California cyclists delivered standout performances at the 2025 USA Cycling Masters & Junior Road National Championships, held June 28 through July 2 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The 2025 USA Cycling Masters & Junior Road National Championships featured a diverse set of challenging courses designed to test riders across multiple disciplines.
The Time Trial took place on fast, slightly rolling rural roads near the Trek Bicycle Corporation headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin. This out-and-back course, ranging from 10 to 30 kilometers depending on the category, featured smooth pavement and minimal elevation gain, with light crosswinds adding an extra layer of strategic complexity.
The Road Race course was set in Blue Mounds State Park, where riders faced constant rolling hills and some steep climbs along narrow, tree-lined roads. Distances varied by age group, typically between 40 and 120 kilometers, with a decisive final ascent up Mounds Park Road often playing a key role in the race outcome.
The Criterium took place on a flat, fast, approximately one-kilometer circuit through downtown Milwaukee. With wide streets and four high-speed corners, the urban course demanded sharp technical skills and tactical positioning, often culminating in intense bunch sprints supported by enthusiastic crowds.
Together, these courses offered a balanced test of endurance, power, and racecraft, challenging riders to demonstrate both physical strength and strategic acumen to earn national titles.
California Champions Crowned
Cyclists from across the state earned national titles in criterium, time trial, and road race events, proving once again that California is home to some of the nation’s strongest junior and masters bike racers. The newly crowned champions have also earned the right to wear the prestigious stars ‘n stripes jersey for the next year.
Junior National Champions from California
Eli Watson – Junior Men 15–16 Criterium
Representing Bros Ride Bikes, Upland’s Eli Watson sprinted to victory in the criterium, claiming the national title in a fast and tactical finish.
Enzo Berghout – Junior Men 15–16 Road Race
Menlo Park rider Enzo Berghout (Team California Academy) showed grit and timing to win the road race and bring home a Stars and Stripes jersey.
Aine Chen – Junior Women 15–16 Road Race
Del Mar’s Aine Chen (SDBC powered by Bonnici Law Group) dominated the final laps to secure the national road race title in the Junior Women 15–16 category.
Masters National Champions from California
Criterium Champions
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Ryan Gorman (Orinda, CA – Cyclesport.com) won the Masters Men 45–49 criterium with a late-race move that stuck.
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Lawrence Nolan (Fremont, CA – Creative Blue Racing) claimed the Masters Men 65–69 title with a powerful sprint finish.
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Norma Hilton (Pacifica, CA – Pen Velo Racing/Summit Bicycles) captured the Masters Women 75+ criterium championship after outpacing her competitors.
Time Trial Champions
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Michelle Kosick (Encinitas, CA) posted the fastest time in the Masters Women 35–39 category.
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Mark Tucker (Fresno, CA – The Meteor) won the Masters Men 50–54 time trial with an efficient and consistent ride.
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Lawrence Nolan (Fremont, CA – Creative Blue Racing) doubled up with a win in the Masters Men 65–69 time trial.
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Mary Ellen Allen (La Jolla, CA – Ironfly) earned the national title in the Masters Women 75+ category with a strong solo effort against the clock.
Road Race Champions
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Norma Hilton (Pacifica, CA – Pen Velo Racing/Summit Bicycles) returned to the top step, winning the Masters Women 75+ road race in addition to her criterium title.
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Phil Van Horn (Montecito, CA – Santa Barbarians) took top honors in the Masters Men 85–89 road race after breaking away from the field mid-race.
California National Champions – 2025 Summary
| Name | Category | Event(s) Won | Team | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eli Watson | Junior Men 15–16 | Criterium | Bros Ride Bikes | Upland, CA |
| Enzo Berghout | Junior Men 15–16 | Road Race | Team California Academy | Menlo Park, CA |
| Aine Chen | Junior Women 15–16 | Road Race | SDBC powered by Bonnici Law Group | Del Mar, CA |
| Ryan Gorman | Masters Men 45–49 | Criterium | Cyclesport.com | Orinda, CA |
| Lawrence Nolan | Masters Men 65–69 | Criterium, Time Trial | Creative Blue Racing | Fremont, CA |
| Michelle Kosick | Masters Women 35–39 | Time Trial | — | Encinitas, CA |
| Mark Tucker | Masters Men 50–54 | Time Trial | The Meteor | Fresno, CA |
| Mary Ellen Allen | Masters Women 75+ | Time Trial | Ironfly | La Jolla, CA |
| Norma Hilton | Masters Women 75+ | Criterium, Road Race | Pen Velo Racing/Summit Bicycles | Pacifica, CA |
| Phil Van Horn | Masters Men 85–89 | Road Race | Santa Barbarians | Montecito, CA |
These national titles reflect California’s strong development system, experienced masters scene, and the depth of its competitive cycling community. Congratulations to all of the champions who represented the Golden State with pride.
Full Results
Top Photo – Upland’s Eli Watson (Bros Ride Bikes) won the Junior Men 15–16 Criterium.
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