Lange and Stephens Win Elite Titles at the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships p/b Vittoria Tires

Fifty-four riders toed the line to take on the 100-mile route. From the start, the pace was high, topping 32 mph, with early attacks setting the tone for a fast and tactical day on course. The field began to splinter on the first climb, with a small group gaining two minutes as they entered the second gravel section. The gap grew to over four minutes with riders Zach Nehr (Menomonee Falls, Wis.; ZNehr Coaching), Marc Spratt (Millcreek, Utah), Nathan Spratt (Millcreek, Utah), Chase Wark (Winona, Minn.; Lunchbox Racing), Thomas Fuller (Redlands, Calif.; Cyclery USA/Big Wheel Coaching), Tim McBirney (Madison, Wis.; Team Mike's Bikes p/b Equator Coffees), and Michael Garrison (Decatur, Ga.; MGR) driving the move. The leaders held a three-minute advantage over a main chase group of 18 riders as they reached the southernmost part of the course. Nearly three hours into the race, Brennan Wertz (Mill Valley, Calif.; Scott/Skipstone), Bradyn Lange (Fairfax, Calif.; Pinarello/Orange Seal), and Daxton Mock (Lake Mills, Wis.; Bear/Orange Seal) launched a counterattack, closing the gap to one minute and 45 seconds. At mile 71, a crash in the break disrupted the group, with four riders losing contact. Marc Spratt, Wark, and Garrison stayed upright and pressed on toward the finish. With about 10 miles remaining, Cole Davis (Roseville, Calif.; Project Echelon Racing), Alexey Vermeulen (Pinckney, Mich.; ENVE + Wille’s Dad), Cobe Freeburn (Durango, Colo.; MAAP Trek), and Lange bridged across, forming a seven-rider lead group. Garrison made a late bid for victory, gaining 20 seconds with five miles to go before being reeled back in. From there, attacks flew inside the closing miles. Lange was able to slip away to ride solo into the finish and earn the Stars and Stripes jersey. Garrison held on for second, while Davis rounded out the podium in third.

When asked about the race, Lange responded, “It turned into survival on all the final climbs, going all out on those. I bridged to the lead group with 10 miles to go, and there were five of us entering the final section which suited me well as a mountain biker. I hit it on the first kicker and got away and held it.”

Results: 

1. Bradyn Lange (Fairfax, Calif.; Pinarello/Orange Seal)

2. Michael Garrison (Decatur, Ga.; MGR)

3. Cole Davis (Roseville, Calif.; Project Echelon Racing)

4. Alexey Vermeulen (Pinckney, Mich.; ENVE + Wille’s Dad)

5. Chase Wark (Winona, Minn.; Lunchbox Racing)

Twenty-six riders rolled out for 100 miles with the hopes of claiming the Stars and Stripes. In the opening miles, riders marked each other, shutting down early attacks. The field stayed intact through much of the first half. At the midway point, a decisive move formed when six riders established a gap. The group included reigning national champion Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; Aegis Cycling Foundation), Leah Van Der Linden (Boulder, Colo.; Lauf | Continental | Tifosi | Hunt | Eliel), Emma Langley (Richmond, Va.; Aegis Cycling Foundation), Lauren De Crescenzo (Boulder, Colo.; LDC LLC p/b Factor Racing), Melisa Rollins (Alpine, Utah; Liv Racing Collective), and Emily Joy Newsom (Fort Worth, Texas; PAS Racing). Sarah Lange (Lyme, N.H.) hung just 10 seconds off the back, with the main field sitting two minutes behind. The marsh section proved pivotal, where the pace split the group and left Stephens, Newsom, and Lange out front. On Chicken Ridge, Stephens and Lange launched repeated attacks on one another in the closing 20 miles, but neither could shake the other. As the race approached town, the stage was set for a head-to-head sprint between the two leaders. However, Stephens had different plans and was able to power away from Lange in the final miles, rolling in for gold, and keeping the Stars and Stripes jersey for another year. Lange had a great ride to claim silver, with De Crescenzo crossing the line for bronze. 

“The race was the hardest one we’ve had so far with six-to-eight thousand feet of climbing,” said Stephens. “Coming out of Hoka, a few riders went down, and that was really the point that made the race. The following climb, Sarah Lange and I pulled away from Emily Newsom and from there on we worked together until the steep cyclocross kicker where I was able to pull off the win out of that section.”

