{"id":2006247,"date":"2026-06-22T10:52:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T07:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2006247"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:52:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T07:52:41","slug":"my-year-of-radical-experimentation-kate-courtneys-first-us-road-nationals-is-one-to-remember-so-will-we-see-her-on-the-tarmac-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2006247","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcoanNpzmVVxo5FSsfXCCo-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcoanNpzmVVxo5FSsfXCCo-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    US Pro National Championships: Triathlete Taylor Knibb claims second time trial title\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MdvhwBZTSEzZJGTgNsk7YC-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    No title defence for Kristen Faulkner in US Pro National Championships after &#8216;travel chaos&#8217;\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUSA Cycling Pro Road National Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;My year of radical experimentation&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-22T10:52:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Kate Courtney (She Sends Racing) on the charge with Lauren Stephens (Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment) at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: USA Cycling \/ SnowyMountain Photography)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe\">Until recently, it would have been almost unthinkable to see Kate Courtney eschewing the run of World Cups but the current marathon mountain bike World Champion has been showing up on plenty of new start lines of late, from the more mountain-bike adjacent gravel races to, most recently, a debut at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships.<\/p>\n<p>And what a debut it was.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The She Sends Racing competitor walked away with the jersey of a US national road race champion, after having taken on her first road race since she was 16 just last month, competing in and winning stage 4 of the 2.2 ranked Tour de Feminin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think for me I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations and I could really go for it. I did that today, and it worked out,&#8221; Courtney told broadcaster <em>FloBikes<\/em> in a post-race interview.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road newcomer, Courtney, had charged toward the line with the most experienced of players in Lauren Stephens (Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment). The latter racer was lining up for her 11th tilt at the elite women&#8217;s USPro national road title, which she snared in 2021 and was also runner-up last year. Courtney, however, was leaning on the wisdom of her team support to help put herself in a position where victory was a possibility,<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Walked in with few expectations, walked away with some hardware&#8217; &#8211; U23 talent Katherine Sarkisov demonstrates race intelligence at recent US Road and Cyclocross nationals<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;For the love of it&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney races Fuego XL at Sea Otter and blows away competition, while Hannah Otto reveals new FKT atop Hawaii&#8217;s Mauna Kea \u2013 Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew, OK, it&#8217;s probably going to be a war of attrition and come down to that last lap. I was just trying to save enough and be smart but also keep the pace on, so that we actually had a chance at it,&#8221; said Courtney.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then, of course, trying to figure out how to play that final. I haven&#8217;t been in that many situations like that, so I&#8217;m really proud that I was able to stick the landing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a considerably different scenario than Courtney has been used to facing in more ways than just the tactics. For the 2018 XCO World Champion and 2019 World Cup series winner who started her mountain bike national title collection as a junior in 2010, lining up on the mountain bike had come to mean always heading into a race with expectation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My little mantra today was everything to gain,&#8221; said Courtney. &#8220;I think I&#8217;ve come into a lot of Nationals where it felt like I had everything to lose. Either you had the jersey, or you were the top-performing World Cup athlete, and so you really felt like anything less than a win was a disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It felt really freeing to be in this race and know that as long as I gave everything, I was going to be really proud, and I was going to learn a lot. So, if I played the tactics wrong and that hadn&#8217;t worked out in my favour, I would have learned a big lesson, played my cards a little differently next time.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five years ago I didn&#8217;t even know what Unbound Gravel was&#8217; &#8211; Former US ski team racer now a formidable force at The Traka and Unbound<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The only race I&#8217;m afraid of is Little Sugar&#8217; &#8211; Karolina Migo\u0144 places season focus on Life Time Grand Prix after title defense at The Traka 360<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I think today I learned to never give up and to keep fighting to the line.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what does this now mean for the racer who at one time had a regular pattern of mountain bike events mapped out each season? Is her road bike and new national championship jersey likely to get some more outings?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I love to represent the jersey, so yeah, I gotta wear it and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; was what Courtney said when asked in the <em>FloBikes<\/em> interview if she would be on the road more.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll savour this one for a bit, and then try to show up in that jersey, ready to fight.