2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships: Madison Maloney and Bennett Rose Crowned

This year, 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships were held during the 15th Annual Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick on September 20.

The event brought riders from across the country to Frederick, Maryland, where the Catoctin Mountains National Park delivered another year of fierce competition across five timed race sections on the demanding 89-mile championship course. The 14–16 and 70+ age groups raced four timed sections on a 72-mile route, but faced the same steep gradients, technical descents, and decisive climbs that shaped every podium of the day.

In the youngest women’s field, the 17–18 riders showed maturity beyond their years as Kate Elwell set the pace across the timed segments, finishing ahead of Julie Raydo and Cami Nessen. The 19–22 women battled tightly through the early climbs, with Patricia Higgins riding clear of Paige Nodarse to secure the category. The 23–29 group featured the day’s overall women’s champion, Madison Maloney, who powered through all five segments to finish ahead of Melanie Wong and Cami Nessen.

The women’s 30–34 race saw Olivia Brettschneider ride confidently through the steepest pitches, finishing ahead of Valentina Cummings and Hannah Barge. In the 35–39 division, Sarah Watkins delivered one of the strongest rides of the day, holding off Kai Luigend Morillo and Colleen Smith. The 40–44 podium was shaped by the experience of Jennifer Thornton-Brooks, who once again rode away from Katie Morales and Beatriz Vanegas. The 45–49 women’s category featured a commanding performance from Bridgett Widrig, with Kari Heebink and Sarah Powers rounding out the podium. In the 50–54 group, Allison Paul led home Sereena Coombes and Manya Speelman, while the 55–59 podium was dominated by Denise Esposito, followed by Jennifer Golden and Rhonda Davie. The 60–64 women’s podium was secured by Susan Haid, Leslie Knibb, and Nancy Lindsay, and the 65–69 category showcased the strength of Lynne Anderson, Martha Moseley, and Linda Brown. In the 70–74 division, Patricia Caldeira and Mia O’Connell delivered determined rides on the four-segment course, while Vicky Nielsen conquered the 75–79 category with a steady, disciplined effort.

On the men’s side, the 14–16 riders attacked their four timed sections with speed and precision, with Nate Beaver finishing ahead of Ari Ebens and Tyler Rowles. The 17–18 category featured the fastest male rider of the entire championship, Bennett Rose, who powered through all five segments to finish ahead of Camille Cherpion and Cian Connolly. In the 19–22 division, Luke Schneider rode strongly through the steepest climbs, finishing ahead of Aidan Russ and Alex Kelsh. The 23–29 podium was shaped by the strength of Maxwell Abner, Konner Wisniewski, and Orion Burgess, while the 30–34 group saw a razor-thin spread between Tyler Brendel, Michael Reidenbach, and Jeff Case.

The 35–39 men’s podium featured Justin Spangler, Matt Weeks, and Rameez Tase, each delivering strong climbing performances across the five segments. In the 40–44 division, Noah Niwinski held off Darrin Arbaugh and Adam Pulford, while the 45–49 category showcased another dominant ride from Andrew Knight, who finished ahead of Keith Gerarden and Shawn Litster to secure his fifth consecutive national title. The 50–54 podium was shaped by Stu Moran, Aaron Liddell, and John Hart, while the 55–59 group saw Raik Huster ride clear of Jorg Decressin and David Oliver.

In the 60–64 division, Brian White led home Brent Graves and Michael King, and the 65–69 podium featured Douglas Pomeranz, Richard Inglis, and David Kellogg. The 70–74 category produced fast times from Rick Sorenson, Doug Chiasson, and Julius Aulisio, while the 75–79 podium was secured by Mark Holt, James Malone, and Philip Benton. In the 80+ division, Joe Brookreson conquered the four-segment course with determination to earn his national title.

After a demanding day in the mountains, riders returned to Frederick for the finish-line festivities, celebrating with great food, cold water coke and beers, and the traditional GFNS award ceremony and legendary raffle. The Gran Fondo National Series once again delivered its Gold Standard support, ensuring every rider — from the youngest to the oldest — had the backing of feed stations, safety motos, mechanics, marshals, and law enforcement throughout the event.

The USA Gran Fondo National Series continues to set the Gold Standard of organized road events in North America with fully stocked and expertly staffed feed stations on all routes, with marked and marshalled courses, supported by law enforcement, safety motos, mechanic and sag vehicles. All riders participate safely in the knowledge that the experienced GFNS crew will be there to support every rider at every stage.

The event benefit the local Linganore Mountain Bike Team, for student athletes of all experience levels in grades 6-12.

2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships

2027 Series Dates have been confirmed, starting with Florida on March 21^st 2027 and registration is now open.

 Register now, get the best price and kick-start your plan for next season.

Mar 21, 2027 Gran Fondo Florida - Register Here
Apr 25, 2027 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo - Register Here
Jun 06, 2027 Highlands Gran Fondo - Register Here
Jul 18, 2027 Gran Fondo Asheville - Register Here
Aug 08, 2027 Boone Gran Fondo - Register Here
Sep 19, 2027 Gran Fondo Maryland - Register Here

Gran Fondo National Series is proud to announce that the 2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships event will be held in conjunction with Gran Fondo Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 18, 2027, with the Applewood Manor Foundation as the presenting sponsor.

