American Cyclists Dominate International Competitions in June 2025
American cyclists have showcased remarkable talent across various disciplines in June 2025, achieving important milestones in BMX, mountain biking, road racing, and gravel events. From World Cup victories to national series wins, U.S. athletes have consistently reached the podium, marking a period of remarkable success in the world of cycling.
BMX Freestyle: Christopher’s Breakthrough Victory
Marcus Christopher emerged as a standout performer at the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in Montpellier, France, held from May 28 to June 1. Battling intense heat, Christopher dominated the competition, topping both the qualifying and semifinal rounds. His nearly flawless final run secured him his first World Cup victory. Justin Dowell,Nick Bruce,and Bryce Tryon also represented Team USA in the finals,finishing 4th,6th,and 12th,respectively.
On the women’s side, Olympic silver medalists Hannah Roberts and Perris Benegas both reached the final, with Roberts securing a third-place finish, marking her 16th World Cup podium. Benegas finished tenth.
Mountain Bike World Cup: American riders Excel
American mountain bikers made a significant impact at multiple UCI Mountain bike World Cup events. In Loudenvielle, France (May 30-June 1), Bode Burke won the junior men’s downhill final, while Asa Vermette placed 5th. Matilda Melton secured her first world Cup podium with a 3rd-place finish in the junior women’s final.
Luca Shaw and Ryan Pinkerton finished 5th and 6th, respectively, in the elite men’s final, while Anna Newkirk placed 5th in the elite women’s final.
At the Leogang, Austria (June 5-8) round, Christopher Blevins achieved a historic feat by winning his fourth XCC World Cup of the season, becoming the first rider to accomplish this. Vida Lopez de San Roman took 2nd in the U23 women’s XCC. Anna Newkirk continued her strong performance, earning 2nd in the DH elite women’s final. Aletha Ostgaard was 2nd in the junior women’s final, and Asa Vermette placed 3rd in the junior men’s.
Did You Know? The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup includes various disciplines such as Downhill (DH), Cross-country Olympic (XCO), and Short Track Cross-country (XCC), each testing different aspects of a rider’s skill and endurance.
Road Racing: McNulty’s Giro Performance and Women’s Success in Britain and Belgium
Brandon McNulty delivered a strong performance at the Giro d’Italia (may 9-June 1), finishing 9th overall. Supporting UAE Team Emirates leaders, including Isaac del Toro, McNulty achieved two top-10 stage finishes, marking his best result at the Giro.
In the Tour of Britain Women (June 5-8), Megan Jastrab placed 7th with two top-10 stage finishes. Kristen Faulkner wore the leader’s jersey for a day and finished 3rd in the mountain category and 4th in the points category, ultimately placing 16th overall.
Lily Williams had a busy week in Belgium, placing 8th at the Antwerp port Epic Ladies race (june 7) and 4th at Dwars door de Westhoek (June 8), a UCI women’s race.
Criterium National Series: Tulsa Tough Results
The USA Cycling Criterium National Series kicked off in Tulsa, OK, with the St. Francis Tulsa Tough event (June 6). Kendall Ryan won the women’s pro race, while Moritz Augenstein took the men’s win. Skylar Schneider was 2nd in the women’s race, and Paola Munoz placed 3rd. In the pro men’s race, Alec Cowan placed 2nd, and Michael Garrison was 3rd.
Gravel Racing: Unbound Gravel and Junior National Series
Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas (May 28-31), attracted nearly 4,000 cyclists for its various courses. Robert Britton from Canada won the 350-mile XL course, setting a new course record, while Heather Jackson was the top female finisher, also setting a course record. Cameron Jones from New Zealand won the elite men’s 200-mile race, setting a new course record, and Karolina Migoล from Poland won the elite women’s race.
Unbound also hosted the third stop of the USA cycling Junior Gravel National Series. Ethan Shirey and sara Shannon won the Junior Men’s and Women’s races, respectively.
| Event | Discipline | Location | Notable american Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup | BMX | Montpellier, France | Marcus Christopher (1st) |
| UCI MTB World Cup (DH) | Mountain Bike | Loudenvielle, France | Bode Burke (1st), Matilda Melton (3rd) |
| UCI MTB World Cup (XCO, XCC, DH) | Mountain Bike | Leogang, Austria | Christopher Blevins (1st), Anna Newkirk (2nd) |
| Giro d’Italia | Road | Italy | Brandon McNulty (9th overall) |
| tour of Britain Women | Road | Great Britain | Megan Jastrab (7th overall) |
| Unbound Gravel | Gravel | Emporia, Kansas | Heather Jackson (1st female, XL course) |
Pro Tip: Following cycling events and supporting athletes can be a great way to stay motivated and connected to the sport. Check out official UCI and USA Cycling websites for schedules and results.
The Growing Popularity of Cycling
Cycling has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by factors such as increased health awareness, environmental concerns, and advancements in bicycle technology. According to a 2023 report by Statista, the global bicycle market is projected to reach $89.3 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2028.statista
The rise of e-bikes has also contributed significantly to this growth, offering accessibility to a wider range of individuals and making cycling a more viable transportation option. Additionally, the increasing number of cycling events and competitions, like those highlighted above, fosters community engagement and promotes the sport at both amateur and professional levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling Competitions
- What are the main cycling disciplines featured in international competitions?
- The main disciplines include BMX, mountain biking (Downhill, Cross-country), road racing, track cycling, and gravel racing.Each discipline requires different skills and equipment.
- How can I get involved in competitive cycling?
- Start by joining a local cycling club or team. USA Cycling offers various membership options and resources for aspiring racers. USA Cycling
- What are the benefits of cycling?
- Cycling offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, and reduced stress levels. It is indeed also an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
- What gear do I need to start cycling?
- Essential gear includes a bicycle, helmet, cycling shorts, cycling shoes, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. As you progress, you may want to invest in more specialized equipment.
- Where can I find results and schedules for cycling events?
- Official websites such as UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and USA Cycling provide comprehensive results, schedules, and news updates. UCI
What are your favorite cycling events to watch or participate in? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow cycling enthusiasts!
