CYCLING
President JACK HU | jah079@ucsd.edu
Treasurer CRYUS SAAD | cysaad@ucsd.edu
Vice-President NOAH PACKMAN | npackman@ucsd.edu
Instagram 
| @ucsdcycling
Collegiate cycling is bicycle racing organized for competition against teams from other colleges. UCSD represents one of the schools in the Western Collegiate Cycling Conference, which includes San Diego State University, Claremont College, UCD, UCB, UCLA, UCSC, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, Stanford, and University of Nevada, Reno. The Western Collegiate Cycling Conference competes against other conferences in the US at national events.
Collegiate bike racing blends team goals and personal goals. Personal points from each race are summed up for teams to give them local and national rankings. Individuals are ranked as well, but the best rewards come from high team rankings.
Our team races in mountain, road, and track events. The mountain season starts at the beginning of the school year and ends mid November, the road season begins in February and ends in May, and the track season begins in May and ends in October. UCSD hosts its own road race, the Triton Crit.
Our rides vary greatly; you may find yourself on a relaxing spin up Highway 101, a rigorous climbing session in the hills east of San Diego, a cross-country ride through the Mission Trails or the Laguna Mountains, or a gravity-propelled ride down some rocky hills in Poway.
Recently, cyclist Elisa Luo placed 4th in the time trial at collegiate road nationals. Elisa Luo and Dominic Orlando are the current course record holders for the Fiesta Island Time Trial Mercx women and men categories respectively. UCSD won the conference omnium for Men Collegiate A and Women Collegiate C as well as placing 2nd in the team omnium in the conference in 2025.
UCSD has a rich history of talented cyclists, including alumni Jeff Winkler, who won the nationals road race in 1990, and was later offered a position on a professional team; Adam Livingston, who placed 4th in the nationals road race in 1994, and currently races professionally for team Nutrafig; Jenny Eyerman, who won the nationals criterium in 1999, and placed second in nationals omium in 1997; and Sharon Wiback, who won two stars-and-stripes jerseys at track nationals in 2002, won the 500m time trial, and the women’s omnium championship.
NEWS AND RESULTS
Stay tuned for updates for the upcoming year!
4/26/26 - Triton Crit
Triton Crit went very well this year, we got 30 more pre-registrations than last year, and still got many day of, even with rain and less than ideal weather in the morning. Everything ran smoothly, nobody crashed, and all of the races went well. Our racers had a great time and placed strongly, finishing out a good season for us in the Western Collegiate Cycling Conference.
4/15/26 - Sea Otter Classic
This past weekend, UC San Diego Cycling traveled to Monterey for the Sea Otter Classic, one of the biggest cycling events of the year. The team got to experience the festival and expo while racing across multiple disciplines, including road, cross-country, and downhill.
UC San Diego had a strong showing throughout the weekend. Kalu placed 3rd in the Women’s Intermediate Downhill 19+ race and also finished 5th in her age group in the Fuego XC. Nathaniel also represented the team in downhill with a strong run, while Noah, Amanda, and Louisa raced the Fuego XC and finished strong. Marisol took on the Fuego XL the day before, completing an impressive and challenging course.
On the road side, Aidan, Cyrus, and Jack represented UCSD in the Sea Otter road races. Aidan and Jack raced the circuit race on Thursday, and all three lined up again for the criterium on Saturday. Overall, it was a great weekend of racing, team bonding, and representing UC San Diego at one of cycling’s biggest events.
2/28/26 - Kendra Cup Mountain Bike Race
Cyrus and Noah competed in the final race of the Kenda Cup Mountain Bike Race Series, representing UC San Diego in a highly competitive field. As the concluding event of the series, the race drew strong riders and showcased a challenging course that tested endurance, technical skill, and race strategy.
Throughout the competition, both athletes demonstrated determination and resilience, navigating demanding terrain and maintaining focus against experienced opponents. Their participation not only highlighted their commitment to the sport but also contributed to UC San Diego’s presence in the regional mountain biking community.
The event served as a valuable opportunity to gain race experience at a high level, refine their skills under pressure, and build confidence for future competitions. Overall, their performance reflected both individual growth and a strong representation of their team.