Results: 

1. Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; Aegis Cycling Foundation)

2. Sarah Lange (Lyme, N.H.)

3. Lauren De Crescenzo (Boulder, Colo.; LDC LLC p/b Factor Racing)

4. Emily Joy Newsom (Fort Worth, Texas; PAS Racing)

5. Melisa Rollins (Alpine, Utah; Liv Racing Collective)

Riders who completed the full 100-mile course included participants in the following categories: Men’s and Women’s Singlespeed, 19-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and Non-Binary/Open. Newly crowned National Champions included; Spencer Coy (Cedar Springs, Mich.; Bissell ABG) in Men’s 19-34, Ellory Clason (Grand Rapids, Mich.; Bissell ABG Cycling) in Women’s 19-34, Michael Lambert (Platteville, Wis.; Velovit Elite) in Men’s 35-39, Marisa Boaz (Waukee, Iowa) in Women’s 35-39, Nate Kullbom (Iowa City, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes) in Men’s 40-44, Anna Bondow (Palm Coast, Fla.; HM Brown) in Women’s 40-44, Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service) in Men’s 45-49, Terry Moore (Albuquerque, N.M.; Nero Veloce p/b Michael Thomas Coffee) in Women’s 45-49, Peter Olejniczak (Minneapolis, Minn.; Project Echelon Vanguard) in Men’s Singlespeed, Heather Romenesko (Littleton, Colo.; Square1 Cycling) in Women’s Singlespeed, and Kylee Rood (Bend, Ore.; Goldilocks Grvl) in Non-Binary/Open. 

Men’s 19-34 Results: 

1. Spencer Coy (Cedar Springs, Mich.; Bissell ABG)

2. Nate Schneider (Wheat Ridge, Colo.; Primal-Audi Denver)

3. Judah Gustafson (Belmont, Mich.; Bissell ABG)

4. Jura Gerlach (Milligan College, Tenn.; Milligan University)

5. Aitor Azkarraga (Plover, Wis.; Stevens Point Cycling Club)

Women’s 19-34 Results: 

1. Ellory Clason (Grand Rapids, Mich.; Bissell ABG Cycling)

2. Katie Bonebrake (Salt Lake City, Utah; Asiina Cycling)

3. Maire Noonan (Grand Haven, Mich.; Bissell ABG Cycling)

4. Allie Diehl (Wheat Ridge, Colo.)

5. Brookmyer McIntyre (Denver, Colo.; Distance to Empty)

Men’s 35-39 Results: 

1. Michael Lambert (Platteville, Wis.; Velovit Elite)

2. Alex Tenelshof (Caledonia, Mich.; Turbo p/b BaseMedia)

3. Paul Verschaetse (Faribault, Minn.)

4. Jake Yahrmatter (Missoula, Mont.; Frontiers Racing)

5. Brandan Lewis (Berthoud, Colo.; CINCH Racing)

Women’s 35-39 Results: 

1. Marisa Boaz (Waukee, Iowa)

2. Jennifer Limbach (Madison, Wis.; Femme Forty Racing)

3. Jamie Rothaug (Jacksonville, Fla.; Velobrew)

Men’s 40-44 Results: 

1. Nate Kullbom (Iowa City, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes)

2. Coulton Hartrich (Jupiter, Fla.)

3. Brian McCulloch (Monona, Wis.; Big Wheel Coaching/ENVE/Shimano/Cyclery USA)

4. David Sachs (Boulder, Colo.; BJC)

5. Mat Stephens (Dallas, Texas; Cafe du Cycliste/Arundel/Vittoria/Parks Law Firm)

Women’s 40-44 Results: 

1. Anna Bondow (Palm Coast, Fla.; HM Brown)

2. Chavon Rosenthal (Boulder, Colo.; Distance to Empty)

3. Ashley Nolan (Barrington Hills, Ill.; Indigo Cycling Chicago)

4. Sabrina Hirsch (Duvall, Wash.)

5. Emily Flynn (Minneapolis, Minn.; Gray Duck Racing)

Men’s 45-49 Results: 

1. Corey Stelljes (Madison, Wis.; Neff Cycle Service)

2. Tom Danielson (Longmont, Colo.; CINCH Cycling)

3. Aris Sophocles (Bend, Ore.; ThirstyBear Cycling)

4. Chris Stevens (New Richmond, Wis.; Smith Bikes p/b PURE FUEL)

5. Andrew Knight (Marietta, Ga.; North Georgia Cycling Association)

Women’s 45-49 Results: 

1. Terry Moore (Albuquerque, N.M.; Nero Veloce p/b Michael Thomas Coffee)

2. Laura Henderson (Denver, Colo.; CINCH Cycling) 

3. Beth Peterson (North Easton, Mass.; bikebarnracing.com)

4. Anne Donley (Denver, Colo.; DNA Masters/Savaya/Excel Sports)

5. Joy McCulloch (Yucaipa, Calif.; Big Wheel Coaching

Men’s Singlespeed Results: 

