Bakker and Mattern Won Rochester Cyclocross
The 2026 US Cyclocross Series kicked off with victories for Manon Bakker and Miles Mattern in Rochester.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cycling
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Manon Bakker defended her title in the women's race at the Rochester Cyclocross event, while Miles Mattern secured the men's victory. The race served as the opening event for the 2026 US Cyclocross Series.
Why it matters
The event marked a significant return to competitive form for Bakker following her recent iliac artery surgery. For Mattern, the win established an early lead in the national series standings.
Manon Bakker, 27, secured her second consecutive win by finishing 48 seconds ahead of Sydney McGill. Lauren Zoerner completed the podium by crossing the finish line 1:21 behind the winner.
The players
Manon Bakker
She is a professional cyclist who recently returned to competition following iliac artery surgery.
Miles Mattern
He is a competitive cyclist who races for the CXD Trek Bikes team.
Sydney McGill
She is a professional cyclocross athlete who placed second in the women's race.
Lauren Zoerner
She is a professional cyclist who finished third in the women's event in Rochester.
The details
Bakker successfully separated from runner-up Sydney McGill on a technical section of the course, while Mattern surged to the front of the pack during the third lap to secure his win. Tofik Beshir and Calvin Conaway followed Mattern to round out the top three in the men's race.
Timeline
The 2026 US Cyclocross Series began in Rochester on September 19, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These results establish the initial leaderboard for the 2026 US Cyclocross Series, signaling the competitive strength of the field early in the season. The victory positions both winners as primary contenders for the series title as the national calendar progresses.
Bakker successfully defended her title, while Mattern's aggressive move on the third lap proved decisive for his final standing. These points now count toward the season-long series total, influencing future grid positioning for upcoming national events.
The takeaway
The race highlighted the importance of technical mastery on the Rochester course as a primary factor for success. Fans should monitor how Bakker's health holds up throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
Further reading
For more on the national circuit, see the latest updates in Cycling.
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