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Green Mountain Stage Race: Big Climbs, Big Lessons & Maple Creemees
Four days of racing, Vermont mountains, fast fields, brutal climbs, great teammates — and plenty of maple creemees. Our women headed to the iconic Green Mountain Stage Race (GMSR) for a weekend that challenged, inspired, and left everyone wanting to come back for more.
Alexandra — Pro 1/2/3
For Alexandra, the biggest challenge was stepping up to a whole new level of competition.
“The pro level is MUCH different than our local 1/2/3 races. Racing in a big peloton with full domestic elite squads protecting their GC riders and using team tactics was an incredible learning experience.”
Against national champions, a former WorldTour rider, and some of the country’s best juniors, positioning was everything.
The biggest reward was seeing her progress from last year. Alexandra moved up almost 20 places in the time trial and felt much more confident moving through the peloton.
“I’ll definitely be back. I know what I need to work on — cornering, bike handling, crit racing, and long, steep climbs. I’m excited to have more of our teammates moving up to join me!”
Mik — 3/4
GMSR was Mik’s first-ever stage race — in her first year of racing — so she knew it would be hard, but she didn’t quite know what four days of racing would bring.
Managing her effort from one stage to the next was a new challenge, as was racing in the biggest peloton she’d ever experienced.
“With 45 riders, I had to learn when to go with a move and when to be patient, especially with larger teams controlling the dynamics of the race.”
The most rewarding part? Simply finishing each stage and getting back on the bike the next morning.
“It felt kind of like a gauntlet — getting through to the next round. No matter the results, GMSR was totally epic.”
Along the way, Mik made new friends and learned a ton about bike racing — and about her own strengths and weaknesses.
Would she do it again? Absolutely.
“The race organizers and volunteers did an amazing job. Everything was so smoothly run, I felt safe on the courses, and you could tell how much work went into making the event so special. It was a weekend I’ll always look back on fondly, and I can’t wait to do it again!”
Kate Condra — 3/4
For Kate, GMSR had everything a cyclist could want: beautiful Vermont roads, tough racing, great friends, the first hint of fall — and maple creemees at the end of the day.
The Queen Stage brought the biggest challenge, with Middlebury Gap, a relentless headwind, and finally App Gap.
“You look up and see the finish line impossibly high on the side of the mountain. And then somehow you’re at the top, feeling like a champ.”
After getting caught in a pile-up during the circuit race, Kate kept fighting, and by the final Burlington Crit, her legs had more left than expected. She finished with the front pack and got to watch Ella make some big moves up front.
But some of the best moments happened between stages — hanging out with teammates and friends, eating everything in sight, and turning everyone into maple creemee converts.
“GMSR is an incredible race, and I hope to be back again.”
Ella — 3/4
For Ella, the toughest moment was no surprise: Stage 3 and the infamous App Gap.
“It was definitely one of the hardest climbs I’ve ever done.”
Reaching the final-day Burlington Crit made all that climbing worthwhile, and she finished the weekend ready for another shot.
“I would 100% do it again. I’d change my gearing a little bit, but overall it was a super fun weekend with so many different types of racing.”
Behind the Lens — Tanner
Mik’s husband Tanner captured the weekend from behind the camera.
“Watching Mik tackle her first stage race at such an iconic event was super special. The courses were beautiful, the competition was impressive, and seeing all the bikes being pushed hard never gets old.”
His favorite moment? Riding up the backside of App Gap and photographing racers giving everything they had on the brutally steep final grade.
Until Next Year, Vermont
GMSR gave us tough racing, big lessons, incredible scenery, and even better memories. Having teammates Megan, Paula, and Jane cheering and supporting the racers made the weekend even more special.
Everyone came away a little stronger, a little wiser — and already thinking about next year.
We’ll be back, GMSR. Hopefully with an even bigger team!