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, with the schedule opened up and the disciplines wide open, it seems anything is possible for Courtney in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my year of radical experimentation,&#8221; concluded the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Walked in with few expectations, walked away with some hardware&#8217; &#8211; U23 talent Katherine Sarkisov demonstrates race intelligence at recent US Road and Cyclocross nationals<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For the love of it&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney races Fuego XL at Sea Otter and blows away competition, while Hannah Otto reveals new FKT atop Hawaii&#8217;s Mauna Kea \u2013 Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Five years ago I didn&#8217;t even know what Unbound Gravel was&#8217; &#8211; Former US ski team racer now a formidable force at The Traka and Unbound<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The only race I&#8217;m afraid of is Little Sugar&#8217; &#8211; Karolina Migo\u0144 places season focus on Life Time Grand Prix after title defense at The Traka 360<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jenny Rissveds wins again in Lenzerheide as Luca Martin scores first Mountain Bike World Series victory of year<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Overcoming injury, Reusser\u2019s third Tour de Suisse Women victory leads to renewed confidence ahead of Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s annoying to be out-numbered like that&#8217; &#8211; Quinn Simmons lets his &#8216;legs talk&#8217; with solo march on final lap for third USPro Road National title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A smartphone-like user experience&#8217; \u2013 The Hammerhead Karoo has just hit its best price of the year in this Amazon Prime Day deal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Winning is super important for my development&#8217; \u2013 Lorenzo Finn reaffirms teenage super talent status with Giro Next Gen victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019d say I\u2019m stronger&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals test results after completing Tour de France tune-up with Tour de Suisse domination<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;First attempt to hold my bars again&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert back on the bike as recovery from infection forced which him out of Tour de France continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It&#8217;s annoying to be out-numbered like that&#8217; 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\u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-22T10:52:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Kate Courtney (She Sends Racing) on the charge with Lauren Stephens (Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment) at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: USA Cycling \/ SnowyMountain Photography)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" 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class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe\">Until recently, it would have been almost unthinkable to see Kate Courtney eschewing the run of World Cups but the current marathon mountain bike World Champion has been showing up on plenty of new start lines of late, from the more mountain-bike adjacent gravel races to, most recently, a debut at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships.<\/p>\n<p>And what a debut it was.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The She Sends Racing competitor walked away with the jersey of a US national road race champion, after having taken on her first road race since she was 16 just last month, competing in and winning stage 4 of the 2.2 ranked Tour de Feminin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think for me I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations and I could really go for it. I did that today, and it worked out,&#8221; Courtney told broadcaster <em>FloBikes<\/em> in a post-race interview.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road newcomer, Courtney, had charged toward the line with the most experienced of players in Lauren Stephens (Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment). The latter racer was lining up for her 11th tilt at the elite women&#8217;s USPro national road title, which she snared in 2021 and was also runner-up last year. Courtney, however, was leaning on the wisdom of her team support to help put herself in a position where victory was a possibility,<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Walked in with few expectations, walked away with some hardware&#8217; &#8211; U23 talent Katherine Sarkisov demonstrates race intelligence at recent US Road and Cyclocross nationals<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;For the love of it&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney races Fuego XL at Sea Otter and blows away competition, while Hannah Otto reveals new FKT atop Hawaii&#8217;s Mauna Kea \u2013 Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew, OK, it&#8217;s probably going to be a war of attrition and come down to that last lap. I was just trying to save enough and be smart but also keep the pace on, so that we actually had a chance at it,&#8221; said Courtney.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then, of course, trying to figure out how to play that final. I haven&#8217;t been in that many situations like that, so I&#8217;m really proud that I was able to stick the landing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a considerably different scenario than Courtney has been used to facing in more ways than just the tactics. For the 2018 XCO World Champion and 2019 World Cup series winner who started her mountain bike national title collection as a junior in 2010, lining up on the mountain bike had come to mean always heading into a race with expectation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My little mantra today was everything to gain,&#8221; said Courtney. &#8220;I think I&#8217;ve come into a lot of Nationals where it felt like I had everything to lose. Either you had the jersey, or you were the top-performing World Cup athlete, and so you really felt like anything less than a win was a disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It felt really freeing to be in this race and know that as long as I gave everything, I was going to be really proud, and I was going to learn a lot. So, if I played the tactics wrong and that hadn&#8217;t worked out in my favour, I would have learned a big lesson, played my cards a little differently next time.