Bentonville Hosts Paracycling Road National Championships

City streets become stage for elite adaptive cyclists to compete for national titles

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a paracycling race scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the athletes, their bikes, and the surrounding city streets.Bentonville's streets become a stage for national paracycling glory, as adaptive athletes showcase their skill and determination.Bentonville Today

Bentonville, Arkansas recently hosted the USA Paracycling Road National Championships for the first time, bringing elite adaptive cyclists to race through the city's streets on Saturday. The event highlighted the intense teamwork behind tandem racing, and local athlete Owen Cravens achieved his goal of winning a national title at home, inspiring others with his story of competing with vision loss.

Why it matters

The Paracycling Road National Championships in Bentonville showcased the city's growing reputation as a hub for adaptive sports and inclusive athletic events. Hosting this high-profile national competition not only spotlights Bentonville's commitment to accessibility and diversity, but also provides a platform for inspiring stories of perseverance and achievement from para-athletes.

The details

The USA Paracycling Road National Championships featured elite adaptive cyclists competing in a variety of events, including tandem road races where athletes with visual impairments are paired with sighted guides. Bentonville native Owen Cravens, who competes with vision loss, achieved his goal of winning a national title on his home streets, crossing the finish line first in the men's tandem event. The event highlighted the intense teamwork and communication required for tandem racing, as athletes and their guides worked in sync to navigate the course.

  • The USA Paracycling Road National Championships took place in Bentonville on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Owen Cravens won the men's tandem event at the championships.

The players

Owen Cravens

A Bentonville native who competed in the men's tandem event at the USA Paracycling Road National Championships, winning the national title.

USA Paracycling

The national governing body for the sport of paracycling in the United States, which organized the Road National Championships event in Bentonville.

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What they’re saying

“Competing at home and winning a national title was an incredible experience. I hope my story can inspire others with disabilities to pursue their athletic dreams.”

— Owen Cravens, Paracycling Athlete

What’s next

The USA Paracycling organization is expected to continue hosting the Road National Championships in Bentonville in the coming years, further cementing the city's reputation as a hub for adaptive sports.

The takeaway

Bentonville's successful hosting of the Paracycling Road National Championships demonstrates the city's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in sports, providing a platform for para-athletes to showcase their skills and inspiring the local community.