1. Peter Olejniczak (Minneapolis, Minn.; Project Echelon Vanguard)

2. Brian Bierman (Madison, Wis.; 2 Bit Bicycle Goons)

3. Scott Kozicki (Richmond, Va.; DistrictTaco Racing)

4. David Blodgett (Madison, Wis.; Restart Racing)

5. Anthony Hardwick (Castle Pines, Colo.; VeloCoach Elite)

Women’s Singlespeed Results: 

1. Heather Romenesko (Littleton, Colo.; Square1 Cycling)

Non-Binary/Open Results: 

1. Kylee Rood (Bend, Ore.; Goldilocks Grvl)

2. Kate Phillips (Silver Spring, Md.; Dirty Kitten Racing)

3. Em Bhoo (Alexandria, Va.; Dirty Kitten Racing)

4. Andy Zolyak (Brooklyn, N.Y.; All Ways Cycling Club p/b Pause Breathe Reflect)

The racers taking on the 74-mile course consisted of Juniors 15-18, Masters 50-75+, Para-cycling BVI, and Para-cycling C3-C5. Newly crowned National Champions included; Preston Ronck (Rogers, Ark.; Bear National Team) in Junior Men’s 15-16, Leah Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Bear National Team) in Junior Women’s 15-16, Ben Juracich (Tomah, Wis.; EF Onto Cycling) in Junior Men’s 17-18, Landrie McLain (Bella Vista, Ark.; Bear National Team) in Junior Women’s 17-18, Michael Murphy & Joseph Matta (Rio Rancho, N.M.; The Veloflö Projekt) in Men’s B Tandem, Noah Middlestaedt (Cumerland, Maine; GimpCyclist.com) in Men’s C3, Mitch Brekke (Hartland, Minn.; Gray Duck Racing) in Men’s C4, Clara Brown (Cumberland Foreside, Maine; Velocio // Exploro) in Women’s C3, Megan Fisher (Missoula, Mont.) in Women’s C4, Philip Tinstman (San Marcos, Calif.; Titan Racing Cadence Cyclery) in Men’s 50-54, Cherell Jordin (Holladay, Utah) in Women’s 50-54, Victor Sheldon (Vista, Calif.; Specialized/Baghouse/Hammer/Shimano/Fox) in Men’s 55-59, Tracey Jacobs (Boulder, Colo.; HM Brown/Excel Sports) in Women’s 55-59, James Clemens (Kronenwetter, Wis.; Wheel and Sprocket) in Men’s 60-64, Beth Leasure-Hudson (Shepherdstown, W.Va.; Artemis Racing) in Women’s 60-64, Kevin Willson (Carbondale, Colo.; Hub of Aspen) in Men’s 65-69, Ruth Clemence (Newport Beach, Calif.; Big Wheel) in Women’s 65-69, Steve Crowley (Castle Pines, Colo.; HM Brown Excel Sports) in Men’s 70-74, Karin Budding (Boulder, Colo.; Athletics Mentors) in Women’s 70-74, Michael Krywanski (Rockford, Mich.; Athletic Mentors) in Men’s 75-79, Jim Hoffmeister (Brevard, N.C.)  in Men’s 80-84, Ernie Borjon (Anchorage, Alaska) in Men’s 85-89, and Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix) in Men’s 90-94.

Men’s 15-16 Results: 

1. Preston Ronck (Rogers, Ark.; Bear National Team)

2. Mason Wilson (Kalona, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes)

3. Martin Gill (Nashville, Tenn.; Hub Youth Cycling)

4. Steve Danielson (Longmont, Colo.; CINCH Cycling)

5. Park Bishop (Bella Vista, Ark.; OZ Development Team)

Women’s 15-16 Results: 

1. Leah Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Bear National Team)

2. Sarah Black (Traverse City, Mich.; Athletic Mentors)

3. Kate Elwell (Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Zangi Bikes)

4. Juniper Allen (Gentry, Ark.; OZ Development)

5. Ammi Boyle (Bella Vista, Ark.; Fun Devo)

Men’s 17-18 Results: 

1. Ben Juracich (Tomah, Wis.; EF Onto Cycling)

2. Oliver Welcker (Boise, Idaho; Bear National Team)

3. Logan Drevlow (Golden Valley, Minn.; Bear National Team)

4. Caden Kroettinger (Folsom, Calif.; Donovan Racing)

5. Carter Lembke (Columbia, Mo.; CycleX Racing)

Women’s 17-18 Results: 

