EARLY SEASON RACES SEE GREAT RESULTS!
We’ve been putting in the work, finishing up our training, and seeing some incredible results at early season races.
PRE-SEASON
Before our first team races, our pre-season centered around team camp in Winston-Salem, which wrapped up with our team road race and criterium. Camp brought riders together from across the country, building momentum through a week of challenging rides, shared experiences, and strong early performances.
Things kicked off with a group racing at the Mountain Events criterium in Kernersville, where we swept the podium with Jules, Josh, and Will, an early statement of the team’s depth and form. From there, the team took on the demanding Triple Hump route, linking Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock, and Sauratown Mountain. Along the way, Owen Cole set the fastest times ever recorded on Strava across multiple segments, adding to the reputation of these already iconic climbs.
Off the bike, the team made the most of their time together, enjoying local staples like Bobby Boy’s Bakery and Camino Bakery downtown. That balance of performance and team culture carried into the weekend, where the squad delivered again at the Velocious Sports events.
Owen Cole and Sierra Sims claimed victories in the road races, followed by another strong showing in the criteriums, with Will Hardin and Sierra Sims both taking wins.
REDLANDS BICYCLE CLASSIC
The first major stage race of the season brought the team to Redlands, California, one of the most competitive events in the United States, featuring nearly every top domestic team and fields of around 200 riders. After Owen Cole’s standout performance there last year, expectations were high, and the team delivered.
Despite changes to the course that removed a key climb, Owen rose to the challenge, taking 3rd in the opening time trial and riding consistently at the front throughout the week. Strong performances across each stage led to an impressive 2nd place overall finish, along with the Young Rider jersey, reinforcing his place among the top riders in the country.
On the women’s side, the team entered Redlands with strong cohesion and multiple options for success after a solid start in the time trial. Early setbacks in stage two, including crashes involving several of our riders, forced a quick reset. Even so, the team responded with resilience, staying composed and working together through the remainder of the race.
By stage three, Claire and Madison had moved into the front group, with Claire emerging as the team’s best general classification option. From that point forward, the team rallied around her, riding smart and supporting each other through every stage. The group remained focused on positioning, safety, and maximizing opportunities despite the challenges.
On the final day, the team once again showed its strength and determination. Madison delivered an impressive ride to finish 8th on the stage, while Claire followed closely behind. Both riders demonstrated steady progression throughout the week, turning a difficult start into a strong overall performance and highlighting the depth of the squad.
ATHENS TWILIGHT
Building on that momentum, the team carried its form into Athens and LaGrange, racing aggressively and staying active at the front. The riders consistently covered moves, created opportunities, and remained visible throughout each event. The weekend produced multiple top ten finishes, intermediate sprint successes, and a standout 4th place finish for Claire at LaGrange, further confirming the team’s upward trajectory.
Overall, the team has shown resilience, depth, and a commitment to racing aggressively and together. With strong early-season results and clear momentum building, Team Winston-Salem is well positioned for continued success as the season progresses.