The 2025 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships in Charleston, West Virginia, transformed into a high-speed chess match played on two wheels. On May 23, 2025, veterans and rising stars alike battled across a demanding course that tested both physical limits and strategic acumen. When the dust settled, Kendall Ryan of L39ion of Los Angeles and Lucas Bourgoyne of Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Encore Wire emerged victorious in the Elite Women’s and Men’s Criteriums, executing calculated victories that showcased the perfect blend of team tactics and individual brilliance.
Kendall Ryan: The criterium veteran
Experience and titles
Kendall Ryan’s triumph wasn’t a fluke but rather the culmination of years of experience and tactical precision. The victory secured her fourth national criterium title at the 2025 National Championships, adding another prestigious achievement to her already impressive palmarès. Her consistent podium finishes in the 2024 USA CRITS series demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes racing environments.
Recent performance and resilience
Ryan’s path to victory revealed remarkable resilience, particularly following a concussion in March 2023 that temporarily derailed her career. Her comeback journey showcases the mental fortitude required at cycling’s highest levels, as she methodically rebuilt her form to once again dominate the criterium racing scene.
Team collaboration
Her integration with powerhouse team L39ion of Los Angeles has proven instrumental in refining her race craft. The squad’s seamless collaboration was evident throughout the championship event, with teammates like Laurel Rathbun neutralizing attacks and Holly Breck delivering a textbook lead-out in the final lap. “I didn’t really have to do anything today and I owe this win to them. They selflessly covered every single move they needed to be in,” Ryan acknowledged, highlighting the crucial team support behind her victory.
Lucas Bourgoyne: The rising star
Career ascent
Lucas Bourgoyne’s victory marks a significant turning point in his burgeoning career. Known for his aggressive racing style and explosive sprint finish, Bourgoyne has been steadily ascending through the competitive USA CRITS circuit. His consistent top-10 finishes throughout 2024 foreshadowed his potential, much as demonstrated by Richard Carapaz’s stage win in the Giro d’Italia, where patient development eventually translates to breakthrough performances.
Coaching and background
Beyond racing, Bourgoyne’s dedication extends to coaching with LB__coaching, where he nurtures the next generation of cyclists. His technical foundation was built in the challenging Driveway Series in Austin, Texas, renowned for its intense racing environment. This background in tactical racing proved decisive in the championship, where his ability to remain calm under pressure and make split-second decisions ultimately delivered the prestigious stars and stripes jersey.
Charleston’s crucible: The course profile
Course length
The championship criterium in Charleston featured a compact 0.6-mile (1 km) circuit, creating a high-frequency racing format that demanded constant vigilance and positioning awareness from competitors. Like the challenges faced on some stages of the Giro d’Italia due to external factors, this condensed format amplified every tactical decision and mistake.
Technical turns
With eight technical turns per lap, including four sharp 90-degree corners and four sweeping curves, the course rewarded technical proficiency and courage. These corners became decisive battlegrounds where positioning often determined the eventual outcome, particularly in the chaotic final laps.
Road surface details
The variable road surfaces added another layer of complexity, featuring smooth asphalt interspersed with rougher patches, particularly in several corners plagued by potholes. This inconsistency tested riders’ bike handling skills and equipment choices, with only the start/finish straight offering reliable traction for maximum power output.
Elevation challenges
While predominantly flat, the course included a subtle rise on the backstretch that created natural selection points throughout the races. This feature favored riders with explosive power who could maintain momentum through the elevation change, setting up crucial separations in both the women’s and men’s events.
Tactical masterclass: How the races unfolded
Elite women’s criterium tactics
The women’s race witnessed calculated aggression from the opening laps, with Fount Cycling Guild initiating early attacks to establish a punishing tempo. Cynisca Cycling and L39ion of Los Angeles played a patient game, shadowing moves and conserving energy for the decisive moments. Ryan’s victory stemmed from perfect positioning through the final corner, allowing her to unleash an unmatched sprint that her competitors couldn’t answer.
Elite men’s criterium tactics
In the men’s race, Project Echelon Racing attempted to control proceedings with numerical superiority, establishing a relentless pace designed to deter breakaways. However, late attacks disrupted their lead-out plans, creating the chaotic scenario where Bourgoyne thrived. His victory mirrored the tactical brilliance seen in Olav Kooij’s sprint victory in the Giro d’Italia – staying calm amidst chaos and executing perfectly when opportunity arose.
The championship’s weight: More than just a jersey
Symbolic value
The Stars and Stripes jersey represents more than just a single victory – it symbolizes national pride and year-long recognition. For Ryan, her fourth title cements her legacy in American criterium racing, while for Bourgoyne, the championship marks his arrival among the sport’s elite competitors.
Career opportunities
These championship victories open doors to enhanced sponsorships, team negotiations, and invitations to higher-profile races. The national champion’s jersey creates visibility that extends well beyond the cycling community, potentially transforming career trajectories for both winners.
Team impact
For their respective teams, these victories validate their support structures and strategic approaches. L39ion of Los Angeles continues to dominate the American criterium scene, while Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Encore Wire gains valuable exposure that will help attract future talent and resources.
Conclusion
The 2025 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships criterium events delivered compelling racing that balanced individual brilliance with team tactical execution. Ryan’s veteran savvy and Bourgoyne’s explosive emergence represent different career stages but similar racing intelligence. As they don their championship jerseys for the coming year, both riders have cemented their status in American cycling’s competitive hierarchy through performances that combined physical prowess with perfect tactical awareness.
The cycling world now watches with anticipation to see how these champions will leverage their prestigious titles in upcoming races across the American calendar.
