A young star emerging on gravel and tarmac
At 20 years old, Kylee Hanel is competing with athletes up to a decade older in road and gravel racing. She has already climbed to the top of the U23 women’s standings in the Life Time Grand Prix. This came after claiming victory at the Unbound Gravel 100. Her impressive start to her young career shows the rapid progress she has made in both road and gravel disciplines. It has placed her firmly on the radar of fans and sponsors alike.
Hanel, from Portland, Oregon, grew up in a city with a deep cycling culture. She started racing on the road and in cyclocross in the Pacific Northwest. In recent years, she has expanded her disciplines to include gravel racing. Her versatility across different surfaces is a key strength. It has helped her stand out in a competitive landscape. Most riders specialize in just one type of racing.
She took top points at the Sea Otter Classic Gravel and Unbound Gravel 100. She was the best rider on the queen stage of the Gila Monster. On the road, she finished fourth overall at the Tour of the Gila. These results have demonstrated her ability to compete at a high level across a variety of formats and terrains. This reinforces her position as a rising star in the sport.
From high school to pro racing
Before turning professional, Hanel competed at regional and national events. At 16, she was competing in kermesses in Belgium and stage races in the U.S. Her early experiences in these races helped her develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed at higher levels. She was consistent in the top-20 in races such as the Tucson Bicycle Classic and the Redlands Bicycle Classic, competing with a club team based in Oregon.
Hanel moved to Aegis Cycling, founded by former USPro road champion Lauren Stephens. This was for her first UCI races at the Tour of the Gila and the Tour de Bloom. Her performance in these events was notable, particularly in time trials and climbing stages. She showed her versatility and climbing ability. At the one-day Zottegem-Strijpen, she finished in the lead group of six. She placed sixth behind eventual winner Sandrine Tas. This result was a significant confidence booster. It proved she could compete with top-tier riders.
Hanel has since built a reputation in domestic racing. She placed 10th in the U23 women’s road race at USPro Road Nationals and eighth on the elite stage at US Gravel Nationals. These national championships provided valuable experience and exposure, further solidifying her potential as a professional athlete.
Balancing education and racing
Hanel is currently attending Oregon State University as part of the eCampus program, majoring in business with a minor in sports management. She chose online schooling to manage her cycling career. This strategic decision allows her to balance her academic goals with the demands of competitive cycling, ensuring she can pursue both interests with equal focus.
“I actually decided to do online school because of cycling,” she told Cyclingnews. “Portland gave me a lot of opportunities, and I love the cycling culture, even if it’s more commuter-style riding.” Her upbringing in a city that values cycling has been a major influence, shaping her passion and approach to the sport.
She credits her coach, Lauren Stephens, for teaching her positioning, bike handling, and humility. “She knows it’s a blessing to be racing,” Hanel said. “She doesn’t look at the world like it owes her something, and I admire that.” This attitude of gratitude and focus on teamwork and respect for the sport is something Hanel has embraced and that she hopes to carry into her professional career.
This summer, Hanel will make her debut at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, a defining moment in her young career. The race is one of the most prestigious in mountain biking, and competing there will be another step forward in her journey to becoming a well-rounded and accomplished cyclist. As she prepares for the challenge, her story continues to inspire and showcase the potential of young athletes in the world of professional cycling.