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five years ago I didn&#8217;t even know what Unbound Gravel was&#8217; &#8211; Former US ski team racer now a formidable force at The Traka and Unbound<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The only race I&#8217;m afraid of is Little Sugar&#8217; &#8211; Karolina Migo\u0144 places season focus on Life Time Grand Prix after title defense at The Traka 360<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I think today I learned to never give up and to keep fighting to the line.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what does this now mean for the racer who at one time had a regular pattern of mountain bike events mapped out each season? Is her road bike and new national championship jersey likely to get some more outings?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I love to represent the jersey, so yeah, I gotta wear it and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; was what Courtney said when asked in the <em>FloBikes<\/em> interview if she would be on the road more.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll savour this one for a bit, and then try to show up in that jersey, ready to fight.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, with the schedule opened up and the disciplines wide open, it seems anything is possible for Courtney in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my year of radical experimentation,&#8221; concluded the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Walked in with few expectations, walked away with some hardware&#8217; &#8211; U23 talent Katherine Sarkisov demonstrates race intelligence at recent US Road and Cyclocross nationals<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;For the love of it&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney races Fuego XL at Sea Otter and blows away competition, while Hannah Otto reveals new FKT atop Hawaii&#8217;s Mauna Kea \u2013 Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Five years ago I didn&#8217;t even know what Unbound Gravel was&#8217; &#8211; Former US ski team racer now a formidable force at The Traka and Unbound<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The only race I&#8217;m afraid of is Little Sugar&#8217; &#8211; Karolina Migo\u0144 places season focus on Life Time Grand Prix after title defense at The Traka 360<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rh92PYzpUFcZqJj6HdxmCc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Why a resurgent Marlen Reusser should be a real worry for Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot at the Tour de France Femmes \u2013 Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i7dBaMC36M3HRHCA2TcDba-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jenny Rissveds wins again in Lenzerheide as Luca Martin scores first Mountain Bike World Series victory of year<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dK9HFvnG4eEijoHk9Dafkb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Overcoming injury, Reusser\u2019s third Tour de Suisse Women victory leads to renewed confidence ahead of Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LPVG4jEpKHV4nJoaYSsyq4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s annoying to be out-numbered like that&#8217; &#8211; Quinn Simmons lets his &#8216;legs talk&#8217; with solo march on final lap for third USPro Road National title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sB6UVjDCL5pSHHKitnk2vD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A smartphone-like user experience&#8217; \u2013 The Hammerhead Karoo has just hit its best price of the year in this Amazon Prime Day deal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxm2KTaYf8b4oLkekvteiK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Winning is super important for my development&#8217; \u2013 Lorenzo Finn reaffirms teenage super talent status with Giro Next Gen victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JeP6T3g5zGFCHYHJHHaW74-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019d say I\u2019m stronger&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar reveals test results after completing Tour de France tune-up with Tour de Suisse domination<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8SBtXxcEEEAe5eFx57dGS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;First attempt to hold my bars again&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert back on the bike as recovery from infection forced which him out of Tour de France continues<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Tj5oYG69yfeoG3ZZq8ykCd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ll just be there to help the team&#8217; \u2013 2026 breakout rider Paula Blasi plays down expectations for first Tour de France Femmes participation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J9Lj3NWLwdiWzuFEA2E2hh.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Belgian Waffle Ride: Hayden Christian secures Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel with victory in Montana while C\u00e9cile Lejeune wraps up women&#8217;s overall title with runner-up finish<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It&#8217;s annoying to be out-numbered like that&#8217; 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\u2013 Kate Courtney&#8217;s first US Road Nationals is one to remember, so will we see her on the tarmac more?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-22T10:52:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">&#8216;I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe\">Until recently, it would have been almost unthinkable to see Kate Courtney eschewing the run of World Cups but the current marathon mountain bike World Champion has been showing up on plenty of new start lines of late, from the more mountain-bike adjacent gravel races to, most recently, a debut at the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships.<\/p>\n<p>And what a debut it was.