TURKEY, Texas – The Fort Lewis College cycling team claimed the Gravel National Championship team title this weekend at the Valley of Tears in Turkey, Texas, using a dominant all-around performance to secure the team omnium. Behind a sweep of the top four spots in the men's race and three top-10 finishes in the women's race, the Skyhawks established themselves as the top program in the country on gravel's biggest stage.

Comments from Coach

We sent a strong roster to Valley of Tears to take on a challenging 50-mile course across the northern Texas Panhandle.

Our strategy was simple: stay near the front all day and be well-positioned through every technical section. The team executed that plan to perfection, delivering outstanding results. We swept the top four spots in the men's race and placed 2nd, 5th, and 7th in the women's race. Those performances secured the team omnium title—an incredible achievement and a major milestone for our program. We're already looking forward to returning to Turkey next year.
 

2026 Results
https://sites.chronotrack.com/event/90669/results?raceId=241034&divisionId=2700731
 

Team Omnium

2nd Place – Oona Nelson Race Recap

From the start, I focused on staying near the front because I knew there were some tough sections ahead. When we hit the major sandpit, the eventual winner rode it clean while the rest of us had to run, which created an early gap.

After the sandpit, I came out with two other riders, and we worked together until Charlotte made a huge effort to bridge up to us. From there, the four of us—Charlotte and I, plus two riders from other schools—stayed together for most of the race, rotating pulls and battling strong winds.

I briefly opened a small gap in the singletrack, but it was closed on the climbs, and we continued working together. Coming into the finish, Charlotte offered to lead me out, but I ended up taking the front into the final corner. From there, it was an all-out sprint to the line, and I finished second.

It was an incredibly tough race. I started cramping around mile 30 and didn't quite bring enough nutrition, but neutral aid and support from teammates—especially a well-timed gel—made a huge difference.

I'm really happy with the result and proud of how we raced as a group. If I could change one thing, I would have chosen a wider tire setup. The winner rode through the sandpit on 2.1 mountain bike tires, which proved to be a big advantage. Still, it was a great day, and I'm grateful for all the support.

Nate Meister – National Champion Race Recap

From the start, we knew it would be critical to stay near the front through the opening miles, especially with the sand sections. The team executed well, and around 10 miles in, the race split, with Sam Hart and Elliot Thorneblade in the lead group.

A small chase group, including four of us, worked to close the gap, and we eventually rejoined the leaders. Soon after, we hit a long, rough double-track section with a strong headwind. About halfway through that stretch, around mile 23, I attacked and quickly opened a gap.

I held that advantage into the singletrack at mile 29. Once I saw how technical it was, I committed fully to staying solo. After about 10 miles of singletrack, I felt confident in my lead, but a group of three to four riders began closing in and caught me around mile 42.

When they reached me, I realized they were all teammates, which was the best possible scenario. We rode together to the finish, and they encouraged me to take the win.

Our team executed the race plan perfectly—controlling the pace, working together, and making smart tactical decisions throughout the day. I'm incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for making this result possible.