British Cyclist Wins American National Title

Tom Scott, a Marian University student, claims victory despite feeling 'weird' about it

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a cyclist racing through an urban environment, with sharp geometric shapes and vibrant colors capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.A British cyclist's journey from Sheffield to an American national title highlights the growing appeal of the U.S. collegiate cycling scene.Indianapolis Today

Meet Tom Scott, a British cyclist who made the bold move to the U.S. to pursue his passion for racing. Despite feeling a bit odd about claiming an American national title, Scott's journey began with a simple Google search that led him to Marian University in Indianapolis, where he balances academics and elite-level training.

Why it matters

Scott's story highlights the growing appeal of the American collegiate cycling scene, which offers top-notch facilities and deep talent pools that can attract international talent looking to advance their careers.

The details

Studying exercise science, Scott competes in a variety of disciplines, including criteriums, mountain biking, cyclo-cross, and road racing. His winter forte is cyclo-cross, a discipline he's been racing since his youth. Scott notes that American races offer a deeper level of competition compared to British nationals, though he prefers the muddier conditions.

  • Scott began his collegiate cycling career at Marian University in 2023.
  • In 2026, Scott won the American national title, despite feeling 'a bit weird' about it.

The players

Tom Scott

A British cyclist who moved to the U.S. to compete at the collegiate level, winning the American national title in 2026.

Marian University

The Indianapolis-based university where Scott balances his academic life with elite-level cycling training and competition.

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What they’re saying

“I've raced against top cyclists like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, so the level of competition here is really deep.”

— Tom Scott, British Cyclist

“Winning the American national title feels a bit weird, but I'm inspired by the success of my former junior rivals and friends, and it pushes me to strive for higher achievements.”

— Tom Scott, British Cyclist

What’s next

With another year at Marian before graduation, Scott is undecided about his future in professional racing, but he encourages teenage cycling talents to consider America as an option, emphasizing the potential for a professional career in the collegiate scene.

The takeaway

Scott's journey from Sheffield to Indianapolis highlights the growing appeal of the American collegiate cycling scene, which offers top-notch facilities, deep talent pools, and opportunities for international athletes to advance their careers.