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f46055d6-0aba-4239-80d6-1c7b2c9db0fe-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The She Sends Racing competitor walked away with the jersey of a US national road race champion, after having taken on her first road race since she was 16 just last month, competing in and winning stage 4 of the 2.2 ranked Tour de Feminin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think for me I really needed to give myself the chance to experiment and put myself in new, uncertain situations where I didn&#8217;t have expectations and I could really go for it. I did that today, and it worked out,&#8221; Courtney told broadcaster <em>FloBikes<\/em> in a post-race interview.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The road newcomer, Courtney, had charged toward the line with the most experienced of players in Lauren Stephens (Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment). The latter racer was lining up for her 11th tilt at the elite women&#8217;s USPro national road title, which she snared in 2021 and was also runner-up last year. Courtney, however, was leaning on the wisdom of her team support to help put herself in a position where victory was a possibility,<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TaNDSftcehwVDmpM8fZMh9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tNn3fgefi95i6YH4Es8Pd5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Walked in with few expectations, walked away with some hardware&#8217; &#8211; U23 talent Katherine Sarkisov demonstrates race intelligence at recent US Road and Cyclocross nationals<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oMpQrWD955LqnPRMFgTFSD-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;For the love of it&#8217; \u2013 Kate Courtney races Fuego XL at Sea Otter and blows away competition, while Hannah Otto reveals new FKT atop Hawaii&#8217;s Mauna Kea \u2013 Gravel Bits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I knew, OK, it&#8217;s probably going to be a war of attrition and come down to that last lap. I was just trying to save enough and be smart but also keep the pace on, so that we actually had a chance at it,&#8221; said Courtney.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;And then, of course, trying to figure out how to play that final. I haven&#8217;t been in that many situations like that, so I&#8217;m really proud that I was able to stick the landing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TQVbr7mjEZ5cndXgJqreLf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was a considerably different scenario than Courtney has been used to facing in more ways than just the tactics. For the 2018 XCO World Champion and 2019 World Cup series winner who started her mountain bike national title collection as a junior in 2010, lining up on the mountain bike had come to mean always heading into a race with expectation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My little mantra today was everything to gain,&#8221; said Courtney. &#8220;I think I&#8217;ve come into a lot of Nationals where it felt like I had everything to lose. Either you had the jersey, or you were the top-performing World Cup athlete, and so you really felt like anything less than a win was a disappointment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It felt really freeing to be in this race and know that as long as I gave everything, I was going to be really proud, and I was going to learn a lot. So, if I played the tactics wrong and that hadn&#8217;t worked out in my favour, I would have learned a big lesson, played my cards a little differently next time.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3LWnjaYFPHovsFRBRQi2uE-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Five years ago I didn&#8217;t even know what Unbound Gravel was&#8217; &#8211; Former US ski team racer now a formidable force at The Traka and Unbound<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ymboJ47Ti34hTzn49XcbPS-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The only race I&#8217;m afraid of is Little Sugar&#8217; &#8211; Karolina Migo\u0144 places season focus on Life Time Grand Prix after title defense at The Traka 360<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FfdxoCuvaseHxxiP7F3rrW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Being a little sneaky&#8217; with smart teamwork, Kristen Faulkner starts her European season at Tour of Flanders and says EF Education-Oatly &#8216;can surprise the field&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I think today I learned to never give up and to keep fighting to the line.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">So what does this now mean for the racer who at one time had a regular pattern of mountain bike events mapped out each season? Is her road bike and new national championship jersey likely to get some more outings?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I mean, I love to represent the jersey, so yeah, I gotta wear it and we&#8217;ll see,&#8221; was what Courtney said when asked in the <em>FloBikes<\/em> interview if she would be on the road more.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll savour this one for a bit, and then try to show up in that jersey, ready to fight.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After all, with the schedule opened up and the disciplines wide open, it seems anything is possible for Courtney in 2026.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s my year of radical experimentation,&#8221; concluded the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/my-year-of-radical-experimentation-kate-courtneys-first-us-road-nationals-is-one-to-remember-so-will-we-see-her-on-the-tarmac-more\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zkdkJAP4Y8UEpSpwv9wjpa-1600-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 US Road Championships: Kate Courtney outsprints Lauren Stephens to win elite women&#8217;s road race title 2 US Pro National Championships: Triathlete Taylor Knibb claims second time trial title 3 No title defence for Kristen Faulkner in US Pro National Championships after &#8216;travel chaos&#8217; Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling USA Cycling Pro [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2006247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2006247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2006247"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2006247\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2006247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2006247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2006247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}