Team USA Opens the 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Championships with 11th in the Team Relay
The 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Championships kicked off today in Hulst, Netherlands with the Team Relay. The event brings together riders from the Junior, U23, and Elite categories, one lap each, men and women, going head-to-head with the best cyclocross nations in the world. This race is a great opportunity to test the course at speed, with a technical opening half followed by a power-heavy push to the finish.
Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; Trinity Racing) took to the starting line first for Team USA, and put the team in third after the opening lap. Ethan Brown (Fishers, Ind.; Midwest NXT) held steady in the same position, and Lidia Cusack (Chevy Chase, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes) kept the pressure on the leaders with a strong ride. Ada Watson (Carrboro, N.C.; CXD / Trek Bikes) was up next mixing it up with the world’s best, followed by Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes), who continued to battle as the race wore on. Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes) brought it home for Team USA, finishing the day in 11th place.
Racing continues tomorrow in Hulst with the Junior Women, U23 Men, and Elite Women all taking the start. Watch all the action live on FloBikes.
Cyclocross is not an Olympic discipline; therefore, it is fully funded by generous contributions to the MudFund. During the Cyclocross World Championships, all donations up to $25,000 will be matched until February 3, 2026. Double your impact and consider making a donation to the MudFund, here.
USA Cycling's supporting partner for this event includes HOVERAir, who shares our mission to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of cyclists.