1/24/26 - Santa Barbara Road Race and Cal Poly Crit
On Saturday the Tritons took on the Santa Barbara County Road Race. Cyrus Saad took the win in his first race in the men's collegiate 5 and Kalu Caldas podiumed in the women's collegiate 4/5. The rest of UCSD’s racers performed strongly in their races as well. On Sunday the Tritons raced in the Cal Poly Crit and Jack and Noah got top 10 in the 4/5 race while Cyrus and Kalu got their first crit done safely. Marisol and Thihn did very well in their first races and everyone stayed upright throughout the hectic weekend.
1/18/26 - CBR #1 Dominguez Hills
UCSD Cycling kicked off the season with a strong showing in the Cat 3/4 race at CBR #1 Dominguez Hills. Co-road captains Noah Packman and Jack Hu represented the team and delivered solid performances against a competitive field. Both riders worked closely together throughout the race, maintaining good positioning and supporting each other tactically. Jack Hu made an aggressive move by contesting the intermediate prime lap, demonstrating confidence and race awareness. Overall, the race highlighted the team’s early-season fitness, cohesion, and resilience.
11/22/25 - Swamdo 2025
The UC San Diego Cycling Team participated in the annual Swamdo (Swami’s Gran Fondo) as an organized group ride, representing the team in both the 100-mile and 60-mile route options. In keeping with Swamdo’s mission, the event was open to all riders and featured scenic yet challenging courses with fully supported rest stops in Fallbrook, Temecula, and Escondido.
Two team members, Jack Hu and Cyrus, completed the demanding 100-mile route, joined by UCSD Cycling Team alumni Xinsong Lin and Elisa Luo. Their ride demonstrated strong endurance, steady pacing, and effective teamwork across a long-distance course that included sustained climbs and varied terrain.
The 60-mile route was completed by Thinh, Til, Jiayu, Mason, and Holly, who rode cohesively as a group and showed excellent coordination and mutual support throughout the event. All riders finished with strong times and high morale, reflecting the team’s preparation, fitness, and commitment to safe riding practices.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for team bonding, fitness development, and strengthening connections with alumni and the broader Southern California cycling community. After the ride, team members regrouped for recovery, post-ride nutrition, and reflection on the day’s accomplishments.
5/11/25 - Triton Crit 2025
The Triton Crit was a resounding success, drawing over 250 racers and bringing high energy to the San Diego area. The event ran smoothly from start to finish, with excellent coordination from volunteers and organizers ensuring a safe and exciting experience for all involved.
UCSD Cycling gained significant visibility from the race, both within the collegiate cycling community and the broader Southern California scene. Racers and spectators alike praised the event's professionalism, atmosphere, and challenging course, helping to elevate UCSD’s reputation as a top-tier cycling host.
The team also had standout performances on the podium. Jake dominated the Men's 4/5 race, riding away from the field with confidence and control to secure a decisive win in the breakaway and fi
nishing a half lap ahead. Holly delivered another victory for the team in the Collegiate B/C race, showcasing strong tactics and determination. Dominic won the Collegiate A race in dominant fashion with not another collegiate rider near him in the end.
Overall, the Triton Crit brought together competitive spirit, community engagement, and UCSD pride. The positive feedback from racers and supporters confirmed the event’s success, and the team looks forward to building on this momentum in future races.
5/10/25 - Boulevard 2025
The Boulevard Road Race tested the grit and determination of every rider who lined up, as the day brought intense heat and unforgiving conditions. With temperatures soaring and little relief on the exposed course, the race quickly became a battle not just against competitors, but against the elements themselves.
Despite the brutal conditions, UCSD riders showed incredible resilience and strength. From the opening climb to the final stretch, they pushed through dehydration, fatigue, and searing heat to complete one of the toughest races on the calendar. It was a true test of endurance and mental toughness.
Several riders delivered standout efforts, digging deep to stay in contention and finish strong. While the heat took its toll across the board, UCSD athletes maintained composure and discipline, showcasing their training and dedication throughout the grueling day.
In the end, the Boulevard Road Race became more than just a competition—it was a testament to the toughness of the UCSD cycling team. The riders’ perseverance and commitment to representing the team with pride did not go unnoticed, earning the respect of both peers and spectators.
