North American Cycling Roundup: McNulty Debuts Jersey and Event Retirements
World champion Brandon McNulty headlines El Tour de Tucson amid major calendar shifts.
1McNulty's Home Soil Debut
World champion Brandon McNulty will debut his rainbow jersey on November 21 at El Tour de Tucson. The Phoenix native joins 12,000 participants in the 43rd edition of this flagship charity event. He will race alongside notable figures like Quinn Simmons, Chloe Dygert, and Sir Bradley Wiggins in the non-profit cycling celebration.
2Charity and Elite Participation
El Tour de Tucson serves as the primary fundraiser for El Tour America, supporting over 120 non-profit organizations. While the event features elite riders, it offers no prize money, focusing instead on prestige and community impact. Participants also engage in The Prologue, an exclusive camp designed to generate additional charitable funding.
3RNRNYC Racing Roster Expansion
RNRNYC Racing is expanding its roster for 2027, welcoming New Zealander Ethan Craine and other young talents like César Marte and Wiley Close. The team, linked to the Rubber N' Road apparel brand, emphasizes inclusivity. They aim to provide high-level development opportunities for riders while maintaining a global presence in cycling.
4Ide Schelling's Privateer Transition
After an 11-year road career, Ide Schelling is shifting his focus toward gravel racing as a privateer. He will continue as a brand ambassador for RNRNYC while competing primarily in European gravel events. Schelling plans to participate in select US races, including Big Sugar, while remaining part of the broader racing family.
5Crusher in the Tushar Closure
Organizers have officially retired the Crusher in the Tushar gravel race after a 14-year run. The Utah-based event, previously part of the Life Time Grand Prix, faced repeated cancellations due to wildfires. Life Time cited the need for community recovery in Beaver and Piute counties as a primary factor in the decision.
6Impact of Environmental Challenges
The permanent closure of the Crusher in the Tushar highlights the increasing vulnerability of outdoor sporting events to climate-related disasters. Active wildfires and subsequent flooding forced the cancellation of the race twice in the last three years. This marks the end of a pivotal course that helped shape modern gravel cycling.
7EuroCrossAcademy Development Program
EuroCrossAcademy has launched its 24th season, taking 12 US teenagers to the Netherlands and Belgium for intensive training. Led by Geoff Proctor, the program focuses on character development and life skills rather than just race results. Athletes engage in forest and sand training sessions to prepare for the Cyclo-cross World Championships.
8Focus on Youth Development
The academy’s November block specifically targets 15-16 year olds, with a separate program for older riders scheduled for December. Coaches measure success by the athletes' ability to find joy and support in a safe environment. This development-first approach aims to foster long-term growth for young American cyclists within the European circuit.