sides of the Mississippi River is crisscrossed by two networks: smooth, low-traffic county byways and rolling gravel backroads is a cyclist’s dream. There is no doubt, that this event will pull a well-deserved spotlight on La Crescent, southeastern Minnesota, and the entire greater La Crosse region as a premier bicycling, specifically gravel, destination in our country,” said A.J. Frels, Explore La Crosse’s Executive Director.
Gravel Nationals will continue to feature both Amateur and Elite races, aiming to attract cyclists and enthusiasts of all skill levels, while providing a competitive opportunity for all participants.
The remaining 2025 National Championship calendar will be announced in the coming weeks.
ABOUT EXPLORE LA CROSSE (explorelacrosse.com)
The La Crosse County Convention and Visitors Bureau (dba: Explore La Crosse) builds awareness of the Upper Mississippi Valley region as a global tourism destination. Increasing revenue and stimulating economic development, enhancing visitor spending and overnight stays, will be realized by promoting leisure travel, conventions, sports, and events while highlighting our region’s natural beauty and showcasing the talents of our residents for all communities. For more information, go to explorelacrosse.com.
