Twenty-Six National Titles Earned at 2025 Gran Fondo National Championships
The 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships were held on September 14 in Frederick, Maryland, as part of the 14th edition of Gran Fondo Maryland. A total of 26 national champion jerseys were awarded after riders raced five timed segments across a challenging 87-mile course featuring more than 8,500 feet of climbing.
Jennifer Thornton-Brooks of United Cycling p/b Cadence Cyclery posted the fastest combined time in the women’s field, stopping the clock at 1:27:22. She edged out Kenna Pfeiffer of Lutherville Timonium, MD by just 3.07 seconds, with Madison Maloney of Hudson, NC rounding out the podium 1:06.29 behind.
On the men’s side, Henry Neff of Kelly Benefits Cycling Team recorded the quickest combined time at 1:13:51. Andrew Knight of Marietta, GA finished second (+0:30.47) and Bethesda’s Tyler Brendel took third (+1:38.02).
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 titleholders across age-group categories from 14–16 to 75–79, reflecting a broad and competitive field.
“Our athletes showed exceptional resilience and strategy on a course that demanded everything from climbing legs to split-second decisions,” said Reuben Kline, Founder of the Gran Fondo National Series. “To win a Gran Fondo national title you must be strong across multiple efforts and fuel wisely throughout the day. Congratulations to all the champions and to everyone who raced.”
Full results and timing details from the 2025 Gran Fondo Maryland and 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships are available on the official event page, presented by Wahoo: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/maryland-2025-results.
Women 14-16: Julie Raydo
Men 14-16: Bennett Rose
Men 17-18: Cian Connoly
Women 19-24: Kenna Pfeiffer
Men 19-24: Henry Neff
Women 25-29: Micah Fredrick
Men 25-29: Tyler Brendel
Women 30-34: Valentina Cummings
Men 30-34: Jeff Case
Women 35-39: Kai Luigend Morillo
Men 35-39: Felipe Aros
Women 40-44: Jennifer Thornton-Brooks
Men 40-44: Darrin Arbaugh
Women 45-49: Bridgett Widrig
Men 45-49: Andrew Knight
Women 50-54: Shannon Scanlon
Men 50-54: Raik Huster
Women 55-59: Susan Haid
Men 55-59: Jay Gump
Women 60-64: Elizabeth Foxx
Men 60-64: Brendan Sullivan
Women 65-69: Patricia Caldeira
Men 65-69: Michael Claus
Women 70-74: Martha Parks
Men 70-74: Rick Sorenson
Men 75-79: Mark Mccarthy
The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships continue to grow as a premier event for amateur and masters cyclists seeking national recognition. The Gran Fondo format blends competition with community and attracts riders from across the country who want to measure themselves over long distances and challenging terrain.
