The American Cycling Report

Welcome back to The American Cycling Report, where we bring you the athletes and stories shaping the future of American cycling.
Today’s guest is one of the defining figures of modern gravel racing — a rider known for fearless long-range attacks, relentless endurance, and a habit of riding away from the field when the race gets hard.
Oh yeah, she's one of the greatest comeback stories in cyclings history too......
She’s a winner of Unbound Gravel, a multiple-time champion at Rad Dirt Fest, victorious at SBT GRVL, The Mid South, and Levi’s Gran Fondo, and a consistent podium presence at the biggest gravel events in North America. When the course is long, rough, and unforgiving, she’s proven time and again that she belongs at the front.
It’s a pleasure to welcome to the show — Lauren De Crescenzo.

Sunday… Sunday… Suuuuunday!
 
Yeah this Sunday February 1st........
 
Clear your calendar, charge your lights, and maybe start stretching those hamstrings — because Old Man Winter is rolling into Lyons, Colorado, and he does not care if you’ve been training.
This weekend, cyclists and runners alike will line up for one of the most unique endurance throw-downs in the country — a cold-weather, mixed-terrain, suffer-fest celebration where grit matters more than glory and smiles freeze solid before the finish line.
And today on The American Cycling Report, we’re talking to the man behind the madness — Josh Kravetz, founder and organizer of the Old Man Winter Rally. With only a few spots left and race day just days away, we’re diving into how this event came to life, why it’s become a cult classic on the endurance calendar, and what keeps people coming back year after year… even when their water bottles turn to slush.
So zip up that jacket, grab a hot coffee, and settle in — because Old Man Winter is coming… and Josh Kravetz is here to tell us why.
 
https://www.oldmanwinterrally.com/
 
 

Welcome to the American Cycling Report — the home of the stories, the voices, and the people who make this sport special.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on a true cycling journeyman, a community builder, and one of the most genuinely awesome humans you’ll find anywhere on two wheels — Sam Ames.
Sam is the founder and fearless creative force behind The Rock Cobbler, gravel cycling’s wildest, weirdest, and most carefree adventure. It’s not just a race — it’s a celebration of grit, camaraderie, questionable decision-making, and unforgettable memories in the hills of Bakersfield.
Now entering its 13th year, The Rock Cobbler returns February 7th, 2026, and if you’ve ever wanted to experience riding at its most free-spirited and authentic — this is your invitation.
Sam Ames has built more than an event. He’s built a family, a culture, and a rite of passage for cyclists who believe the ride should be as meaningful as the finish line.
So buckle up, get your tires ready, and come join us — because Cobbler isn’t just something you do… it’s something you survive, laugh through, and remember forever.
Let’s welcome the man himself — Sam Ames.
 
The Bull  :  https://youtu.be/3B70tjKpuF8?si=kalOVbi2gKzBq15B
 
The Living Room  :  https://youtu.be/RNhZ6qUxLAo?si=ys40kIhLXuC6RMtJ

“Welcome back to the show. Today we have a very special spotlight on two of the most influential figures in gravel cycling — Sofia Gibson and Jason Strohbehn — the heart and soul behind what has become Nebraska’s flagship gravel event, Gravel Worlds.”
“From humble beginnings in Lincoln, Nebraska, Gravel Worlds has grown over more than a decade into one of the most respected gravel gatherings in the United States — a place where elite racers and everyday riders alike come together to push boundaries, build community, and celebrate the adventure of riding bikes on gravel. What started as a grassroots event has evolved into an international festival of endurance sport that welcomes riders from around the globe, challenges bodies and spirits, and redefines what a gravel event can be.”
“At the center of that growth are Jason — Chief Experience Officer and lead promoter — and Sofia — Assistant Lead Promoter and Outreach Coordinator. Jason’s vision for a truly inclusive, rider-first experience has shaped Gravel Worlds into more than a race — it’s a culture, a community, and a platform where people truly feel welcome. Sofia’s commitment to outreach and encouragement connects that culture to every rider, from elite competitors to first-time gravel adventurers. Together they’ve stewarded an event that honors the grit of the sport while never losing its humanity.”
“This year’s Gravel Worlds takes that ambition to a new level. With expanded live broadcast coverage and one of the largest gravel prize purses in the sport’s history, the event is redefining what’s possible for American gravel racing — pushing the visibility of the sport while affirming a responsibility to grow remaining accessible and meaningful for age-group riders and future generations of gravel enthusiasts.”
“We’ll talk with Sofia and Jason about why broadcast matters, how prize money and sustainability intersect with grassroots values, and what it takes to balance elite competition with rider experience across thousands of participants. And stay tuned — they’ve hinted at a huge announcement next week that could change the landscape of gravel racing even further.”
“Before we dive in, if you haven’t already, check out their official event details at gravelworlds.com — and prepare to be inspired by people who’ve made great things happen through passion, community, and pedal power.”

