Team Winston-Salem Brings the Fight to WSCC on Home Roads
With friends, family, and hometown fans lining the barricades, Team Winston Salem came ready to race at the Winston Salem Cycling Classic, part of the Gears & Guitars Festival. Both squads stepped up on one of the fastest, most high-profile crit courses in the country, showing off team cohesion, tactical intent, and local pride. More than just a race, WSCC brought thousands of fans downtown for a full weekend of elite cycling, live music, and festival energy
Women’s Race
The women’s squad of Jen Malik, Sierra Sims, and Madison Gallagher animated the race from the gun. The trio worked together to cover early moves and keep the team represented near the front. Sierra tracked dangerous breakaway attempts through the first half, Madison launched an effort for a mid-race prime and nearly took it, and Jen fired off a solo flier in the closing laps.
Although the race ended in a bunch sprint, the team executed the plan: stay visible, stay aggressive, and make the jersey count. From breakaways to prime efforts to late attacks, each rider contributed to making the race fast and unpredictable.
Men’s Race
The men’s team came in with a clear plan: protect Will Hardin, cover early threats, and be ready to capitalize on a late move. John Heinlen, Jules, Eli, and Josh controlled positioning and shut down early attacks, setting Will up for the second half of the race.
Despite coming off a hard weekend at Nationals, Will committed fully to a late-race breakaway of three riders that looked promising. Unfortunately, the break stopped cooperating and was pulled back with just a few laps remaining. Fatigue from the previous day and a sketchy moment in the finale forced Will out of contention for the sprint—but the team raced with intent and did everything they could to shape the outcome. Each rider gave their all throughout the entire race to not only set up Will, but also to animate the race and show their presence in their home city.
More Than a Race
The Winston Salem Cycling Classic, part of the Gears & Guitars Festival, is one of the marquee events on the American criterium calendar. Known for its fast, technical downtown course and electric atmosphere, WSCC brings together national-level racers, passionate fans, food trucks, and live music. For Team Winston Salem, it’s a chance to race in front of the community that backs them all season long—and to show what the jersey stands for: grit, teamwork, and fearless racing.
