On the opening day of the 2025 UCI Junior Track World Championships, Emma Jimenez Palos (Novi, Mich.; TWENTY28 Aevolo) took top honors at the Omnisport Apeldoorn Arena, along with the Men’s Team Pursuit qualifying for the bronze medal match-up. 

Junior Women’s Scratch Race Final

Jimenez Palos has been a rider to watch for years, and at just 17 years old, she is now eligible to compete in her first UCI Junior Track World Championships. She planned to take on several events—the Scratch Race, Omnium, Elimination Race, Points Race, and Individual Pursuit. Her campaign began with the Scratch Race.

With 30 laps on deck, Jimenez Palos stayed toward the front, riding strategically and keeping a close eye on her competition. The group remained together as the pace increased with 3 kilometers to go, when Lilou Jauvin (FRA) launched a big move with Anastasiia Furnyk (UKR) reacting as well.

Unfazed, Jimenez Palos and the rest of the bunch picked up the pace to reel in the attackers. With five laps to go, the race was back together, though the group had thinned down. Positioned perfectly in third place with 500 meters remaining, Jimenez Palos launched her sprint over the top coming out of the final turn and powered to glory, winning by nearly a bike length. The victory secured her first rainbow jersey, and the very first title of the World Championships.

Results:

1. Emma Jimenez Palos (USA)

2. Auke de Buysser (BEL)

3. Yana Daniluk

Junior Men’s Team Pursuit Qualifying

The Team Pursuit squad of Ashlin Barry (Toronto, Ont.; JEGG – SKIL – DJR powered by Visma Lease-a-Bike), Merrick Gallagher (Redmond, Wash.; Jerry Baker Juniors), Peyton Burckel (Lacombe, La), and Enzo Hincapie (Greenville, S.C.; EF Education-ONTO) kicked off their morning with qualifying. The top eight teams advanced to the First Round, and Team USA impressed with a time of 4:02.110, securing third place.

In the First Round, they faced second-place qualifier Great Britain to determine which medal they would contend for in tomorrow’s finals. Team USA improved their time to 4:00.065 but ultimately fell to Great Britain. The squad will now race Germany in the bronze medal final.

Next Up

On the second day of the Junior Track World Championships, Team USA will take on the Men’s Scratch, Men’s Team Pursuit Finals, and the Women’s Elimination.

Watch racing live or follow the live timing, here. 

USA Cycling’s participation in the World Championships is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. To support the USA Cycling National Team, members can donate to the USA Cycling Foundation here. USA Cycling’s supporting partner for this event includes HOVERAir, who shares our mission to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of cyclists.