Megan Jastrab Launches Scholarship, Signals Growing Investment in Women’s Cycling
Megan Jastrab, the 24-year-old professional cyclist with UAE Team ADQ, is taking concrete steps to bolster the future of women’s cycling. She’s launching the Megan Jastrab Bridged Opportunities Scholarship, funded by the Pro Cyclist Foundation, which will be awarded this Sunday to the female U19 General Classification (GC) winner of the Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Tucson, Arizona.
Bridging the Gap for Junior Women
The scholarship aims to provide crucial financial support and opportunities for young female cyclists. Winners will receive funds in two installments: 75% upfront, with the remaining 25% contingent on selection or qualification for the Road World Championships later this year. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship includes a spot on Team USA’s spring trip to compete in Nations Cup events in Europe, as determined by USA Cycling’s selection criteria.
A Personal Investment Rooted in Experience
Jastrab, a multi-discipline junior World Champion in 2019, understands the challenges facing aspiring female cyclists. She recently organized a fundraiser with the USA Cycling Development Foundation to send four junior US women to the Road World Championships in Rwanda, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting the next generation. She stated that the Valley of the Sun Stage Race was chosen due to the fact that it’s a key event in the Junior Road National Series and provides opportunities for both elite and junior cyclists.
Expanding Opportunities: Team Winston-Salem and European Racing
The focus on providing opportunities extends beyond the scholarship. Team Winston-Salem, a domestic elite US team, has announced its 2026 roster, including former US U23 road champion Owen Cole. Notably, the team has secured an invitation to compete at the Ronde de l’Isard for Under-23 riders in Europe, expanding the racing horizons for young American talent.
New Infrastructure: Alberta Velodrome Sets the Stage for Growth
Investment in cycling infrastructure is also on the rise. A new state-of-the-art Alberta Velodrome in Edmonton, Canada, recently opened, becoming the first indoor triathlon training centre in North America. The velodrome has already received a ‘Category A’ designation from the UCI and will host the 2026 Canadian Track Championships (U17/Jr) in March.
Team Rosters Reflect a Growing Talent Pool
Team Winston-Salem’s 2026 roster features a mix of experienced riders and emerging talents. The women’s roster includes Lauren Zoerner, a two-time US women’s U23 cyclo-cross champion, while the men’s team is anchored by Owen Cole and includes promising riders like Jensen Cervati and Nathaniel Gervez.
FAQ
- What is the Megan Jastrab Bridged Opportunities Scholarship? It’s a scholarship for female U19 cyclists, providing financial support and a chance to race in Europe with Team USA.
- Where is the Valley of the Sun Stage Race held? The race takes place in the Tucson, Arizona area.
- What is the significance of the Alberta Velodrome? It’s the first indoor triathlon training centre in North America and a UCI Category A facility.
- Who is Owen Cole? He is a former US U23 road champion riding for Team Winston-Salem.
Pro Tip: For junior cyclists aiming for international competition, focusing on events like the Valley of the Sun Stage Race and building a strong national ranking are crucial steps.
Did you recognize? The Ronde de l’Isard is widely known for attracting the world’s best young cyclists and focusing on raw climbing talent and tactical racing.
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