USA’s Alyssa Sarkisov pulled clear of her closest rival on the penultimate lap to claim the elite women’s title at the 2026 Pan-American Cyclocross Championships in Washington, DC, on Saturday. The victory marked a step up from last year, when she finished second.

With two laps remaining, Sarkisov and compatriot Lidia Cusack were locked in a battle for victory after breaking away from the lead group on the third lap. Sarkisov then delivered the fastest lap of the race, clocking 7:22, to open a six-second advantage by the bell lap. She maintained her lead to the finish, securing the victory after seven laps.