2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships Results: Top 10 Men

1. Bennett Rose — Scarsdale, NY — 1:09:19.16 — 22.15 
2. Tyler Brendel — Bethesda, MD — 1:09:34.98 — 22.20 
3. Michael Reidenbach — Fairfield, PA — 1:09:48.21 — 21.82
4. Jeff Case — Pelzer, SC — 1:09:50.87 — 21.89 
5. Andrew Knight — Marietta, GA — 1:10:09.90 — 21.92 
6. Maxwell Abner — Greenville, SC — 1:10:10.20 — 22.18 
7. Justin Spangler — Salt Lake City, UT — 1:11:15.14 — 21.49 
8. Luke Schneider — West Middlesex, PA — 1:11:44.90 — 21.29 
9. Camille Cherpion — Rye, NY — 1:12:36.63 — 19.91 
10. Noah Niwinski — Asheville, NC — 1:12:55.29 — 20.87

2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships Results: Top 10 Women

1. Madison Maloney — 1:19:50.39 — 18.52 
2. Jennifer Thornton-Brooks — Boone, NC — 1:22:17.97 — 17.98 
3. Sarah Watkins — Evansville, IN — 1:25:35.58 — 16.93 
4. Bridgett Widrig — Grawn, MI — 1:27:10.44 — 16.94 
5. Olivia Brettschneider — Charlotte, NC — 1:27:47.47 — 16.17 
6. Denise Esposito — Mohegan Lake, NY — 1:29:52.48 — 16.28 
7. Kate Elwell — Mechanicsburg, PA — 1:30:26.09 — 17.10 
8. Kai Luigend Morillo — Washington, DC — 1:31:59.59 — 15.85
9. Katie Morales — Cross Junction, VA — 1:32:42.51 — 16.15 
10. Lynne Anderson — Boulder, CO — 1:34:20.56 — 15.22

2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships Results: Top 5 Podium Places

FEMALE 17–18

1. Kate Elwell — Mechanicsburg, PA — 1:30:26
2. Julie Raydo — Williamsburg, VA — 1:45:10

FEMALE 19–22

1. Patricia Higgins — Otego, NY — 1:37:58
2. Paige Nodarse — Tallahassee, FL — 1:51:33

FEMALE 23–29

1. Madison Maloney — 1:19:50
2. Melanie Wong — Fremont, CA — 1:50:16
3. Cami Nessen — Rigby, ID — 2:19:43

FEMALE 30–34

1. Olivia Brettschneider — Charlotte, NC — 1:27:47
2. Valentina Cummings — Asheville, NC — 1:38:10
3. Hannah Barge — Marietta, GA — 1:56:10
4. Mercedes Nield — Charlestown, WV — 2:40:59

FEMALE 35–39

1. Sarah Watkins — Evansville, IN — 1:25:35
2. Kai Luigend Morillo — Washington, DC — 1:31:59
3. Colleen Smith — Eagle, ID — 1:40:1
4. Yuliya Flynn — Alpine, WY — 1:48:31
5. Jamie Rothaug — Jacksonville, FL — 1:51:01

FEMALE 40–44

1. Jennifer Thornton-Brooks — Boone, NC — 1:22:17
2. Katie Morales — Cross Junction, VA — 1:32:42
3. Beatriz Vanegas — Teaneck, NJ — 1:37:0
4. Stephanie Fernandez — Winter Garden, FL — 2:33:35

FEMALE 45–49

1. Bridgett Widrig — Grawn, MI — 1:27:10
2. Kari Heebink — Annapolis, MD — 1:34:53
3. Sarah Powers — Lakeland, FL — 1:42:17
4. Ilona Miller — Stamford, CT — 1:51:07
5. Maggie Kemp — Urbana, MD — 1:57:27

FEMALE 50–54

1. Allison Paul — Hillsborough, NC — 1:35:28
2. Sereena Coombes — Queensbury, NY — 1:46:30
3. Manya Speelman — Pleasant View, UT — 1:47:58
4. Ann Kristin Dyrkolbotn — Virginia Beach, VA — 2:00:20
5. Tara Spalding — Salt Lake City, UT — 2:09:32

FEMALE 55–59

1. Denise Esposito — Mohegan Lake, NY — 1:29:52
2. Jennifer Golden — Apison, TN — 1:36:32
3. Rhonda Davie — Boulder, CO — 1:46:44
4. Kerri Robbins — Melbourne Beach, FL — 1:49:13
5. Kathy Brockett — Pensacola, FL — 1:56:57

FEMALE 60–64

1. Susan Haid — Pittsboro, NC — 1:37:27
2. Leslie Knibb — Boulder, CO — 1:53:39
3. Nancy Lindsay — Perry, UT — 2:17:48

FEMALE 65–69

1. Lynne Anderson — Boulder, CO — 1:34:20
2. Martha Moseley — Princeton, NJ — 1:58:38
3. Linda Brown — Rye, NY — 2:00:29
4. Kathy Judson — Arvada, CO — 2:11:5
5. Carrie Grow — Springdale, UT — 2:56:02

