Marlies Mejias and Bryan Gomez Secure Victories at Streets of Fire Criterium

The 2026 USA Crits series reached a pivotal point in Winston-Salem this past Friday, as riders tackled the rapid and technical Streets of Fire Criterium. Serving as the seventh stop on the eight-event calendar, the race saw Marlies Mejias and Bryan Gomez emerge as the standout performers, each clinching their first victories of the season.

Mejias Dominates the Women’s Field

Marlies Mejias of Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 delivered a masterclass in tactical racing. In the final moments of the event, Mejias successfully gapped the field, allowing her to celebrate as she crossed the finish line. Her performance underscored her versatility, as she successfully navigated the six-turn downtown course centered around Merschel Plaza.

Following Mejias across the line were Laurel Rathburn (Caldera Medical x Aurea Racing) in second place, with Elizabeth Castaño (One Hart Racing-Nashville Local Cycling) securing the final spot on the podium. Despite finishing sixth, series leader Liza Ray (Kingdom Elite Racing) maintained her position at the top of the overall leaderboard.

Gomez Claims Men’s Title in Tight Contest

The men’s race proved to be a showcase for Foundation Cycling New York, as Bryan Gomez sprinted to his first series win of the season. His victory was complemented by a strong team showing, with teammate Marcos Mendez finishing in second place. Maddox Simmons (Chaney Windows and Doors Big Shark pb Pastaria) rounded out the podium in third.

The results have significantly tightened the men’s overall standings. Gomez’s win moved him into second place in the series, narrowing the gap behind current leader Leonel Rodriguez (MC Cycling Team). With the final event of the season, the Gears & Guitars Criterium, rapidly approaching, the competition for the overall championship remains intense.

Key Takeaways from Winston-Salem

• First Wins: Both Marlies Mejias and Bryan Gomez secured their first USA Crits victories of the 2026 season at the Streets of Fire Criterium.
• Technical Course: The race featured a demanding six-turn downtown circuit at Merschel Plaza, testing the handling skills of the peloton.
• Championship Implications: Liza Ray continues to lead the women’s standings, while the men’s leaderboard has seen a significant shift, with Gomez surging into second place.
• Season Finale: The Streets of Fire Criterium set the stage for the final weekend of racing, where the 2026 USA CRITS champions will be crowned at the Gears & Guitars Criterium.

Looking Ahead

As the USA Crits series concludes, the focus shifts to the final event in Winston-Salem. With narrow point spreads in both the men’s and women’s categories, the upcoming Gears & Guitars Criterium promises to be a decisive battle for the series title. Spectators and competitors alike are bracing for a high-stakes finale to what has been a closely contested season.