1. Landrie McLain (Bella Vista, Ark.; Bear National Team)

2. Heidi Hansen (Spearfish, S.D.; Rushmore Bikes)

3. Phoebe Leege (Duluth, Minn.; Duluth East High School)

4. Sara Shannon (Van Alstyne, Texas; Matrix Cycling p/b BikeMart)

5. Lily Zakaras (Bentonville, Ark.; OZ Development)

Men’s B (Tandem) Results: 

1. Michael Murphy & Joseph Matta (Rio Rancho, N.M.; The Veloflö Projekt)

Men’s C3 (Cycling) Results:

1. Noah Middlestaedt (Cumerland, Maine; GimpCyclist.com)

2. Justin Mathers (Fayetteville, N.C.; Project Ridgeline p/b Irish Cycles)

Men’s C4 (Cycling) Results: 

1. Mitch Brekke (Hartland, Minn.; Gray Duck Racing)

2. CJ Howard (Sacramento, Calif.; Pacos/Shriners Racing)

3. Ricardo Alanis Saldivar (Mission, Texas; Bikes & More)

Women’s C3 (Cycling) Results: 

1. Clara Brown (Cumberland Foreside, Maine; Velocio // Exploro)

Women’s C4 (Cycling) Results: 

1. Megan Fisher (Missoula, Mont.)

Men’s 50-54 Results: 

1. Philip Tinstman (San Marcos, Calif.; Titan Racing Cadence Cyclery)

2. Mike Barton (Hanover, N.H.; Velocio-Julbo)

3. Carlos Casali (Littleton, Colo.; The Meteor)

4. Joseph Dundee (Waconia, Minn.; Donkey Label Racing)

5. John Holtan (Minneapolis, Minn.; Donkey Label Racing)

Women’s 50-54 Results: 

1. Cherell Jordin (Holladay, Utah)

2. Christina Gokey-Smith (Denton, Texas; Impact Racing Team p/b VeloRepublic)

3. Sabine Bildstein (Boulder, Colo.; Lockton Mike’s Bikes)

4. Kristina Gray (Sherwood, Ore.; Dialed Cycling Team)

5. Heidi Curtes (Hubertus, Wis.; Trek Midwest Team)

Men’s 55-59 Results: 

1. Victor Sheldon (Vista, Calif.; Specialized/Baghouse/Hammer/Shimano/Fox)

2. David Richter (Georgetown, Ky.; Fount Cycling Guild)

3. Patrick Heaney (Mountain View, Calif.; CoreTechs Cycling Team)

4. Aaron Jordin (Holladay, Utah; Mi Duole)

5. Allen Abell (New Braunfels, Texas; The Meteor)

Women’s 55-59 Results: 

1. Tracey Jacobs (Boulder, Colo.; HM Brown/Excel Sports)

2. Denise Esposito (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.; Signature Cycles/Endurance Werx)

3. Elizabeth Sheldon (Washington, D.C.; CXD Trek Bikes)

4. Victoria Cane (Kalamazoo, Mich.; Team Clark Logic)

5. Stacey Brickson (Middleton, Wis.; BrickO’s Drafters)

Men’s 60-64 Results: 

1. James Clemens (Kronenwetter, Wis.; Wheel and Sprocket)

2. David Tinker Juarez (Whittier, Calif.; Team Skipper)

3. Dan Paulus (La Crosse, Wis.; Smith’s Bike Shop)

4. Robert Douglas (Lake Placid, N.Y.; Atlantic Fitness Racing)

5. Chris Ziomek (Albuquerque, N.M.; Old New Mexican)

Women’s 60-64 Results: 

1. Beth Leasure-Hudson (Shepherdstown, W.Va.; Artemis Racing)

2. Gail Matherly (Berthoud, Colo.; CINCH Cycling)

3. Jennifer Slawta (Medford, Ore.; Team Landshark)

4. Erica Brann (Boulder, Colo.; HM Brown Cycling)

5. Natalie Barron (Lanexa, Va.; BaseCamp Explore Team)

Men’s 65-69 Results: 

1. Kevin Willson (Carbondale, Colo.; Hub of Aspen)

2. Stuart Mann (Boulder, Colo.; Wholesome) 

3. Frank Winters (Susanville, Calif.; Clean Power Cycling)

4. Gary Dyer (Alton, Ill.; Team Mack Racing Assoc. LTD)

5. Chris Beaudin (Manitou Springs, Colo.; Criterium)

Women’s 65-69 Results: 

