The Midwestern State University Cycling team wrapped up its 2023-24 season in style last weekend, with freshman Molly Hayes winning the national champion in the time trial at the USA Cycling National Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hayes finished the time trial in 39.30 to win the women’s varsity event. She also fared well in the criterium, finishing 21st, and she placed 33rd in the road race.

MSU Cycling Director Pablo Cruz Trochez was impressed with how Hayes handled the spotlight and also the mountainous terrain in New Mexico.

“Coming in as a freshman, and just 18, Molly performed incredibly well at her first Collegiate Road Nationals,” Cruz Trochez said. “This was also her first time racing at (high) altitude, coming from below sea level in New Zealand, and we knew it would be a challenge, but she managed to do well in all three events.

“This was a valuable learning experience that will help her reach higher goals in the near future. In the Fall semester, she will be racing Collegiate Track Nationals in Trexlertown (Pennsylvania). That is her main discipline in cycling, and we are confident she will also be in the fight for another national title.”

The MSU men’s cycling team didn’t bring home a championship but had several good showings against the best in the country. Dušan Kalaba, who won the criterium in 2023, was sixth (1:20.46) in his best event and placed 23rd (2:24.30) in the road race. Pavle Kalaba was 32nd in the criterium (1:21.01) and 35th (2:27.43) in the road race. Jadiel Moreno was 48th in each race, Carlos Maldonado was 52nd in the criterium and 64th in the road race, and Juan Restrepo was 56th in the criterium and 57th in the road race.

“As we finish the spring semester and the road season, our riders start transitioning from road to mountain bike and track cycling,” Cruz Trochez said. “Most of our riders will go home over the summer and compete in the domestic calendar from the different disciplines. This will help them carry their momentum into the Fall 2024 semester.”