US cyclocross champion Eric Brunner will transition back to road racing in 2026, joining Project Echelon Racing as a key team leader. This announcement follows his victory at the US cyclocross championships in mid-December, where he clinched his third elite men’s title in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Brunner’s preparations for this season were marked by an unexpected return to road racing, which he credits with enhancing his overall performance in cyclocross.
Reflecting on his training, the 27-year-old athlete stated, “I raced a lot more on the road this summer than I have in a few years.” He acknowledged that his focus had initially been on mountain biking, but a successful road season redirected his efforts. “Racing on the road is the best training possible, especially for stage races,” he added. Brunner’s strong results on the road have equipped him well for the upcoming cyclocross season, with national championships remaining a primary goal.
Brunner’s commitment to Project Echelon Racing marks a significant milestone for both him and the team, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026. The team has achieved notable success, and a documentary titled “Outride the Darkness” will premiere on December 25, 2025, showcasing the organization’s journey and its mission of supporting US military veterans through cycling.
In the current cyclocross season, Brunner has excelled, finishing on the podium in 11 out of 12 races, including seven victories. His recent performances follow a four-year focus on cyclocross, during which he secured the elite men’s title in both 2023 and 2021. His experience extends beyond domestic competitions; he has also claimed success at the Pan-American championships, winning four consecutive titles.
Brunner began his road racing career in earnest in 2018, competing with US Continental teams such as 303 Project and Aevolo. After a brief hiatus from road events, he returned to a rigorous road schedule this past season, achieving top-five finishes in prestigious races like the Tour de Murrieta and the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Notably, he finished second in the general classification at the UCI-level Tour of the Gila, which impressed Project Echelon Racing team founder and director Eric Hill.
Hill expressed his admiration for Brunner’s capabilities, saying, “He showed his depth, character, and will to win.” He emphasized that Brunner brings a versatile skill set to the team, excelling in time trials, criterium races, and climbing. Hill compared Brunner to former team member Tyler Stites, who achieved significant results in various international competitions.
Brunner recognizes the parallels between his abilities and those of Stites while acknowledging the need to define his own racing style. “I like to train on everything. I put a lot of work into being a complete package,” he noted. As he prepares for the upcoming road season, he is particularly enthusiastic about returning to the Tour of Rhodes and Rhodes Grand Prix in Greece in March.
Looking ahead, Brunner plans to focus on a training camp in Spain in January, where he aims to enhance his road racing skills. He has expressed interest in participating in a final cyclocross event while in Spain, specifically targeting a UCI World Cup race scheduled for January 18.
As Project Echelon Racing continues to grow, its commitment extends beyond competitive cycling. The upcoming film, “Outride the Darkness,” reflects the team’s mission to assist military veterans in overcoming personal challenges through cycling. Hill noted, “Our team and organization have helped thousands of veterans to outride their demons,” highlighting the dual narrative of resilience within the sport and the lives of veterans.
Since its inception in 2017, Project Echelon Racing has evolved from a domestic elite club to a respected Continental-level team. In just a few years, the organization has expanded its outreach, supporting over 500 veteran families annually. Hill remarked on the early days of the team, recalling its first year of supporting a handful of veterans and the subsequent growth in both sponsorship and competitive success.
Through dedication and teamwork, the organization has garnered respect not only in North America but also on the international stage, achieving significant victories at major cycling events. As Brunner gears up for a new chapter in his career, both he and Project Echelon Racing look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2026.