1. Ruth Clemence (Newport Beach, Calif.; Big Wheel)

2. Joanne Ernst (Boulder, Colo.)

3. Grace Plager (Naples, Fla.; Naples Cyclery Racing)

4. Susan McDonough (York, Maine; Salty Women Off Road Race Team)

5. Carolyn Franzone (Rochester, Minn.; Rochester Active Sports Club)

Men’s 70-74 Results: 

1. Steve Crowley (Castle Pines, Colo.; HM Brown Excel Sports)

2. Frank Jennings (Edgartown, Mass.; Spin Arts Cycling/American Lung Association Cycling Team)

3. William Kellagher (Boulder, Colo.; Medtronic Cycling Team)

4. Steve Matous (Boulder, Colo.; Medtronic Masters Racing Team)

5. George Smith (Menlo Park, Calif.; Bike X p/b Hyperthreads)

Women’s 70-74 Results: 

1. Karin Budding (Boulder, Colo.; Athletics Mentors)

Men’s 75-79 Results: 

1. Michael Krywanski (Rockford, Mich.; Athletic Mentors)

2. Mark McCarthy (Rochester, N.Y.; Trek/Towpath Bike)

3. Arthur Allen (Boulder, Colo.)

4. Michael Brauer (Boulder, Colo.; CINCH Cycling)

5. Robert Ogren (Bloomington, Minn.; NorthStar Development)

Men’s 80-84 Results:

1. Jim Hoffmeister (Brevard, N.C.) 

Men’s 85-89 Results: 

1. Ernie Borjon (Anchorage, Alaska)

2. Phil Van Horn (Montecito, Calif.)

Men’s 90-94 Results: 

1. Frederic Schmid (Waco, Texas; GeriAtrix)

Juniors 11-14, Para-cyclists C1-C2, and Para-cyclists H3-H5 tackled the 31-mile course. Newly crowned National Champions included; Dash Prigge (Park City, Utah; KRT QRT Racing) in Junior Men’s 11-12, Lumen Brandsmeier (North Liberty, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes) in Junior Women’s 11-12, Nate Beaver (Columbus, Ohio; Fount Cycling Guild) in Junior Men’s 13-14, Kinsley Oberding (Apple Valley, Minn; Donovan Racing) in Junior Women’s 13-14, Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.; SRAM) in Women’s C2, Joe Pomeroy (Easley, S.C.; BaseCamp Explore Team) in Men’s H3, Alicia Dana (Putney,Vt.) in Women’s H3, 

Men’s 11-12 Results: 

1. Dash Prigge (Park City, Utah; KRT QRT Racing)

2. Owen Morozowich (Scottsdale, Ariz.; Durango Devo)

3. Ian Barton (Durango, Colo.; DDR)

4. Maverick Fournier (Escondido, Calif.)

5. Beric Cantwell (San Diego, Calif.; California Bicycle)

Women’s 11-12 Results: 

1. Lumen Brandsmeier (North Liberty, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes)

2. Lhotse Johnson (Dixon, N.M.; Team FitTaos)

3. Raven Kemp Hudson (Williams Bay, Wis.; Molly Maid-Byron Health and Healing)

Men’s 13-14 Results: 

1. Nate Beaver (Columbus, Ohio; Fount Cycling Guild)

2. Julian Lavoie (Viroqua, Wis.; VTAC)

3. Levi Hughes (Bucksport, Maine; Pinetree Devo/Treadwell Training)

4. Levi Horner (Mclouth, Kan.; Steve Tilford Foundation)

5. Roczen Beissel (Hastings, Minn.; NorthStar Development)

Women’s 13-14 Results: 

1. Kinsley Oberding (Apple Valley, Minn; Donovan Racing)

2. Alexandria Pasowicz (La Verne, Calif.; Delta Development – Monster Army)

3. Reese Drajka (Ada, Mich.; West Michigan Coyotes)

4. Alys Stevens (Bentonville, Ark.; Thaden School)

5. Abigail Fisher (Santa Rosa, Calif.; Sycip/ Devout Coffee Juniors)

Women’s C2 (Cycling) Results: 

1. Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.; SRAM)

Men’s H3 (Handcycle) Results: 

1. Joe Pomeroy (Easley, S.C.; BaseCamp Explore Team)

2. John Paul Thompson (Natchitoches, La.)

Women’s H3 (Handcycle) Results: 

1. Alicia Dana (Putney, Vt.)

Full results for the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships p/b Vittoria Tires can be found here. 

Photo credit: Snowy Mountain Photography