KANSAS

The cycling career of 16-year old Mason Wilson has been nothing short of impressive so far but this past month the Kalona native reached new heights when he competed in the most prestigious gravel race in the world and came away with a sweet victory.

As part of the 2025 USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series, Mason celebrated the final day of May by peddling to a fantastic first-place finish in the Life Time Unbound Gravel 50-mile Juniors race held at the Flint Hills of Emporia, Kansas.

“In my racing career, this win was the biggest result I have ever had,” Mason said about being the top finisher in the 50-mile juniors race in Kansas. “It felt like all the training I have been doing is finally paying off.”

Life Time Unbound Gravel welcomed over 5,000 riders to Emporia with participants ranging from ages 1-92. In the juniors division Mason, a Hillcrest Academy sophomore, placed first overall in a field which featured a total of 111 cyclists. 

After hours of competing on this challenging course the finish line was in sight and first place came down to a sprint between Mason and Ethan Shirey of Draper, Utah.

“I was expecting the gravel to be much chunkier, but it was just really smooth and rolled so fast,” Mason said of the Kansas course. “I was glad to end up in a breakaway of just me and Ethan after the hilly section, and we worked very well together, extending our gap and leaving it up to a two man sprint between us.”

It was a dramatic dash for first but Mason did not falter as he crossed the finish with a time of 2:20.53, edging out Ethan who finished in 2:20.56.

“When me and Ethan rounded the final corner I was confident in my sprint, which is rare because I never really win sprints,” Mason said about the finish. “He kicked first, then I followed and came around him, and when I realized that I was going to win, it all hit me. I just kinda freaked out. I was hyped up when I came across the line, it was a very good day of racing for me.”

A well-deserved joyous finish for Mason who outdid his performance in the first race of the Gravel National Series where he placed third overall in the Valley of Tears competition held in Turkey, Texas in the beginning of March.

Scouting the Kansas course beforehand, Mason knew what to expect on this 50-mile trek and his preparation proved to be paramount in his plan of attack. 

“My strategy was to try to do a minimal amount of work, but if I was making an effort it was to lower the size of the group,” Mason said. “I didn’t really have a strict plan other than that, I wanted to let things shake out and see where it put me and then adapt from there.”

Cycling has been a staple of Mason’s life since he was eight years old and as he continues to hone his skill to a degree where he is capturing first place finishes at the age of 16 it’s easy to see a bright future still lies ahead.

“My advice would be to get out to these really big events, do the race and soak in the awesome atmosphere. Your first time going to one of these world class gravel events is truly awesome,” Mason said. “Don’t let racing become the only thing ever on your mind. If you have other things going on, that will help take your mind off of racing, which I have found makes me a better cyclist in general, but also improves my mental space.”

Mason’s race schedule for 2025 will have him competing in nine different states with Colorado and Minnesota being the last stops of the Junior Gravel National Series.

“I would first like to thank my family, especially my parents. They have been super supportive with anything I pursue, and especially with cycling they have been always there to help with whatever it is I need. My grandparents have also been super supportive, always encouraging me and letting me know that they are thinking of me while racing. I can always expect a message from them before and after the race of pure encouragement, I really appreciate that even if I don’t clearly express that to them,” Mason said. 

“I would lastly like to thank my school and friends. Hillcrest Academy has recognized my racing even with it not being a school sport, and the staff and students are always being supportive. My friends are also very supportive of my racing too, whether it be coming to my actual races, or just asking me how it’s going I always feel that they genuinely care.”