The 2026 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships return this week to the Kanawha Valley, bringing elite cyclists, spectators and community celebrations back to Charleston from June 16-21.
The weeklong event, presented by Spilman Thomas & Battle, will crown national champions in individual time trial, criterium and road race competitions across elite, under-23 and junior divisions. Along with the racing, residents can expect entertainment, family activities and changes to traffic patterns throughout the city.
Here are three things to know before the championships begin.
Championship races will anchor a week of community events
The national championships will take over Charleston for six days, with races winding through city streets and along challenging course pathways, including sections of Bridge Road.
Beyond the competition, organizers have planned a variety of activities for residents and visitors. The schedule includes a showing of the cycling-themed film "American Flyers" on June 16 and two evening block parties on June 17 and 18.
Friday's races coincide with several other local events, including a Juneteenth celebration, the CAMC Foundation Miles for Minds fundraiser, the Rolls on the River pepperoni roll and beer festival, and the weekly Live on the Levee free outdoor concert featuring Talib Kweli with Jordan Dyer Trio.
Family-focused activities and Sunday's Bridge Road Bike Bash are scheduled for June 20 and 21.
Officials say events offer opportunities for cycling fans and non-cyclists alike to take part in the festivities throughout the week.
Road closures and bus route changes will affect travel
Residents should prepare for traffic disruptions as race preparations and competitions take place throughout the week.
Portions of Kanawha Boulevard from Clendenin Street to Capitol Street were closed over the weekend to allow for event setup. Additional closures and parking restrictions will expand during race days, particularly on June 16 for the time trials and June 17 for the downtown criterium.
While many downtown streets will face temporary closures, organizers said interstate access is not expected to be affected by race activities.
Motorists are encouraged to watch for posted restrictions, move vehicles from designated no-parking areas and allow extra travel time during race days.
Officials also announced that the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority's City Center Station will temporarily relocate to Summers and Donnally streets from June 15 through June 20 because buses will not be able to access the area during the event. Additional service modifications will be in effect throughout this event due to road closures. Service modifications and a map of the relocated City Center can be viewed on KRT's website.
Volunteers play a key role in making the event possible
Organizers say hundreds of volunteers help make the championships possible each year, and West Virginia American Water has signed on as sponsor of the event's volunteer program.
Many volunteers serve as course marshals, working at locations along the race route to direct riders, assist with road closures and help keep spectators safe.
"Volunteers are a critical component of USA Cycling's Pro Road Championships here in Charleston. We quite literally can't host this event without them," Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Tim Brady said in release.
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin praised volunteers for helping make the event a yearly success.
"Our volunteers represent the very best of our Capital City — showing up, pitching in, and helping deliver an exceptional experience for everyone involved," Goodwin said.
Organizers point to the event's growing impact on the city.
Officials said in 2025, the championships generated an estimated $6.9 million economic impact, supported more than 1,000 jobs and produced hundreds of thousands of dollars in local tax revenue.
The 2026 championships mark the third year of Charleston's five-year agreement to host USA Cycling's annual national championship event.
