Emma Kasza-James of MSU Cycling is a national champion after winning the Inaugural USA Cycling Collegiate Gravel National Championships on the red sands in Turkey, Texas.

Kasza-James, who grew up in Port Washington, Wisconsin, was first overall in the Collegiate Division, finishing the course in 2:49.09 to win by four minutes and 58 seconds. She averaged 17.56 mph.

“What a day it was,” Kasza-James told USA Cycling in her post-race interview. “I’m a lover of technical sections, and this course was just perfect for me. I’m so proud of how I did and my team’s effort as well.”  

In addition, Blake Keeling of MSU Texas took 10th in the Men’s Collegiate Division with a 2:24.06, averaging 20.61 mph. Nate Meister of Fort Lewis College in Colorado finished first.

Overall, Midwestern State University was second in the Collegiate Team Omnium behind Fort Lewis College. Milligan University took third.

The inaugural gravel national championship drew collegiate cyclists from across the country to test their endurance on a rugged course known for loose gravel, rolling hills, and unpredictable conditions.

Kasza-James’s race took an unexpected turn just past the halfway mark. While navigating a particularly rough stretch of gravel road, Kasza-James’s front wheel suddenly detached from her bicycle, forcing her to stop on the side of the course. The repair cost her precious time, but didn’t deter her focus.  After remounting, Kasza-James surged through the second half of the course with renewed intensity.

By the time she crossed the finish line in downtown Turkey, a cheering crowd had gathered to witness the historic moment.

“Emma showed incredible resilience today,” MSU Cycling Board Chair Dail Neely said. “To have a mechanical issue like that and still come back to win by five minutes speaks volumes about her toughness and composure.”

Race organizers hailed the event as a milestone for collegiate cycling and for the growing popularity of gravel racing. It's a discipline that blends road cycling endurance with off-road technical skill.

For Emma Kasza-James, it was a memorable and historical win, and proof that even a lost wheel can’t stop her. She’s a champion; the first Women’s Collegiate Gravel Bicycle National Champion.