5/2/25 - Collegiate Road Nationals
UC San Diego Cycling Team competed at the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships, with riders Dominic Orlando and Dennis Liang representing in both the road race and criterium events. In the road race, both athletes raced aggressively, working to bridge gaps and drive the pace in a highly competitive field. Dominic earned omnium points during a prime lap in the criterium, rounding out a weekend of valuable national-level racing experience. The team also had the opportunity to visit Trek Headquarters, adding to the memorable experience. Thank you to USA Cycling, Trek, and all organizers for making the event possible.
4/19/25 - San Luis Rey Road Race
Great showing from UC San Diego, with riders taking podium spots in 3 races! Dominic Orlando placed 5th after a hard 88 mile race, with a strong attack on the final climb to gap the rest of the field. Jacob Abt placed 4th in his category, after the unfortunate mechanical Dane Ford-Roshon suffered which ended his race early. The most unexpected but very cool result was Holly Kular finishing at a strong 3rd place. Paris Wang rode hard after getting dropped from the pack, showing determination and grit.
4/9/25 - Sea Otter Classic
Our tritons attended Sea Otter this April and got to experience the expo and festival held in Monterey California. Over 800 different vendors were there and attendance typically exceeds 70000 people. Our riders took on the gravel, downhill, and XC courses and got to ride the great trails of Fort Ord and Laguna Seca.
4/5/25 - Slug Circuit Recap
UCSD Cycling took on the challenging Slug Circuit around the UCSC campus, with Dennis Liang battling it out in Collegiate A and securing 4th place after a tough, fast-paced race. Solid effort and a great sign of form with Nationals just a few weeks away!
3/30/2025 - CBR #4
At CBR #4, UCSD Cycling's Dennis Liang and Dominic Orlando lined up in the Cat 2/3 field, taking an aggressive approach with multiple attacks throughout the race. While the results didn’t reflect their efforts, it was a valuable learning experience in race communication and coordination—key takeaways as the team prepares for Nationals.
3/22/2025 - Cats Hill Classic
The Cat's Hill Classic in Los Gatos is a long-running criterium race in Northern California. The course is quite technical, and features a 23% hill to really spice things up! Dominic Orlando secured a win in the collegiate A race, an Dennis Liang secured 3rd in the A/B race. Elisa Luo raced strongly and had a fun time!
3/9/25 - CBR #3
UCSD Cycling delivered strong performances at CBR #3, with multiple podium finishes and valuable race experience gained. Jacob Abt and Dane Ford-Roshon secured 2nd and 3rd place in Men’s Collegiate C, while Dominic Orlando and Dennis Liang dominated Collegiate Men A, finishing 1st and 2nd.
Beyond the podiums, our riders gained key experience in breakaways and winning prime laps, sharpening their race tactics and sprint efforts. It was another great weekend of competition, and the team continues to build momentum as the season progresses!
3/2/25 - Taylor Elizabeth Clifford Memorial Grand Prix
UC San Diego Cycling had a strong showing at the Taylor Elizabeth Clifford Memorial Grand Prix, with several racers achieving personal bests in their race placements. Holly Kular and Jack Hu both secured 5th place finishes in the Women’s Cat 4/5 and Men’s Cat 4/5 races, respectively, marking solid progress in their racing development.
The team had riders competing across multiple categories, all gaining valuable experience and refining their race craft. With each event, our racers continue to improve their tactics, positioning, and confidence in fast-paced crit racing. Another great weekend of learning and growth as the season moves forward!
2/22/25 - Rosena Ranch & CBR #2
UCSD Cycling had a strong showing at CBR #2 in Los Angeles this weekend, with standout performances across multiple races. The highlight of the day came in the Men’s 2/3 race, where Dominic Orlando delivered a dominant breakaway performance to take the win. Racers worked together throughout the 4/5 race, with many freshmen racing for the first time, covering attacks and positioning well in the final laps to help sprint at the line.
Tritons put in solid efforts across the day’s events. The riders showed aggressive racing, making key moves and staying active in the packs. Whether in breakaways, chasing down attacks, or contesting the sprints, UCSD cycling made its presence known. The team continues to build strategy and skill and is poised to be a strong team in the 2025 Southern California racing scene.
