"I've never regretted taking more rest": US champion Kristen Faulkner skips 2026 Nationals due to complicated travels

The American cycling fans will see a new national champion rise this weekend in the women's elite category as Kristen Faulkner opted to skip her title defense following a complicated travel to this year's venue - Charleston, West Virginia.

A two-time US champion, Faulkner was going to be the women to beat, but now the race will proceed without such an outright favourite, despite 2021 champion Lauren Stephens' presence at the start line this Sunday.

"After multiple canceled flights, overnight layovers, and travel chaos, I've decided to skip Nationals this year," Faulkner wrote on Instagram.

This year's Panamerican timetrial champion, Faulkner was looking to compete also for a her first US time trial title in the absence of Chloé Dygert, however it is instead triathlete Taylor Knibb who took the stars and stripes in a convincing fashion.

It is the three-way duel between Faulkner, Knibb and 2025 ITT champion Emily Ehrlich which was expected to light up this week of racing in Charleston

"I really wanted to defend my road title and go after my first TT title, but I'm simply too depleted from travel and won't be able to perform the way I want. Right now, the best decision is to prioritize recovery so I can show up ready for the races ahead."

"I've never regretted taking more rest, but I almost always regret not taking enough. Good luck to everyone racing this week. I'll be cheering from afar and look forward to congratulating the next national champions."

Faulkner's next appointment of this season is therefore the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, running from August 1 through August 9. With stage victories from Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, the 33-year-old will be looking to try and complete her collection while supporting Cédrine Kerbaol and world champion Magdeleine Vallieres as the team's two biggest hopes.