From Las Cruces to Australia

Tammy Risner didn’t allow herself to celebrate. Throughout the Union Cycliste Internationale Gravel World Series qualifier in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Las Cruces cyclist stayed focused on the course ahead, refusing to think about what might be waiting at the finish line. Only after she crossed it did reality set in.

Risner had not only qualified for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia, she had dominated her age group, crossing the finish line 13 minutes ahead of the next rider.

“I realized, ‘This just happened. Now I’m heading to Australia,’” Risner said.

The UCI Gravel World Championships bring together cyclists from around the world who earn their place through qualifying races. This October, Risner will represent Las Cruces, New Mexico and the United States against some of the world’s top gravel cyclists.

The victory was years in the making. Risner, who retired after 25 years as a high school educator and now owns a mobile dog grooming business, didn’t discover competitive cycling until she turned 40.

“I’ve always tried staying active most of my life, but would never have considered myself as an athlete until I turned 40,” she said. “Better late than never.”

She first climbed onto a mountain bike as a way to improve her mental and physical health. Before long, casual rides became races, and races became victories.

After winning her first few competitions, she was hooked. What began as a way to stay healthy soon became something much bigger. Risner went on to win two national championships, several state titles and numerous races across mountain biking, road cycling and, eventually, gravel.

She gravitated toward gravel racing because it offered both a challenge and a change of scenery.

“I decided a few years ago to ride and race gravel, knowing it’s safer than being on the road and can take you riding to beautiful areas off the beaten path,” she said.

Then came another goal. Following surgery on both knees last November, Risner decided she wanted to qualify for the Gravel World Championships. She entered the Fayetteville qualifier knowing she only needed a third-place finish to secure a spot in Australia.

“It was honestly my hardest effort to date to win a race,” Risner said. “It meant even more to me considering the recent and the multiple setbacks along the way.”

Her journey included far more than recent knee surgeries. Before she ever became a cyclist, Risner had already undergone several orthopedic procedures. Since taking up the sport, she has endured multiple crashes, including two that required additional surgeries and left others questioning whether she would ever compete again.

“I guess you can say that I turn pain and obstacles into fuel,” Risner said. “Fall seven times, get back up eight.”

People who have watched Risner over the years say that resilience defines her just as much as her results. Shane Cunico, former race director of ZiaVelo Cycling, watched Risner compete for more than a decade and said few athletes match her commitment.

“I’ve never seen an athlete that exhibits the level of dedication and passion for cycling that Tammy does,” Cunico said. “She deserves all that she has attained because she has worked her tail off to achieve it.”

Her strength and body mechanics coach, Mike Arrowood, has worked with elite athletes across several professional sports. He believes the same determination has carried Risner through every obstacle.

“What separates her isn’t just her physical ability — it’s her mindset,” Arrowood said. “She has the mental fortitude of a world-class athlete.”

The championship course covers roughly 54 miles with about 6,600 feet of climbing, far more elevation than Risner typically finds around Las Cruces. To prepare, she has increased her gravel mileage, incorporated hill repeats and interval training, and continues strength work with Arrowood. Her expectations remain simple.

“Most importantly, I hope to give it everything I have,” she said. “I’ll be happy regardless of how I finish so long as I know I gave it everything I had.”

Representing Las Cruces in Australia carries added meaning because of the people who helped make it possible. At first, Risner hesitated to ask for financial support to help cover the cost of traveling to Australia. Encouraged by a friend, she eventually created a GoFundMe campaign and has been overwhelmed by the response.

“Words can’t describe how grateful I am for the support I’ve already received and continue to receive,” she said.

She also credits her fiancé, Jerry Garcia, for standing beside her throughout the journey.

“He is my biggest fan, support, chauffeur and ‘water boy’ when I’ve needed it,” Risner said. “Their belief in me has meant everything.”

For now, the next finish line waits halfway around the world.