Young Cyclists Ashlin Barry and Lidia Cusack Claim Victory in Charleston, West Virginia
Barry Clinches First US Road Title
In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Ashlin Barry secured his inaugural US national victory at the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships. The junior men’s 17-18 crown was fiercely contested on the challenging 16.9-kilometer course in Charleston, West Virginia. Barry, hailing from Canada but racing under a USA Cycling license, delivered a remarkable performance, clocking in at 20:39. His victory came after a neck-and-neck battle with David Lapierre of Hot Tubes Development, who trailed by a mere three seconds, settling for the silver medal.
Adding to the celebration for EF Education-ONTO, Noah Streif clinched the bronze medal, edging out Joaquin Medina Garzon by a razor-thin margin. The podium finish marked a stellar start for the team, with William “Gray” Barnett, last year's junior men’s 15-16 national champion, showcasing his prowess with a commendable seventh-place finish.
Cusack Dominates Women’s 17-18 Field
Meanwhile, Lidia Cusack of DCdevo Racing Academy exhibited sheer dominance in the junior women’s 17-18 time trial, reaffirming her status as a rising star in American cycling. With two previous US women's junior 15-16 road championships under her belt, Cusack commenced her run as the first cyclist down the start ramp. Her commanding performance saw her clocking in at 22:55, leaving her competitors trailing in her wake. Alyssa White of DCdevo Racing Academy claimed the silver medal, while Helena Jones of TWENTY24 Aevolo secured the bronze. Jorja Bond of Boulder Junior Cycling also put in an impressive performance, finishing within a minute of Cusack.
New Host for USA Pro Road Nationals
Charleston, West Virginia, played host to the exhilarating championships, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. The selection of this scenic mountain town as the new venue for the US Pro Road Nationals from 2024 to 2028 added a fresh dimension to the prestigious event. All of the time trial, criterium, and road race courses were held in downtown Charleston, with the start and finish lines at Haddad Riverfront Park.
Expanding Opportunities for Young Cyclists
This year's championships marked a significant milestone as USA Cycling featured road events for Junior 17-18 and all U23 riders alongside the elites. With 18 stars-and-stripes jerseys up for grabs across various divisions, the championships provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a national stage.
The USA National Road Championships witnessed a thrilling start with Barry and Cusack emerging as the standout performers in the junior time trials. Their remarkable victories not only underscored their individual brilliance but also heralded the promising future of American cycling.
