Captain America Strikes Again: Simmons Solos to a Third US Title as Courtney Takes the Women's Crown
Quinn Simmons reaffirmed his status as the dominant force in American road racing, soloing to victory at the USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships in Charleston, West Virginia, to claim his third national title. The Lidl-Trek rider attacked with 29 kilometres remaining and held off the chase to finish more than two minutes clear, ensuring he will carry the stars and stripes jersey to the Tour de France.
The win adds the 2026 crown to Simmons's previous titles in 2023 and 2025, cementing the nickname “Captain America” that has followed him through a breakthrough couple of seasons. On a demanding circuit in the hills around Charleston, the 25-year-old once again proved that few domestic rivals can live with him when he commits to a long-range move.
Simmons judged his effort to perfection, going clear at a point that left the chasers with too much ground to recover and a course that rewarded raw power over numbers. By the closing kilometres the result was beyond doubt, and he was able to savour the run to the line in the national champion's jersey he has made his own.
The title also carries weight for the weeks ahead. With the Tour de France beginning in Barcelona on 4 July, Simmons will line up in distinctive colours as one of Lidl-Trek's most aggressive riders, a constant threat in breakaways and on the punchier days that suit his explosive style.
In the elite women's road race, run over 113.8 kilometres, Kate Courtney produced a superbly timed sprint to outkick past champion Lauren Stephens and claim the stars and stripes jersey. The result marked a notable road triumph for Courtney, long one of America's most decorated off-road racers, who timed her effort to perfection in the closing metres.
There was success across the age categories too. Enzo Hincapie soloed to the junior men's road race title, continuing a famous American cycling family's tradition, while Katherine Sarkisov and Ashlin Barry took the under-23 women's and men's titles respectively, underlining the depth of emerging talent in the US ranks.
Held across a packed week of time trials, criteriums and road races, the Charleston championships once again served as a showcase for American racing. But the headline belonged to Simmons, whose ruthless solo ride means the most recognisable jersey in the US peloton will once again be on show at the sport's biggest race.