La Crosse, Wisconsin, September 20, 2025
It’s Nationals week and CINCH Cycling is rolling into Gravel Nationals with our strongest squad yet. In the past two years, our athletes have collected more than 20 podiums, and this weekend we are ready to show what it means to race the CINCH way. Relive the 2024 edition here.
The CINCH Difference
At CINCH we believe success comes from more than just fitness. We take a complete approach that combines physical training, mindset, nutrition, and race strategy to prepare athletes to perform at their best.
For Nationals, we laid out each rider’s power zones and matched them with the exact efforts required to hit their goals. Every climb, every section, and every tactical move was planned and practiced. The team trained together in race simulations, tested fueling strategies, and prepared for every scenario. That preparation created more than fitness. It encouraged everyone to push themselves harder to grow to a new level.
This is the CINCH difference: racing with a calculated, professional approach and the support of a community that makes sure no one lines up alone.
Meet the Athletes
Masters and Elite Men
-
Tom Danielson — defending his 2024 National Champion title in the 45–50 category
-
Joe Goettl — finished 12th in Elite Men last year, targeting top 10 with eyes on the top five
-
Jaxon Pascal — former pro motocross racer, making his Gravel Nationals debut in the 20–25 category with podium potential
Juniors
-
Steve Danielson — runner-up in the 13–14 group last year, moving up to 15–16 and aiming for the podium
-
Avery Chilton — finished 5th in 15–16 last year, sharpened and ready to step up
Women
-
Gail Matherly — silver medalist in 2024, chasing the 60–64 crown
-
Laura Henderson — third place in 45–49 last year, pushing for the top step
Veterans and Comebacks
-
Jim Everett — 8th in 65–69 last year, looking higher
-
Dean Myers — 7th in 55–59, focused on breaking into the top five
-
John Steward — 11th in 65–69, aiming for a breakthrough
-
Michael Brauer — 9th in 70–74 before injury, back to return to form
-
Tom Rabiola — newcomer, fresh off a top five finish at Unbound 50, making his Nationals debut
On race day, Coach Dani Estenssoro will deliver on-the-ground coaching and feed zone strategy. CFO (Chief Fueling Officer) Kourtney Danielson will run feed zone operations with precision, keeping athletes fueled and focused.
The Course
This year’s Nationals course features up to nine major climbs. Long grinders, steep walls, and endless rollers will test every rider’s pacing, fueling, and mental toughness. CINCH athletes have trained specifically for these demands with targeted workouts built through our ASCEND methodology.
Beyond the Podium
Tom Danielson on athlete performance:
“At CINCH we take a very precise approach to performance. Every athlete knows the exact power zones and efforts required to succeed on this course. They’ve practiced them in race simulations and built the confidence to execute under pressure. Nationals is the place to put all of that work together and perform at the highest level.”
Kourtney Danielson on community and support:
“What makes CINCH different is that we bring pro-level support to athletes who aren’t pros. From strategy to nutrition to the feed zone, we try hard to dial everything in just like it would be for a WorldTour team. But just as important is the community. This group has trained side by side for months, pushing and encouraging each other. That connection and type of community is what I'm more excited about going into the weekend.”
Looking Ahead
Gravel Nationals is only the beginning. CINCH is preparing athletes for the biggest events in 2026 with this same format including Levi’s GranFondo, Unbound Gravel, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Gravel Worlds, and the U.S. Gravel Nationals.
🎥 Relive last year: Gravel Nationals 2024 YouTube Video
Want to be Apart of the Action?
Join CINCH and get the same pro-level coaching, strategy, and support that powers our Nationals squad.
Join Us → info@cinchcycling.com