USA CRITS: USPro Crit champions Kendall Ryan and Lucas Bourgoyne electrify Athens Twilight Criterium with elite victories

Kendall Ryan and Lucas Bourgoyne claimed impressive victories at the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium, the second round of the USA CRITS series. Both riders executed decisive last-lap uphill sprints to secure wins in their respective pro races, showcasing their status as reigning USPro criterium champions. Ryan, racing for Caldera Medical x Aurea Racing, successfully defended her title after previously dominating in 2022, while Bourgoyne celebrated his first Athens Twilight triumph with Team Cadence Cyclery p/b Waldo Racing. The races unfolded with strategic team efforts playing a crucial role in the outcomes. Ryan’s squad maintained a high pace throughout the women’s 40-lap race, neutralising multiple attacks and protecting her until the final sprint. Meanwhile, Bourgoyne’s team employed a similar tactic in the men’s 80-lap race, with five teammates controlling the peloton and covering breakaway attempts to set up his winning move. Notably, rising talents such as Brody McDonald and Julien Ruhe completed the men’s podium, underscoring the depth of emerging American criterium talent. Both champions expressed gratitude towards their teams for their support and tactical execution. Ryan praised her teammates for their vigilance and energy management throughout the race, highlighting the strong camaraderie within Caldera Medical x Aurea Racing. Bourgoyne reflected on his recent physical setbacks, including a broken toe and knee injury, emphasising the collective effort that allowed him to conserve energy until the crucial final metres. Their comments underscored the importance of teamwork in criterium racing, particularly in high-stakes events like Athens Twilight. The results had immediate implications for the USA CRITS series standings, with Laurel Rathbun maintaining her lead in the women’s classification and Clever Martinez overtaking teammate Marcos Mendez at the top of the men’s leaderboard. The Athens Twilight Criterium, now in its 46th edition, continues to attract a competitive field, including European-based teams and established domestic squads. As the series progresses, the performances of Ryan and Bourgoyne set a high benchmark for their rivals, signalling an intense battle for the championship titles ahead.