Team Winston Salem Shines at USA Cycling Pro Nationals
Team Winston Salem brought a full squad to USA Cycling’s Pro Road National Championships in Charleston, WV, and left its mark across time trials, criteriums, and road races. From gutsy comebacks to breakthrough performances, the team proved it belonged on the national stage.
Men’s Team Highlights
Owen Cole delivered a major result in the U23 Time Trial, taking 2nd place and showing once again he’s one of the top young riders in the country. In the Pro Road Race, many team members worked hard throughout the race to keep Owen Cole in the best position possible. With over 120 miles of racing, a very elite group of riders ended up being chosen. Will Hardin helped keep Owen in the best position possible in the late race, burying himself for Owen’s sake, helping him secure a top 10 spot. Owen finished 7th, helping drive the elite chase group behind Quinn Simmons’ winning solo move. It was a deep field stacked with top-level pros, and Owen held his own to the finish.
Will Hardin put down one of the most memorable rides of the weekend in the Pro Criterium. With three laps to go, a crash outside of free lap eligibility left him 30 seconds off the back of the main field. Against the odds, Will bridged solo, fought his way back to the front group, and sprinted to an incredible 5th place.
John Heinlein, who had been riding in perfect position just ahead of Will, was also caught in the crash. Both riders were poised for a podium run before the incident changed the race dynamics.
Women’s Team Highlights
Mallory Bryan raced the U23 Time Trial, finishing 14th—an important milestone as she continues building national-level experience.
In the U23 Criterium, Izzy Jensen and Mallory raced confidently through a technical, fast course that demanded strong positioning and cornering. The laps flew by in front of a loud Charleston crowd, and they gained key experience in high-speed racing at this level.
The U23 Road Race proved tough as repeated accelerations on the climbs split the field early. Izzy fought to stay connected, sticking with a main chase group. The two came away with motivation to race more aggressively and make their presence known next time.
In the Pro Women’s Crit, Madison Gallagher and Jen Malik lined up against a fast, tactical field. Madison moved up late in the race after finding her rhythm and finished inside the top 20, while Jen remained steady in a race that rewarded both positioning and grit.
The Pro Women’s Road Race tested every rider. Madison touched wheels on lap one and dropped her chain, but recovered with help from the team car and rejoined the field. Madison and Jen did their best to stay with the main group and put in whatever effort they could wherever they could. Sierra Sims stayed with the main pack all the way to the final lap, securing a solid result—an impressive effort as she continues transitioning from mountain biking to the road.
From individual heroics to team-first efforts, Team Winston Salem showed up to Nationals ready to compete. It was a week full of highs, lessons, and defining moments as the team took on one of the biggest events on the U.S. calendar.