2/14/25 - Valley of the Sun Stage Race
At the Valley of the Sun Stage Race, Dominic Orlando and Dennis Liang represented UC San Diego Cycling. In the Men's Cat 2 stage race, Dominic placed 14th in the Time Trial on the first day, with Dennis placing 38th. In the Road Race, Dominic bridged to the breakaway on the third lap, and was able to take the win, which placed him 2nd in the general classification. He was able to hold onto his 2nd place position, and in the end, finished 2nd overall. Dennis was able to secure 18th in the road race, and finished 25th in the general classification. Overall a great weekend for UCSD cycling.
2/9/25 - Roger Millikan Grand Prix
UCSD Cycling wrapped up another exciting race weekend at the Roger Millikan Grand Prix, where fast racing and valuable experience made for a great day. Holly Kular secured a podium finish with 3rd place in the Women’s Cat 4/5 race, showcasing strong form in a competitive field.
Both Elisa Luo and Dominic Orlando started the day in the leader’s jersey, a testament to their consistency and success throughout the season. The fast-paced nature of the race pushed everyone to sharpen their skills, with riders gaining more confidence and experience in criterium racing.
Beyond results, the team had a great time testing their limits, racing hard, and learning from each effort. With each event, UCSD Cycling continues to grow stronger, and this weekend was another step forward in the season.
2/2/25 - Major Motion Racing Crit
At the SoCal King and Queen of Crit, UCSD Cycling had three riders take on a fast-paced and highly competitive race. Holly Kular, Dane Ford-Roshon, and Dennis Liang lined up against strong fields, gaining valuable racing experience in a high-intensity criterium.
The race demanded sharp tactics, quick accelerations, and strong positioning, pushing our riders to adapt and improve. While results weren’t the focus, the experience gained will be crucial as the season progresses. With each race, the team continues to grow stronger, and this event was another important step toward future success.
1/25/25 - Central Coast Classic
The first collegiate race weekend of the season is in the books, and UCSD Cycling had a strong showing at the Santa Barbara County Road Race and Cal Poly Crit. For many of our riders, this was their first experience racing, and they put in impressive performances.
At the Santa Barbara County Road Race, the team tackled a challenging course with great results. Holly Kular secured the top spot in Collegiate Women B/C, while Elisa Luo claimed victory in Collegiate Women A. In the Collegiate Men C category, Miles Melamed took second place, followed by Jake Abt in third. Dominic Orlando rounded out the podium in Collegiate Men A with a third-place finish.
The momentum carried into the Cal Poly Crit, where UCSD riders continued to shine. Elisa Luo took another win in Collegiate Women A, showcasing her strength across different race formats. Dominic Orlando earned his second podium of the weekend, finishing third in Collegiate Men A/B.
Overall, it was a great start to the season, with strong performances from both experienced racers and newcomers. With more races ahead, the team is excited to build on this success and continue competing at a high level.
One highlight from the weekend included Christopher Blevins (Olympian and World Champion in Mountain Biking) raced and was beaten by UCSD!
1/19/25 - CBR #1
Dominic Orlando and Jacob Abt showcased exceptional teamwork in today’s race, exemplifying UCSD Cycling's strategy and coordination. Early in the race, Dominic initiated a powerful breakaway, taking the opportunity to force the peloton into action. Meanwhile, Jacob played a crucial support role by expertly covering any counterattacks or bridging attempts from riders trying to chase down the breakaway. His tactical awareness and well-timed responses ensured that Dominic could remain off the front with minimal interference.
Dominic demonstrated tremendous strength and determination in the breakaway group, managing to hold off a charging peloton for the majority of the race. His effort paid off with an impressive 2nd place finish, marking another strong performance for the team. The breakaway effort not only showcased Dominic’s individual capabilities but also highlighted the team's ability to execute their race plan effectively.
With Dominic leading the charge at the front, UCSD Cycling received extensive visibility through the event's livestream and from the enthusiastic spectators lining the course. The team’s jerseys were prominently displayed, earning valuable exposure for our sponsors and reinforcing their commitment to supporting collegiate cycling.
This race was also a testament to the prudent and impactful use of the sports clubs funds generously donated to our program. The team's performance and professionalism reflect the hard work, preparation, and dedication of everyone involved. Both the athletes and the supporters can take pride in how these resources are being utilized to achieve success both on and off the bike. It was an all-around fantastic day for UCSD Cycling, and the sponsors were undoubtedly pleased with the team’s performance and visibility.