FEMALE 70–74

1. Patricia Caldeira — Crofton, MD — 1:25:52
2. Mia O’Connell — Frederick, MD — 1:48:33

FEMALE 75–79

1. Vicky Nielsen — Ogden, UT — 2:19:02

MALE 14–16

1. Nate Beaver — Columbus, OH — 1:02:42
2. Ari Ebens — New York, NY — 1:03:02
3. Tyler Rowles — Great Falls, VA — 1:07:50
4. Alejandro Laguna — Mount Airy, MD — 1:13:44
5. Alex Coon — Reisterstown, MD — 1:42:46

MALE 17–18

1. Bennett Rose — Scarsdale, NY — 1:09:19
2. Camille Cherpion — Rye, NY — 1:12:36
3. Cian Connolly — Halethorpe, MD — 1:15:45
4. William Schwinger — Centreville, MD — 2:41:13

MALE 19–22

1. Luke Schneider — West Middlesex, PA — 1:11:44
2. Aidan Russ — Apex, NC — 1:23:43
3. Alex Kelsh — Treadwell, NY — 1:24:40
4. Andrew York — Winston-Salem, NC — 1:26:26

MALE 23–29

1. Maxwell Abner — Greenville, SC — 1:10:10
2. Konner Wisniewski — Aberdeen, MD — 1:13:13
3. Orion Burgess — Belfair, WA — 1:17:59
4. Sam Sharkey — Fairfax, VA — 1:21:04
5. Aaron Worley — Westfield, IN — 1:21:21

MALE 30–34

1. Tyler Brendel — Bethesda, MD — 1:09:34
2. Michael Reidenbach — Fairfield, PA — 1:09:43. Jeff Case — Pelzer, SC — 1:09:50
4. Ryan Collins — Annapolis, MD — 1:13:12
5. Adam Downs — Marietta, GA — 1:14:09

MALE 35–39

1. Justin Spangler — Salt Lake City, UT — 1:11:15
2. Matt Weeks — Shavano Park, TX — 1:19:12
3. Rameez Tase — Rockville, MD — 1:24:56
4. Mohsen Azadi — Philadelphia, PA — 1:27:25
5. Kristopher Cormier — Colorado Springs, CO — 1:31:32

MALE 40–44

1. Noah Niwinski — Asheville, NC — 1:12:55
2. Darrin Arbaugh — Bethesda, MD — 1:13:02
3. Adam Pulford — Washington, DC — 1:13:46
4. Nick Glavac — Willoughby, OH — 1:14:36
5. Dan Cassidy — Rockville, MD — 1:14:46

MALE 45–49

1. Andrew Knight — Marietta, GA — 1:10:09
2. Keith Gerarden — Chapel Hill, NC — 1:14:44
3. Shawn Litster — Pittsburgh, PA — 1:17:03
4. Jed Sheckler — Brooktondale, NY — 1:17:54
5. James Johndrow — New York, NY — 1:19:06

MALE 50–54

1. Stu Moran — Weaverville, NC — 1:17:21
2. Aaron Liddell — Castle Rock, CO — 1:18:16
3. John Hart — Murfreesboro, TN — 1:18:33
4. Rob Downs — Atlanta, GA — 1:18:48
5. Edgar Buckley — Washington, DC — 1:20:17

MALE 55–59

1. Raik Huster — Centennial, CO — 1:15:45
2. Jorg Decressin — Bethesda, MD — 1:23:34
3. David Oliver — Providence, UT — 1:26:17
4. Michael Nagle — Trappe, PA — 1:26:49
5. Ramon de Diego — Alexandria, VA — 1:30:45

MALE 60–64

1. Brian White — Cooperstown, NY — 1:20:17
2. Brent Graves — Asheville, NC — 1:22:4
3. Michael King — Henrico, VA — 1:26:53
4. Michael Griffith — Alexandria, VA — 1:29:45
5. Humberto Baca — Pasadena, CA — 1:31:40

MALE 65–69

1. Douglas Pomeranz — Rancho Santa Fe, CA — 1:20:30
2. Richard Inglis — Vienna, VA — 1:23:15
3. David Kellogg — Providence, RI — 1:26:45
4. Richard Lamar Mauney — Lilburn, GA — 1:27:13
5. Jay Trojan — Cumberland, RI — 1:27:18

MALE 70–74

1. Rick Sorenson — Rutland, VT — 1:12:41
2. Doug Chiasson — Athol, MA — 1:24:57
3. Julius Aulisio — Clarkesville, GA — 1:27:43
4. Rick Paukstitus — Gambrills, MD — 1:27:53
5. Bob Smith — Grand Junction, CO — 1:27:59

MALE 75–79

1. Mark Holt — Williamsburg, VA — 1:30:03
2. James Malone — Casper, WY — 1:33:57
3. Philip Benton — Whispering Pines, NC — 1:35:46

MALE 80+

1. Joe Brookreson — Martinsburg, WV — 2:37:42

Link to 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships Results: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/maryland-2026-results

2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships Photo Gallery