Bristol, Tenn.- King University's cycling program added another chapter to its growing legacy on May 9, 2026, as riders Willy Gomez and Jose Peña took on the USA Cycling Collegiate Road Championship p/b Trek in Waterloo, Wisconsin. The event, part of the national collegiate championship weekend, brought together top varsity riders from across the country for a demanding road race through the rolling terrain surrounding Trek Bicycle's headquarters.
A Challenging Course and Deep Field
The championship road race is known for its intensity, featuring long stretches of exposed farmland roads, unpredictable winds, and a deep field of elite collegiate competitors. USA Cycling emphasized the difficulty and prestige of the event, noting that the nation's fastest collegiate athletes converged on Wisconsin for three days of racing, including the road race on May 9.
Gomez and Peña Hold Their Ground
Despite the fierce competition and the tactical surges that defined the race, King University's riders showed resilience and determination throughout the event.
According to the official race results, both Willy Gomez (Bib 424) and Jose Peña (Bib 425) completed the road race with identical finishing times of 3:47:11, placing 64th and 65th, respectively. They finished 30 minutes and 5 seconds behind the race winner, demonstrating grit in a field stacked with powerhouse programs and seasoned collegiate racers.
A Testament to King University's Growth
While not podium finishes, these results reflect the continued development of King University's cycling program. Both Gomez and Peña have been consistent contributors to the team's competitive presence in collegiate cycling, with Peña appearing in multiple national-level events in previous seasons.
Their performance in Waterloo underscores the team's commitment to competing at the highest level and gaining valuable experience against the strongest collegiate riders in the country.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 championship behind them, the King Cyclers will carry forward the lessons learned from the demanding Wisconsin course. As the program continues to build momentum, riders like Gomez and Peña remain central to King University's pursuit of stronger results and greater national recognition.
The 2026 USA Cycling Collegiate Road Championship once again proved why it stands as one of the most challenging and prestigious events on the collegiate calendar—and King University's athletes showed they are more than ready to rise to that challenge.