11/15/24 - Cal Poly SLO Race
The UC San Diego Tritons recently competed in an exhilarating weekend of mountain biking races, taking on the challenging cross-country (XC), short track cross-country (STXC), and downhill (DH) courses in the scenic San Luis Obispo area. Known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, the Cuesta hills provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling competition that tested both the physical and mental limits of the riders.
Each race presented unique challenges. The cross-country course demanded endurance and careful pacing as riders navigated a variety of terrains, including steep climbs and rocky descents. The short-track cross-country event, though shorter in length, was intense and fast-paced, pushing the riders to sustain high speeds while making strategic decisions. Meanwhile, the downhill course was a true test of technical skill, daring the riders to tackle sharp turns, uneven paths, and rapid drops at high speeds.
Beyond the competition, the weekend offered opportunities for camaraderie and connection. The Tritons shared the trails with collegiate athletes from across the region, fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship.
By the end of the weekend, the Tritons returned with more than just strong finishes. They proudly represented UC San Diego with sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on the trails and among their fellow collegiate athletes. It was a weekend filled with hard work, fun, and pride to be a Triton.
11/1/24 - Cycling Team Camp
This weekend, our team gathered for our annual team camp at the scenic Lake Skinner Recreation Area. It was a great opportunity to connect with new team members and catch up with familiar faces while enjoying some fantastic riding.
On Saturday, our mountain bikers took on the exciting trails of Vailocity bike park, conquering challenging terrain and enjoying the thrill of the ride. Meanwhile, our road riders embarked on an impressive 85-mile journey through the picturesque landscapes of Fallbrook, pushing their limits and sharing in the rewards of a long day on the bike.
Sunday brought another full day of riding, with the road riders heading out on a scenic ride to Lake Elsinore. The route was a mix of steady efforts and rewarding views, with plenty of time spent riding together and sharing the road.
The weekend was a success, bringing everyone together for a mix of challenging rides, good conversations, and time outdoors. It’s always a highlight of the year to gather as a team, and this camp was no exception. It was great to be able to connect the newer riders with the experienced veterans and get people excited for the season and racing with new friends
3/21-24/24- USC Race Weekend (Victor Valley Omnium)
This is our first “stage” race of the season and riders competed for Omnium points in the Time Trial, Road Race, and Grand Prix to win the “yellow jersey”. Kudos to all riders for persevering through strong winds all weekend!
Our results are capped off by Dominic and Elisa winning the Omnium Classification for Collegiate Men’s A/B and Collegiate Women B/C, respectively. Dominic finished 1st in the TT and the Grand Prix and 4th in the Road Race. Elisa won the TT, Road Race, and Grand Prix.
Furthermore, the women’s team swept the podium, with Grace and Paris coming 2nd and 3rd in the Omnium Classification for Collegiate Women B/C. Holly also finished 2nd in the Time Trial but unfortunately crashed out shortly before the finish line in the road race.
On the men’s side, Dennis came 3rd in the Omnium Classification for Collegiate Men A/B and finished 3rd in the Road Race. For our C/Ds, Barry came 3rd and Arthur came 4th in the Grand Prix, and Xinsong came 3rd in the road race.
Special shoutout to Grace and Paris for racing their first ever criterium! And of course, shoutout to Dennis for his grit and determination for finishing the crit despite a flat tire and crashing…twice.
3/8-10/24 - UCLA Race Weekend
We raced well, with someone being on the podium in every race we entered. This was a very tough course, with a lot of climbing (4500' for ~37miles). Elisa Luo won the Cat B/C/3/4 road race, Jacob Abt placed 3rd in Cat D, Dominic Orlando placed 2nd in Cat C, and Dennis Liang placed first in Cat B. In the crit on Sunday, Alessandro placed 2nd in Cat C and Elisa Luo placed 3rd in Cat B/C/3/4. Everyone raced well, and had a great time.
1/26-28/24 - Santa Barbara County Road Race and Cal Poly SLO Crit
We sent 12 racers up to Santa Maria to compete in UCSB’s road race as well as Cal Poly SLO’s criterium. We had a strong showing with taking 2 1st place finishes and 3 2nd place finishes over the two days of racing. Elisa won the road race and placed second in the criterium, Dominic won the road race, Alessandro placed second in the road race, and Dennis placed second in the criterium. Everyone performed really well and gained valuable race experience as this was the first race of the season.
