USA CRITS: Liza Ray destroys women's field at LaGrange Classic for series lead while Marcos Mendez earns second win in three races

Liza Ray of Kingdom Elite Racing delivered a commanding performance at the LaGrange Cycling Classic, securing a solo victory in the pro women’s race and claiming the overall lead in the USA CRITS series. Ray broke away just 12 minutes into the race, maintaining a strong pace that allowed her to lap the field and finish unchallenged. Her teammate Elizabeth Harden played a crucial role in supporting Ray during the final laps, ensuring the win remained uncontested. This triumph marks Ray’s first major criterium victory and comes in the absence of former leader Laurel Rathbun. In the men’s race, Marcos Mendez of Foundation Cycling New York sprinted to victory from a breakaway group, earning his second win in three USA CRITS events this season. Mendez outpaced Leonel Rodriguez, Julien Ruhe, and Lucas Gaday to take the top step on the podium. Rodriguez’s consistent performance throughout the series has propelled him to the top of the men’s overall standings, with Preston Eye and several Foundation Cycling New York riders rounding out the top five. The LaGrange event followed closely on the heels of the Athens Twilight Criterium, testing riders’ endurance across consecutive race days. The LaGrange Cycling Classic was originally planned for the weekend after Athens but was rescheduled to create back-to-back races in Georgia, intensifying the challenge for competitors. With three more events lined up after a brief break—Greenville Cycling Classic, Spartanburg Criterium, and High Line Criterium—the USA CRITS series continues to build momentum as riders vie for crucial points. The shifting leaderboard highlights the competitive depth of the series, with emerging talents like Ray and Mendez making strong bids for overall honours. The race outcomes also underscore the strategic importance of teamwork and race tactics in criterium racing. Ray’s ability to break away early and Harden’s pacing support exemplify how coordinated efforts can secure decisive victories. Meanwhile, the men’s race demonstrated the value of timing and sprinting prowess in a breakaway finish. As the series progresses, these elements will remain vital for contenders aiming to maintain or improve their standings in the tightly contested USA CRITS championship.