2025 Junior Gravel National Series Winners
The Junior Gravel National Series brought together riders from across the country to test their endurance and skill on some of the most iconic gravel courses in the United States. In 2025, each series winner earned an invitation to attend a USA Cycling Road Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, offering a new development pathway for junior racers.
Four riders rose to the top of the standings to become the first-ever Junior Gravel National Series champions:
Men’s 15-16 Series Winner: Mason Wilson (Kalona, Iowa; Sugar Bottom Bikes)
Women‘s 15-16 Series Winner: Kate Elwell (Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Zangi Bikes)
Men’s 17-18 Series Winner: Ethan Shirey (Draper, Utah; Rouleur Development)
Women’s 17-18 Series Winner: Kailey Knox (Amarillo, Texas; Team ANB)
All four racers gathered in Colorado Springs October 12-18 for a week of testing, training, and mentorship.
The camp left a strong impression on Wilson saying, “The testing days were really helpful. They gave me solid benchmark data on how my power and climbing ability stack up to elite junior riders, which was super motivating. I learned a lot, had fun, and am really grateful for the opportunity.”
2026 Junior Gravel Series Structure and Updates
The 2026 Junior Gravel Series will expand to include up to ten events, providing even more opportunities for juniors to compete and develop in the discipline. Returning events will include Valley of Tears, Sea Otter Classic, Unbound Gravel, and SBT GRVL, with additional events expected to join the calendar. The series will once again conclude at the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships in Minnesota.
"From early conversations with our team and race directors through to the series launch, we built a calendar with strong flow and meaningful opportunities for athletes,” said Justin Evans, USA Cycling National Events Manager. “We’re thrilled with the participation and momentum from the first year and look forward to expanding the series in 2026."
Tanner Putt, USA Cycling Director of Road Programs added, "The 2025 Junior Gravel National Series highlighted several standout riders who went on to perform exceptionally well at our camp at the end of the season. I’m very excited to see the series continue to grow in 2026!"
Overall standings will be determined by each rider’s best three results, with a minimum of three race starts required to be included in the final standings. Points will be awarded for placements from first through 30th, with every finisher earning at least one point.
Any Junior rider who wins an individual series event will earn a free entry to the USA Cycling Gravel National Championship, and overall series winners will again receive an invitation to attend the USA Cycling Road Development Camp in Colorado Springs in October 2026.
Event directors interested in joining the 2026 Junior Gravel Series are encouraged to contact Justin Evans at jevans@usacycling.org for inclusion details and next steps.
