The 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships were held on September 20 in Frederick, Maryland, as part of the 15th edition of Gran Fondo Maryland. A total of 28 national champion jerseys were awarded after riders raced five timed segments across a challenging 87-mile course featuring nearly 8,000 feet of climbing.
Madison Maloney of Hudson, N.C. posted the fastest combined time in the women’s field, stopping the clock at 1:19:50.39. Last year’s overall winner, Jennifer Thornton-Brooks of Boone, N.C., finished 2:27.58 back for second place overall, with Sarah Watkins of Evansville, Ind. rounding out the podium 5:45.18 behind.
On the men’s side, Bennett Rose of Scarsdale, N.Y. recorded the quickest combined time at 1:09:19.16. Close behind, Tyler Brendel of Bethesda, Md. finished second (+0:15.81) and Michael Reidenbach of Fairfield, Pa. took third (+0:29.04).
Racers contested five individual timed segments embedded in a scenic yet demanding route that tested climbing, descending, and sustained power. The timed-segment format rewarded consistent high performance, varied terrain, and tactical riding through the hilly Maryland countryside. The championships crowned national title holders across age-group categories from 14-16 to 80+, reflecting a broad and competitive field.
Full results and timing details from the 2026 Gran Fondo Maryland and 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships can be found here.
2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Champions
Men 14-16: Nate Beaver
Women 17-18: Kate Elwell
Men 17-18: Bennett Rose
Women 19-22: Patricia Higgins
Men 19-22: Luke Schneider
Women 23-29: Madison Maloney
Men 23-29: Maxwell Abner
Women 30-34: Olivia Brettschneider
Men 30-34: Tyler Brendel
Women 35-39: Sarah Watkins
Men 35-39: Justin Spangler
Women 40-44: Jennifer Thornton-Brooks
Men 40-44: Noah Niwinski
Women 45-49: Bridgett Widrig
Men 45-49: Andrew Knight
Women 50-54: Allison Paul
Men 50-54: Stu Moran
Women 55-59: Denise Esposito
Men 55-59: Raik Huster
Women 60-64: Susan Haid
Men 60-64: Brian White
Women 65-69: Lynne Anderson
Men 65-69: Douglas Pomeranz
Women 70-74: Patricia Caldeira
Men 70-74: Rick Sorenson
Women 75-79: Vicky Nielsen
Men 75-79: Mark Holt
Men 80+: Joe Brookreson
The 2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships will take place on July 18 in Asheville, N.C., in conjunction with Gran Fondo Asheville, with the Applewood Manor Foundation as the presenting sponsor.