Today on The American Cycling Report, we’re joined by one of the most influential figures in American bike racing — Malcolm McCollam, the mastermind behind Tulsa Tough, widely regarded as the greatest criterium series in the United States.
Now celebrating its 20th year under Malcolm’s leadership, Tulsa Tough has grown from a local experiment into a national showcase for elite racing, massive crowds, and a festival atmosphere that few events anywhere in the world can match. It’s become the gold standard for how criterium racing can thrive in America.
Outside of cycling, Malcolm is a practicing attorney, but make no mistake — he’s also very much one of us. A lifelong runner and cyclist, he understands the sport not just as an organizer, but as an athlete who knows what makes racing meaningful, difficult, and worth showing up for year after year.
We’re going to talk about the origins of Tulsa Tough, how it reached this level of scale and cultural impact, what it takes to sustain a major race for two decades, and what Malcolm sees ahead for criterium racing and American cycling as a whole.
Malcolm McCollam, welcome to The American Cycling Report.

This week on The American Cycling Report, we sit down with Mike Weiss, the driving force behind St. Louis–based Big Shark Bicycle Company and the longtime organizer of the iconic Gateway Cup.
For more than three decades, Mike has been a central architect of American bike racing—building events that span the full spectrum of the sport, from grassroots criteriums to nationally recognized series. In this conversation, we explore how the Gateway Cup has not only survived but evolved, the behind-the-scenes realities of race promotion in today’s cycling economy, and what it takes to sustain community-first events in a changing landscape.
We also dig into the relationship between retail, advocacy, and racing; the lessons learned from organizing dozens of events; and Mike’s candid perspective on where U.S. criterium and grit racing are headed next.
If you care about the past, present, and future of American bike racing—and the people who keep it alive—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

“Today on The American Cycling Report, we’re joined by one of the most accomplished and versatile riders in American cycling.
Lauren Stephens has built a career defined by consistency at the very top level — a national champion on both the road and in gravel, and a rider who has won many of the biggest races in the United States. Whether it’s long, selective road races or the toughest gravel events on the calendar, Lauren has proven she can win across disciplines.
In this conversation, we’ll talk about her path to the top, how she balances road and gravel at the elite level, what it takes to stay competitive year after year, and where she sees American cycling headed next.
Lauren Stephens, welcome to The American Cycling Report.”

Today on The American Cycling Report, we’re joined by someone who has been at the center of major American bike racing for more than three decades. Steve Brunner is a veteran event organizer and one of the most respected marketers in the sport. His work spans everything from the legendary Tour Du Pont and the Tour of California, to the USA Pro Challenge, Tour of Alberta, and of course the Maryland Cycling Classic, where he played a key role in bringing top-tier racing back to the U.S.
Few people have had a closer view of the rise, fall, and ongoing rebuilding of professional road racing in America. Today we’ll talk with Steve about the craft of putting on world-class events, the challenges the sport faces, and where he sees the future of American racing heading.

Three-time U.S. Pro Criterium National Champion Luke Lamperti — one of the most electric American sprinters in decades — is officially joining EF Education–EasyPost, and we’ve got him on The American Cycling Report. We talk Olympics in LA and his dreams, Tour de France for 2026 and a lot more!
The Santa Rosa native talks about the next big chapter of his career, what it means to step onto one of the world’s most dynamic WorldTour teams, his journey from NorCal prodigy to national champion, and where he sees American racing heading in 2025 and beyond.
Lamperti brings power, personality, and the kind of finishing speed U.S. cycling has been waiting for. Don’t miss this one.

Welcome back to the American Cycling Report.Today we’re joined by a leader who’s shaping the future of American bike racing — Eric Hill, founder and team director of Project Echelon. In this episode, we dig into the state of racing in the U.S., what it really takes to run a competitive team, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sport as it looks ahead. Eric brings incredible insight, honesty, and passion to the conversation — and you’re going to come away with a clearer picture of where American cycling is headed.